New York (JFK) to San Francisco (SFO): Award Flights with Points & Miles
Also see: San Francisco → New York
The 2,586-mile flight from New York to San Francisco takes about 6h 35m nonstop on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue. Below is the full award chart for this route across 15 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.
New York to San Francisco Award Chart: All 15 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines AAdvantage | 5,500 | — | 12,500 | 32,500 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards | 12,500 | 22,500 | 35,000 | 30,000 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 15,000 | 25,000 | 33,000 | 53,000 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | 16,000 | — | 43,000 | 70,000 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue |
| Finnair Plus | 16,500 | — | 37,500 | 40,000 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| British Airways Executive Club | 22,000 | — | 55,000 | 55,000 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 22,000 | 46,000 | 66,500 | — | Delta Airlines |
| Japan Airlines Mileage Bank | 23,000 | 42,000 | 42,000 | 42,000 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 23,300 | 50,600 | 68,400 | 102,600 | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| Etihad Guest | 34,000 | 37,000 | 60,000 | 80,000 | American Airlines, JetBlue |
| Delta Skymiles | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Delta Airlines |
| Flying Blue | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Delta Airlines |
| Iberia Plus | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | — | JetBlue |
| United MileagePlus | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | — | JetBlue |
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: New York to San Francisco on Points
- 1Best business class value: American Airlines AAdvantage at 12,500 miles one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy, Citi ThankYou).
- 2Cheapest economy award: 5,500 miles with American Airlines AAdvantage. 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, Flying Blue, Iberia Plus 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 New York 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 New York to San Francisco?
One-way economy awards from New York to San Francisco start at 5,500 miles with American Airlines AAdvantage. Business class starts at 12,500 miles with American Airlines AAdvantage. Exact pricing depends on the program, airline, and travel dates.
What is the cheapest way to book New York to San Francisco in business class with points?
American Airlines AAdvantage has the lowest published business class rate at 12,500 miles one-way. You can top up this program by transferring from Marriott Bonvoy, Citi ThankYou. Award availability at saver levels is limited, so flexible dates help.
How many points is first class from New York to San Francisco?
First class awards on this route start at 30,000 miles one-way via Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards. First class award space is scarce — book as soon as schedules open when possible.
Which airlines fly from New York to San Francisco?
Airlines with nonstop service between New York and San Francisco include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue. The flight covers about 2,586 miles and takes roughly 6h 35m nonstop. Additional partner airlines serve the route with one connection.
Which credit card points can I use to fly from New York 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.