Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO): Award Flights with Points & Miles
Also see: San Francisco → Los Angeles
The 337-mile flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco takes about 1h 28m nonstop on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines. 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.
Los Angeles 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards | 4,000 | 6,000 | 9,000 | 13,500 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| Flying Blue | 5,000 | — | 15,000 | — | Delta Airlines |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | 5,500 | — | 12,500 | 32,500 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| Etihad Guest | 6,000 | 7,500 | 20,000 | 35,000 | American Airlines |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 7,500 | 12,000 | 21,000 | — | Delta Airlines |
| Emirates Skywards | 8,000 | — | 25,000 | — | United Airlines |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 9,200 | 14,500 | 19,300 | 29,000 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | 9,500 | — | 12,500 | 12,500 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 10,000 | — | 30,000 | — | United Airlines |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 10,000 | 14,000 | 20,000 | — | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| British Airways Executive Club | 12,000 | — | 24,000 | 24,000 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| Japan Airlines Mileage Bank | 12,000 | 24,000 | 24,000 | 24,000 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| ANA Mileage Club | 15,000 | — | 27,500 | 45,000 | United Airlines |
| Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | 15,000 | — | 29,000 | 43,000 | United Airlines |
| Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | 15,000 | — | 22,500 | 30,000 | United Airlines |
| Finnair Plus | 16,500 | — | 37,500 | 40,000 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus | 17,500 | 22,500 | 27,500 | 35,000 | United Airlines |
| Eva Air Infinity MileageLands | 19,500 | — | 29,000 | 38,500 | United Airlines |
| TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go | 30,000 | — | 45,000 | 60,000 | United Airlines |
| United MileagePlus | Dynamic | — | 30,000 | — | United Airlines |
| Avianca Lifemiles | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | United Airlines |
| Delta Skymiles | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Delta Airlines |
| Iberia Plus | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | 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: Los Angeles to San Francisco on Points
- 1Best business class value: Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards at 9,000 miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy).
- 2Cheapest economy award: 4,000 miles with Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards. 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.
- 4United MileagePlus, Avianca Lifemiles, Delta Skymiles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles to San Francisco?
One-way economy awards from Los Angeles to San Francisco start at 4,000 miles with Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards. Business class starts at 9,000 miles with Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards. Exact pricing depends on the program, airline, and travel dates.
What is the cheapest way to book Los Angeles to San Francisco in business class with points?
Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards has the lowest published business class rate at 9,000 miles one-way. You can top up this program by transferring from Bilt Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy. Award availability at saver levels is limited, so flexible dates help.
How many points is first class from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
First class awards on this route start at 12,500 miles one-way via Qatar Airways Privilege Club. First class award space is scarce — book as soon as schedules open when possible.
Which airlines fly from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
Airlines with nonstop service between Los Angeles and San Francisco include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines. The flight covers about 337 miles and takes roughly 1h 28m nonstop. Additional partner airlines serve the route with one connection.
Which credit card points can I use to fly from Los Angeles 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.