United Polaris offers lie-flat seats with aisle access, ideal for long-haul comfort.
United Polaris Lounges provide a luxurious experience with restaurants and less crowding.
Planning a trip from San Francisco to London? KAYAK’s data-powered insights will help you find cheap flights. Learn the best time to fly, how early to book your ticket, and other tips to secure great prices.
When planning a trip from San Francisco to London, it's important to consider a few factors to get the best deal. Generally, Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly, while October is the cheapest month.
Route Choice: Opt for flights from San Francisco to London Gatwick for the cheapest fares.
Booking Time: Book your flight around 14 days in advance to get the best price.
Airline Selection: WestJet generally offers the cheapest flights for this route.
Flight Type: Choosing a flight with one stop can save you money compared to direct flights.
This feature is powered by ChatGPT: an OpenAI-developed artificial intelligence model trained with KAYAK proprietary data and third-party data not verified by KAYAK.
Low season | January |
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High season | July |
Cheapest flight | $181 |
Direct departures
San Francisco to London
Monday
British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
British Airways, United Airlines, +1 more
Tuesday
British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
British Airways, United Airlines, +1 more
Wednesday
British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
British Airways, United Airlines, +1 more
Thursday
British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
British Airways, United Airlines, +1 more
Friday
British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
British Airways, United Airlines, +1 more
Saturday
British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
British Airways, United Airlines, +1 more
Sunday
British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
British Airways, United Airlines, +1 more
Direct returns
London to San Francisco
Monday
British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
British Airways, United Airlines, +1 more
Tuesday
British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
British Airways, United Airlines, +1 more
Wednesday
British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
British Airways, United Airlines, +1 more
Thursday
British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
British Airways, United Airlines, +1 more
Friday
British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
British Airways, United Airlines, +1 more
Saturday
British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
British Airways, United Airlines, +1 more
Sunday
British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
British Airways, United Airlines, +1 more
My husband upgraded our seats and I don't know if it was due to the type of planet was or if they didn't upgrade our seats. We were supposed to be in I believe comfort seats and they were just as tight as any other seat- no leg room and we are very tall people but at least it wasn't extremely cold. My husband did put in a complaint about our seating because he paid extra and if we would have known that the space and the tightness would have been the same, we just would have gotten the emergency row emergency row seats that we normally get. We love Delta but both our flights coming home we're not good. Oh I forgot to mention that on our flight to Hawaii our luggage wheels got broke and we had to purse new luggage on vacation then we never had this problem so we didn't know protocol and reported it after we got home only for them to tell is we only had 24hrs to report the damage. Not sure what was going on with Delta this vacation trip.
My husband upgraded our seats and I don't know if it was due to the type of planet was or if they didn't upgrade our seats. We were supposed to be in I believe comfort seats and they were just as tight as any other seat- no leg room and we are very tall people but at least it wasn't extremely cold. My husband did put in a complaint about our seating because he paid extra and if we would have known that the space and the tightness would have been the same, we just would have gotten the emergency row emergency row seats that we normally get. We love Delta but both our flights coming home we're not good. Oh I forgot to mention that on our flight to Hawaii our luggage wheels got broke and we had to purse new luggage on vacation then we never had this problem so we didn't know protocol and reported it after we got home only for them to tell is we only had 24hrs to report the damage. Not sure what was going on with Delta this vacation trip.
Crew was excellent. Comfort seats not as nice as other kinds of planes.
It was a great flight and the stewards and stewardess were all kind and accommodating!! The seats were comfortable and entertainment screen excellent!
There are 4 flights in consecutive gates with about the same departure time. Two flights were boarding at the same time. One was delayed or boarding would be happening at the same time. I am not sure what Delta and LAX need to do to have a better layout at the end of Terminal 2
There was a security issue at the airport and we were unable to land. We circled endlessly and then landed at another airfield for fuel. We then circled the airport again, almost landed but didn’t fully touch down before circling again. I am thankful to the crew for keeping us safe- the issue was the airline and staff at the airport getting us seats on our connecting flights. That part was hours of searching for someone and getting in double my steps.
