San Francisco (SFO) to Istanbul (IST): Award Flights with Points & Miles
Also see: Istanbul → San Francisco
The 6,705-mile flight from San Francisco to Istanbul takes about 12h 55m nonstop on Turkish 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.
San Francisco to Istanbul 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 | 23,000 | 54,500 | 106,500 | 157,500 | ANA, Air France, China Eastern Airlines +3 more |
| Flying Blue | 25,000 | 40,000 | 60,000 | Dynamic | Air France, China Eastern Airlines, KLM +2 more |
| ANA Mileage Club | 27,500 | — | 50,000 | 82,500 | Air China, Asiana Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines +2 more |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | 30,000 | 40,000 | 57,500 | 85,000 | British Airways, Qatar Airways |
| Eva Air Infinity MileageLands | 34,000 | — | 65,000 | 85,000 | ANA, Air China, Asiana Airlines +3 more |
| Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards | 35,000 | 45,000 | 70,000 | 105,000 | British Airways, Korean Air, Qatar Airways |
| Emirates Skywards | 35,000 | 75,000 | 94,000 | 214,000 | Emirates, Korean Air |
| Avianca Lifemiles | 40,000 | — | 80,000 | 128,000 | ANA, Air China, Asiana Airlines +3 more |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 40,000 | 55,000 | 93,000 | 135,000 | British Airways, Qatar Airways |
| Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | 40,000 | — | 65,000 | 100,000 | ANA, Air China, Asiana Airlines +3 more |
| British Airways Executive Club | 42,500 | — | 85,000 | 85,000 | British Airways, Qatar Airways |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | 42,500 | — | 85,000 | 85,000 | British Airways, Qatar Airways |
| United MileagePlus | 44,000 | — | 88,000 | 140,000 | ANA, Air China, Asiana Airlines +3 more |
| Japan Airlines Mileage Bank | 45,000 | 59,000 | 80,000 | 120,000 | Air France, British Airways, Emirates +1 more |
| Finnair Plus | 48,000 | — | 125,750 | — | British Airways |
| Iberia Plus | 48,000 | — | 125,750 | — | British Airways |
| TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go | 50,000 | — | 100,000 | 125,000 | ANA, Air China, Asiana Airlines +3 more |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 51,800 | 98,200 | 125,400 | 179,800 | Air France, British Airways, Emirates +1 more |
| Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus | 55,000 | 75,000 | 82,500 | 100,000 | ANA, Air China, Asiana Airlines +3 more |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 60,000 | — | 90,000 | 150,000 | ANA, Air China, Asiana Airlines +4 more |
| Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | 60,000 | — | 114,500 | 137,000 | ANA, Air China, Asiana Airlines +3 more |
| Etihad Guest | 75,000 | 90,000 | 140,000 | 200,000 | ANA, Air France, Asiana Airlines +4 more |
| Delta Skymiles | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Air France, China Eastern Airlines, KLM +2 more |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Qatar Airways |
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: San Francisco to Istanbul on Points
- 1Best business class value: ANA Mileage Club at 50,000 miles one-way (transfer from Amex Membership Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy).
- 2Cheapest economy award: 23,000 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 San Francisco to Istanbul
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 San Francisco to Istanbul?
One-way economy awards from San Francisco to Istanbul start at 23,000 miles with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Business class starts at 50,000 miles with ANA Mileage Club. Exact pricing depends on the program, airline, and travel dates.
What is the cheapest way to book San Francisco to Istanbul in business class with points?
ANA Mileage Club has the lowest published business class rate at 50,000 miles one-way. You can top up this program by transferring from Amex Membership Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy. Award availability at saver levels is limited, so flexible dates help.
How many points is first class from San Francisco to Istanbul?
First class awards on this route start at 82,500 miles one-way via ANA Mileage Club. First class award space is scarce — book as soon as schedules open when possible.
Which airlines fly from San Francisco to Istanbul?
Airlines with nonstop service between San Francisco and Istanbul include Turkish Airlines. The flight covers about 6,705 miles and takes roughly 12h 55m nonstop. Additional partner airlines serve the route with one connection.
Which credit card points can I use to fly from San Francisco to Istanbul?
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.