{
  "response": {
    "Key": "MDE-SFO",
    "orig": {
      "code": "MDE",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "Medellín",
      "fullCity": "Medellín, Colombia",
      "airport": "Medellin Jose Maria Cordova"
    },
    "dest": {
      "code": "SFO",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "San Francisco",
      "fullCity": "San Francisco, California",
      "airport": "San Francisco Intl Airport"
    },
    "faq": {
      "q0": {
        "question": "What is the typical flight duration from Medellín to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "There is no scheduled nonstop service between Medellín (MDE) and San Francisco (SFO), so the route requires a connection. The distance is about 3,660 miles. A typical one-stop total journey time is approximately 11 to 14 hours, depending on the connecting city and layover.",
        "methodology": "Flight times and distances come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time across all carriers on the route, computed the same way in both directions so the difference reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in method. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two airports, so the actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "flight_schedule"
        ]
      },
      "q1": {
        "question": "Are there any direct flights from Medellín to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "There are no nonstop flights from Medellín to San Francisco. The most common one‑stop routing goes through Panama City (PTY) on Copa Airlines, with a total travel time around 13 hours — the layover in Panama is about 6 hours. American Airlines via Miami is another frequent option, typically taking a bit over 10 hours with a shorter connection.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours. Carrier service, flight times and distances for this route come from our flight-schedule database, which draws on published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data, and observed operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We report the days of the week and the departure times each carrier operates. The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time, given both per carrier and across all carriers on the route; where a schedule does not publish an elapsed time, it is derived from the scheduled departure and arrival times converted to UTC. Outbound and return times are computed by the same method, so the difference between them is directly comparable and reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in derivation. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two specific airports named, so an actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer. Where shown, on-time departure and arrival rates and cancellation rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline On-Time Performance dataset, which covers U.S. domestic routes only; where a typical fare is shown, it comes from the U.S. DOT Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B), a quarterly 10% sample of tickets sold. Stop counts, connecting hubs, and per-airline prices are drawn from a large sample of the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours. We group those fares by number of stops, by the hub airport a connection routes through, and by operating airline, and report each group's share of the sample alongside its lowest and median price.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines",
          "flight_schedule",
          "route_options"
        ]
      },
      "q3": {
        "question": "What are the ground transportation options in San Francisco?",
        "answer": "San Francisco International Airport offers several ways to reach the city center, including BART rapid rail, Caltrain (via a Millbrae transfer), SamTrans buses, taxis, ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft, autonomous Waymo rides, airport shuttles, limos, and rental cars. BART is the fastest and most used option, providing direct service to downtown San Francisco from the International Terminal with frequent departures. Taxis are available at the center islands outside arrivals, while ride-share pickups are on Level 5 of the Domestic Garage. Rental cars are centralized at the Rental Car Center, accessible by the AirTrain Blue Line.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/ground-transportation/public-transit",
            "title": "Public Transit | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-08-17T20:51:53Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/ground-transportation",
            "title": "Ground Transportation | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-08-17T22:27:43Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/ground-transportation/public-transit/ride-bart",
            "title": "BART | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://www.flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2025-06-26T22:28:56Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.flysfo.com/",
            "title": "San Francisco International Airport | SFO Official Site",
            "favicon": "https://www.flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/ground-transportation/getting-around-sfo",
            "title": "Getting Around SFO | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-08-11T21:48:22Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q6": {
        "question": "Are overnight (red‑eye) flights available from Medellín to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "No overnight (red‑eye) flights operate from Medellín (MDE) to San Francisco (SFO) — there are no nonstop red‑eyes on this route, and no connecting itineraries with a red‑eye long leg were found.",
        "methodology": "Red-eye flights are identified from scheduled local departure and arrival times in our flight-schedule database — built from published airline timetables and official schedule data, including U.S. Department of Transportation records for domestic routes — flagging services that depart late at night and arrive the following morning; for connecting itineraries the red-eye is based on the timing of the overnight long-haul leg.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "redeye_flights"
        ]
      },
      "q7": {
        "question": "Which airlines usually operate this route from Medellín to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "There are no nonstop flights from Medellín to San Francisco. The most common one-stop routing is via Panama City on Copa Airlines, with about 15 daily connections. United Airlines also offers frequent connections through Houston, with around 6 daily flights, and American Airlines connects through Miami with about 4 daily options. Other less frequent one-stop patterns include United via Mexico City or Miami, and Avianca via San Salvador.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a typical fare is shown for a carrier, it is the median of the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines"
        ]
      },
      "q8": {
        "question": "If I need a connection, what are common layover cities between Medellín and San Francisco?",
        "answer": "Common layover cities include Miami, Panama City, Houston, and Dallas. Miami offers many onward flights to San Francisco and efficient connections for Colombian travelers. Panama City’s Tocumen Airport provides a central hub with smooth transfers and visa‑free transit for many nationalities. Houston and Dallas serve as major U.S. gateways with extensive domestic networks, keeping total travel time competitive."
      },
      "q10": {
        "question": "Which months have the best weather for traveling to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "September and October offer San Francisco's warmest, sunniest weather with fewer tourists than summer."
