San Francisco to Hong Kong
Flights from San Francisco to Hong Kong
San Francisco (SFO) has four nonstop flights a day to Hong Kong, taking about 15½ hours: two Cathay Pacific flights to Hong Kong and two on United, each airline with a late-morning and a late-night departure. EVA Air via Taipei is the main one-stop alternative.
- Flight time
- About 15½ hours nonstop
- Nonstop airlines
- Cathay Pacific and United, four flights a day
- Airports
- San Francisco (SFO) to Hong Kong International (HKG)
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When to book
Lunar New Year, the summer holidays and late December are the busiest periods. Flexible dates give your expert more options on both fare and aircraft.
Direct vs. one-stop
Nonstop is the norm from San Francisco. Travellers from elsewhere in Northern California or the Pacific Northwest can connect into SFO on one ticket.
When to call a travel expert
If this trip involves a stopover, a premium cabin, family seating, or anything urgent, a named expert can handle the whole itinerary in one conversation.
Which Business seat will you get?
Cathay Pacific flies San Francisco to Hong Kong with more than one aircraft type, and Business class seats differ between them. Some refitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft carry Cathay Pacific's newer Aria Suite, while the Airbus A350 has an earlier lie-flat design. Both give direct aisle access; the newer suite adds more privacy.
For many travellers the difference is small. For others, especially on a 15-hour overnight crossing, the seat is the reason for choosing one flight over another. The seat map for the exact flight is the only reliable guide, as aircraft can be swapped.
Premium Economy is offered on these long-haul aircraft too. When you call, your expert compares the cabins and seat types on each flight before you choose.
Cathay Pacific or United from San Francisco
Both airlines fly the route nonstop, twice a day each.
- Cathay Pacific
- Routing: Nonstop, about 15½ hours
- Departures from SFO: A late-morning and a late-night departure
- United
- Routing: Nonstop, about 15½ hours
- Departures from SFO: A late-morning and a late-night departure
- EVA Air
- Routing: One stop, via Taipei
- Departures from SFO: Connecting option
| Airline | Routing | Departures from SFO |
|---|---|---|
| Cathay Pacific | Nonstop, about 15½ hours | A late-morning and a late-night departure |
| United | Nonstop, about 15½ hours | A late-morning and a late-night departure |
| EVA Air | One stop, via Taipei | Connecting option |
Schedules change by season. Call us to check current flights for your dates.
For Cathay Pacific's fare types, cabins and Hong Kong connections, see our Cathay Pacific flights guide. Your expert can compare both airlines' fares, cabins and baggage for your dates.
Daytime or overnight departure?
With a late-morning and a late-night departure on each airline, you can choose how the 15½ hours fit your day. A late-night departure lets you board ready to sleep. A late-morning departure avoids a late night at the airport and can suit travellers who find it hard to sleep on planes.
Think about your arrival too: where you're staying in Hong Kong, whether you're connecting onward, and how you'll get through the first day. Your expert can compare the arrival times for your dates before you choose.
Common questions
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong?
About 15½ hours nonstop.
Which airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to Hong Kong?
Cathay Pacific and United, with four nonstop flights a day between them. EVA Air offers a one-stop option via Taipei.
Does Cathay Pacific fly nonstop from San Francisco?
Yes, twice a day: a late-morning and a late-night departure.
Should I take the late-morning or late-night flight?
A late-night departure lets you board ready to sleep; a late-morning departure avoids a late night at the airport. Both Cathay Pacific and United offer each, so your expert can match the flight to your arrival plans.
Does Cathay Pacific's Aria Suite fly from San Francisco?
Some refitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft carry the Aria Suite, but aircraft can change. Your expert checks the seat map for your flight.
Is there Premium Economy from San Francisco to Hong Kong?
Yes, Premium Economy is offered on Cathay Pacific's long-haul aircraft on this route.
Sources and review
Policies can change; confirm current details with the official provider before relying on them.
- Airline schedules via GDS (Amadeus), checked 27 October 2026
Also see: Los Angeles to Hong Kong, New York to Hong Kong, Boston to Hong Kong, Chicago to Hong Kong, Dallas to Hong Kong, Seattle to Hong Kong, San Francisco to Seattle
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