London (LHR) to San Francisco (SFO): Award Flights with Points & Miles
Also see: San Francisco → London
The 5,368-mile flight from London to San Francisco takes about 11h 5m nonstop on British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic. Below is the full award chart for this route across 24 frequent flyer programs — the lowest published one-way price in each cabin, so you can see exactly which miles get you there for the least.
London to San Francisco Award Chart: All 24 Programs
Lowest published one-way award price per cabin. “Dynamic” means the program prices this route based on cash fares rather than a fixed chart.
| Program | Economy | Prem. Economy | Business | First | Bookable Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 9,000 | 16,500 | 41,000 | — | Aeromexico, Air France, Delta Airlines +4 more |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | 19,000 | 39,000 | 57,500 | 80,000 | Aer Lingus, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines +2 more |
| British Airways Executive Club | 20,250 | 52,250 | 67,000 | 93,500 | Aer Lingus, American Airlines, British Airways +1 more |
| Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards | 22,500 | 45,000 | 70,000 | 105,000 | Aer Lingus, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines +2 more |
| Finnair Plus | 23,000 | 52,250 | 65,000 | 85,000 | American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia |
| Flying Blue | 25,000 | 40,000 | 60,000 | — | Aeromexico, Air France, Delta Airlines +4 more |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | 25,000 | 52,250 | 77,250 | 93,500 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways +2 more |
| ANA Mileage Club | 27,500 | — | 50,000 | 82,500 | Air Canada, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa +5 more |
| TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go | 29,000 | — | 100,000 | 125,000 | Air Canada, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa +4 more |
| Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | 32,500 | — | 89,500 | 133,500 | Air Canada, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa +4 more |
| Iberia Plus | 33,000 | 52,250 | 99,000 | 93,500 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways +1 more |
| Eva Air Infinity MileageLands | 34,000 | — | 65,000 | 85,000 | Air Canada, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa +4 more |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 36,200 | 73,800 | 98,400 | 147,700 | Air France, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines +3 more |
| Japan Airlines Mileage Bank | 37,000 | 46,000 | 60,000 | 90,000 | Air France, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines +2 more |
| Emirates Skywards | 37,500 | 75,000 | 94,000 | — | Air Canada, TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 40,000 | 60,000 | 70,000 | 150,000 | Air Canada, ITA Airways, LOT Polish Airlines +5 more |
| Avianca Lifemiles | 40,000 | — | 80,000 | 128,000 | Air Canada, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa +4 more |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 40,000 | 55,000 | 93,000 | 135,000 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways +1 more |
| United MileagePlus | 44,000 | 50,000 | 80,000 | 140,000 | Aer Lingus, Air Canada, ITA Airways +7 more |
| Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus | 55,000 | 75,000 | 82,500 | 100,000 | Air Canada, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa +4 more |
| Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | 55,000 | — | 90,000 | 135,000 | Air Canada, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa +4 more |
| Etihad Guest | 67,000 | 74,000 | 120,000 | 160,000 | Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines +4 more |
| Delta Skymiles | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | — | Aeromexico, Air France, Delta Airlines +3 more |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | — | JetBlue, United Airlines |
Prices are published saver-level award chart rates and exclude taxes, fees, and carrier surcharges. Programs update charts without notice — verify with the program before transferring points.
Booking Tips: London to San Francisco on Points
- 1Best business class value: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at 41,000 miles one-way (transfer from Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt Rewards).
- 2Cheapest economy award: 9,000 miles with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Compare cash fares before redeeming — short on points value, economy is sometimes better paid in cash.
- 3Prices shown are the lowest published one-way saver rates. Peak dates, partner surcharges, and taxes/fees vary by program — always compare the final out-of-pocket total.
- 4Delta Skymiles, JetBlue TrueBlue price this route dynamically — their cost tracks cash fares, so watch for flash sales and off-season dates.
- 5Award space at saver level is limited on most airlines. Booking 3–11 months ahead, flying midweek, and checking nearby airports all improve your odds.
See live award options for London to San Francisco
The table above shows published chart rates. Run a search to compare every program and routing for your dates — including transfer bonuses.
Search This RouteFrequently Asked Questions
How many miles do I need to fly from London to San Francisco?
One-way economy awards from London to San Francisco start at 9,000 miles with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Business class starts at 41,000 miles with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Exact pricing depends on the program, airline, and travel dates.
What is the cheapest way to book London to San Francisco in business class with points?
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club has the lowest published business class rate at 41,000 miles one-way. You can top up this program by transferring from Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou, Marriott Bonvoy. Award availability at saver levels is limited, so flexible dates help.
How many points is first class from London to San Francisco?
First class awards on this route start at 80,000 miles one-way via American Airlines AAdvantage. First class award space is scarce — book as soon as schedules open when possible.
Which airlines fly from London to San Francisco?
Airlines with nonstop service between London and San Francisco include British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic. The flight covers about 5,368 miles and takes roughly 11h 5m nonstop. Additional partner airlines serve the route with one connection.
Which credit card points can I use to fly from London to San Francisco?
Most major transferable currencies work for this route. Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou, Capital One Miles, and Bilt Rewards each transfer to multiple programs listed in the award chart above — compare the programs your points transfer to before booking.