Most aspects were good however if they assign boarding zones they ought to enforce them or why bother? My luggage from SAN-JFK-MAD was lost in NY so I without my main bag for two days upon arrival in Spain. They were helpful in tracking it and eventually delivered it to my hotel. The flub was because of a delay upon arrival in NYC. I had booked 2 1/2 hours between flights but we had to hold on the taxiway for an hour after landing while waiting for a clear gate which likely caused the baggage error.
Excellent flight, the planes were newer, they did a nice job with boarding, great service overall.
It would be nice if was given wires ear buds. Overall was a good experience was able to sleep on the plane
737-800 in first class was pretty dumpy. Seat had an uncomfortable angle, storage under the seat was blocked so even my very modest backpack didn't fit, power outlet was flaky. Weird tiny seat pockets that couldn't hold a gallon ziploc bag, emesis bag missing, etc. etc. No in-flight service due to turbulence. Crew was excellent, boarding was smooth despite a full flight.
Delta flight was on time, seats were comfortable, and crew was nice.
Although the flight was delayed the crew and the flight itself were very good. Couldn't fault anything and after the disappointment of being abandoned in the US by BA it was a welcome relief to travel with United
Horrific. They missed my connecting flight to San Diego. I didn’t get there until Monday at 9am when I had a mandatory court settlement conference scheduled at 6am since we had parties on the east coast. This caused many issues. All because United apparently forgot to hold the doors open until my flight landed that only had a 10 minute delay. This was the last flight to Southern California. So I couldn’t even rent a car to finish the trip. United cannot be trusted when traveling on specific days and times since weather didn’t have anything to do with the delays.
Very comfortable (upgraded to business class). The audio on my screen didn’t work, but I managed to play the audio through my phone while watching the screen.
Flight was late as pilot crew had to land at different airport in their previous flight. Passengers boarded and had to wait for pilots inside plane. Series of incomplete and unnecessary announcements by an annoying voice, rather than complete, informative announcements.
Breakfast was not loaded at SFO due to catering company change. Seems like a major airline at a major hub would have thought of something else or warned passengers to pick up food before boarding a 3 hour flight.
Boarding seemed to be organized bedlam. For what ever reason, preboarding took longer than 20 minutes. Made the plane 20 minutes late taking off. Luckily we arrived on time. Flight crew seemed very friendly. Only slight turbulence.
They hired a new catering company the same day of my flight. They botched the job by not delivering the right carts and after THREE HOURS waiting, the flight crew timed out (flight was 19 hours long and FAA rules state crew can’t work more than 14 hours long). So they CANCELED OUR FLIGHT!! Worst experience ever. Avoid UAL at all costs.
The personnel were professional and friendly. The Boeing 737 Max 9 is too claustrophobic and was very warm at both airport gates, and still warm in the air.
While the staff was pleasant and helpful, the following observations are for your awareness. There was some delay on the tarmac on take off and landing. The paid lunch/food offerings were limited. Entertainment was only available on WiFi at a cost.
get E+, a must for 5 hours flight if you are tall
Food was excellent. Service was very good. Staff was very helpful to all passengers.
The crew was excellent as ever on Virgin. The special meal was poor unfortunately. More significantly when we arrived at Manchester Airport there was no air bridge provided and we had to exit the plane down a rickety stair case. This is unacceptable for a transatlantic flight. Whilst I understand that this is the airport’s fault at the end of the day the airline is responsible for our transportation and needs to do something.
Super friendly and helpful staff, from check-in desk to cabin crew.
Following a paid seat upgrade for enhanced comfort, I encountered an unacceptable odor in my assigned area. It took three hours for the crew to relocate me, and the replacement seat was unacceptably close to the lavatory, offering no improvement.
Good overall. Cannot fault the airlines. I have had better entertainment systems before ie ice in Emirates but it was not too bad. Food was decent and staff were friendly.
I did not fly by vergin atlantic from bangalore to vasco da gama
Your flight delayed at Heathrow n I almost missed my mother funeral.you idiots. I had to waste 10 hours in different airports. Thank your stars I'm not suing you.
