How Long Is the Flight to San Francisco to London?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a trip from San Francisco to London, one of the most important things to consider is how long the flight will take. The answer to this question is not straightforward, as there are various factors that can affect the duration of your flight. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these factors and help you determine how long your flight from San Francisco to London might take.

Distance between San Francisco and London

The distance between San Francisco and London is approximately 5,352 miles (8,611 kilometers) if you were to fly directly between the two cities. However, most flights from San Francisco to London include layovers or stops in other cities, which can significantly increase the overall travel time.

Direct Flights from San Francisco to London

If you’re lucky enough to find a direct flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London, your flight time will be around 10-11 hours. British Airways offers non-stop flights between SFO and LHR, which usually takes around 10 hours and 30 minutes. However, keep in mind that these flights are often more expensive than those with layovers.

Flights with Layovers

Most flights from San Francisco to London include layovers or stops in other cities such as New York or Chicago. The duration of your layover can vary depending on the airline you choose and the route they take. On average, layovers can range from 1-4 hours but can be longer depending on the airport.

  • If you have a layover of less than two hours in another US city before continuing on to London, your total travel time could be around 13-14 hours.
  • If your layover is longer – say four hours or more – then you’re looking at a total travel time of around 15-17 hours or more.

It’s crucial to keep these factors in mind when booking your flight, as a long layover can make your trip feel much longer than it needs to be.

Factors That Can Affect Your Flight Time

There are several other factors that can affect the duration of your flight from San Francisco to London. Some of these factors include:

1. Weather Conditions

Weather conditions – such as strong winds or thunderstorms – can cause delays or even cancellations, resulting in longer travel times.

2. Airline and Route

Different airlines offer different routes and travel times, so it’s essential to do some research before choosing an airline.

3. Time of Year

The time of year you choose to travel can also affect the duration of your flight. For example, if you’re traveling during peak season (June-August), flights tend to be fuller and more expensive, which can lead to longer wait times at airports and on planes.

In Conclusion..

The flight from San Francisco to London can take anywhere from 10-17 hours depending on various factors such as airport layovers, airline choice, and weather conditions. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead and book early for the best deals on flights from San Francisco to London. Regardless of the length of your flight, make sure you pack plenty of things to keep yourself entertained during the journey!