Miami airport needs more thorough signage. It was a long walk from my transport point to the check in desk,
Flight took off an hour late. Had to stay on the tarmac for half an hour after landing. Both annoying.
We had an unfortunate experience where we had to leave the aircraft after boarding, shortly before the scheduled takeoff time, and re-board. The reason given was that a passenger felt ill and had to cancel their plans and therefor their luggage had to be found and removed.
ground crew and check-in was pathetic - insisted on charging me for luggage even though the ticket said it was already included. They also accidentally sent my luggage through without a luggage tag and had to retrieve it. Generally, it was like a bad movie.
Moved the flight an hour later, were not reliable about confirmation, website didn't work, no gate information, boarding was a mad house. Flight itself was fine and short. Organization needs work.
The app on phone and the online check in is not good, it would not give me the option of Spain or Madrid City in the drop down menu and I couldn't move forward with online check in.
Flight was delayed 3 hours and 15 minutes. The delay caused me to miss my tour group due to arriving late.
As always a terrible experience. AA stole a day from my vacation days planned to be spent with my Family. Response: delays related to weather issues.
It was a wonderful experience with great food, great staff, and no difficulties boarding!
Paid for my seat 4 months ago. Did not pay the extra for specific seat assignment ( never have and never was a problem). Could not electronically check in (found out it was due to overbooking and that unassigned seats get bumped first - never happened to me before). Luckily, did make the flight. Very stressful - would have been extremely disruptive for my travel plans. UK Visa - never notified by Kayak or BA that a visa was required. Had to spend 15 minutes to download and complete app at the flight counter and pay $25, and was told they would let me know in 3 days if I would get it (flight landing in 10 hours from when I completed app). Luckily, visa was approved before landing. Unnecessary stress created here. Food - main meal, curry chicken barely palatable with unrecognizable vegetable. Desert cup, cheesecake, also barely palatable. Salad cup was good. Small water offered only 3 times (before main meal, at main meal, at morning snack) - not nearly enough for long flight.
From boarding, to attention in flight, I couldn’t fault it.
Not having to check carry on bags when plane wasn’t full. (The told us it was)
I was in business class for the 8 hour flight where: 1. The WiFi did not work 2. The entertainment system did not work 3. We were told there were no hot drinks for the entire flight
Flight was good but seat in 12D was not comfortable, better on the Airbus 321 from Tampa to Charlotte. No breakfast was served before landing in zLonfon only a coffee and orange juice.
I was transferred to an American Airlines flight. The boarding was late and unorganized. The seating was extremely tight and uncomfortable. Will not use AA again.
The entertainment selection was ok, but overall not bad! The crew was great.
Good crew and boarding process. Horrible food and one of the most uncomfortable aircraft seats I have ever sat in. The cabin temperature was warm which made it hard for my family to sleep.
The check-in of my luggage was terrible. When purchased my tickets, one luggage and one carry-on was part of the fight. My flight was switched from British to American Airline. During check-in of luggage at the airport, I was denied and had to pay extra $75. How do I get reimbursed for this extra luggage payment?
More Indian vegetarian food options would have been better Availability of seat selection free of charge 72 hours before departure would be great
This was the second time on BA, food terrible, bathrooms gross,( granted, that was mostly due to the disgusting children urinating all over it)boarding was late and disorganized. No gate issued until last minute st Heathrow, bad system, caused undue stress. Seats were painful, that's what you get for traveling like a poor in economy, right BA? Should have been able to afford business or first class if you want to actually be able to walk upright without back pain after a trip.
The flight was delayed twice and because of that, we missed our connecting flight. British Airways then attempted to put us on the last flight to Milan from London which would have kept us in the airport for 12 hours. We had to speak to several levels of bureaucracy until BA management let us fly on a flight that only kept us in the airport for two hours. If there was an earlier flight, why weren’t we put on that flight from the start? Unacceptable behavior from what was once my favorite carrier.
The payment system was not working so was unable to connect wifi the entire flight
everything to do with KAYAK was terrible. Your customer facing departments are utterly useless, timewasting and unhelpful.
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