      },
      "q11": {
        "question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Medellín to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "Bring a passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay, a valid U.S. visa or ESTA, proof of onward or return travel, and a payment method for baggage. Vaccination certificates are not required for entry to the U.S. as of now, but confirm current status."
      },
      "q12": {
        "question": "Which airport should I use in San Francisco?",
        "answer": "San Francisco International is the region's primary airport, located about 13 miles south of downtown. It serves all major alliances and offers extensive domestic and international connections. For most travellers, SFO is the best choice."
      },
      "q13": {
        "question": "How do I get to Medellin Jose Maria Cordova from the city center?",
        "answer": "José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) sits about 20 km (12 mi) southeast of Medellín in Rionegro, and since a new highway opened in 2019 the drive from the city center takes only about 20 minutes. Taxis and ride-share services are the most popular and convenient options, offering door-to-door service at a mid-range cost. Public shuttle buses run between the city and the airport and are the most economical choice, though they take longer. Driving yourself is possible with on-site parking, but most travelers prefer taxis or shuttles for the short trip.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Mar%C3%ADa_C%C3%B3rdova_International_Airport",
            "title": "José María Córdova International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-11T04:17:16Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medell%C3%ADn",
            "title": "Medellín",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-10T23:25:35Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9%20Mar%C3%ADa%20C%C3%B3rdova%20International%20Airport",
            "title": "José María Córdova International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-28T11:50:41Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q14": {
        "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at San Francisco airport?",
        "answer": "San Francisco International Airport has a directly connected hotel: the Grand Hyatt at SFO, which is about 5 minutes away via the AirTrain and requires no shuttle. Inside the International Terminal, FreshenUp offers private nap rooms and paid showers on the landside near the entrance to Boarding Area G, with nap rooms available during daytime and evening hours and limited overnight availability. Several nearby off-airport hotels also offer free shuttle service.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/services/nap-rooms",
            "title": "Nap Rooms & Shower Facilities | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-06-24T19:24:47Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://sleepinginairports.net/guides/san-francisco-airport-guide.htm",
            "title": "San Francisco Airport Guide (SFO) - Sleeping in Airports",
            "favicon": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/nitropack_static/oBWrHkPujHTPIaVWqdDSDhClXUyrYhhb/assets/images/optimized/rev-b853180/www.sleepinginairports.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-sia-logo-180x180.png",
            "time_published": "2018-10-02T00:00:42Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://sleepinginairports.net/reviews/san-francisco-airport-reviews.htm",
            "title": "San Francisco   Airport Reviews (SFO) – Sleeping in Airports",
            "favicon": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-sia-logo-180x180.png",
            "time_published": "2025-02-10T18:15:46Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q15": {
        "question": "Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at San Francisco Intl Airport?",
        "answer": "San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers currency exchange services, as it lists Currency Exchange under its Passenger Services and also has a dedicated Currency Exchange page. For prayer, SFO provides a Reflection Room that includes a prayer room for quiet self-reflection and meditation. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and specific terminal locations can be found on the airport's interactive maps.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/services-amenities",
            "title": "Services & Amenities | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-03-03T22:32:54Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/sites/default/files/2024-06/240614_SFO_Tabloid_Face A_T1-no-foodcourt_WEB_0621.pdf",
            "title": "240614_SFO_Tabloid_Face A_T1_Template_MASTER Update.indd",
            "time_published": "2024-06-17T18:03:02Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers",
            "title": "Passengers | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-04-14T23:46:29Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.flysfo.com/",
            "title": "San Francisco International Airport | SFO Official Site",
            "favicon": "https://www.flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SFO",
            "title": "San Francisco International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-27T05:13:36Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q16": {
        "question": "Are there accessible services or children's facilities at the Medellín and San Francisco airports?",
        "answer": "At San Francisco International Airport (SFO), travelers with disabilities can reserve wheelchair or guided assistance through their airline (request in advance via the airline's website or at the ticketing counter on arrival), and the airport provides a Sensory Room near Gate C2 in Terminal 1, companion care restrooms, TTY phones, visual paging, and service animal relief areas. TSA Cares support for screening assistance should be requested at least 72 hours before travel. At Medellín's José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), the airport is managed by Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, and travelers with disabilities or those needing mobility assistance should contact their airline in advance to arrange wheelchair or guided support; children's play areas and specific accessibility programs at MDE are not detailed in the available airport information.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Mar%C3%ADa_C%C3%B3rdova_International_Airport",
            "title": "José María Córdova International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-11T04:17:16Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9%20Mar%C3%ADa%20C%C3%B3rdova%20International%20Airport",
            "title": "José María Córdova International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-28T11:50:41Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medell%C3%ADn",
            "title": "Medellín",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-10T23:25:35Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metrocable_(Medellín)",
            "title": "Metrocable (Medellín)",
            "time_published": "2026-06-06T17:55:22Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olaya_Herrera_Airport",
            "title": "Olaya Herrera Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-08-27T08:13:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.flysfo.com/de/node/10035",
            "title": "Accessibility | San Francisco International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-30T20:33:21Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/services-amenities/accessibility",
            "title": "Accessibility | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-08-12T20:12:42Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/services-amenities/accessibility/at-sfo",
            "title": "At SFO | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-05-21T22:27:23Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.flysfo.com/de/node/14867",
            "title": "At SFO | San Francisco International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-15T15:54:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/services-amenities/medical-services",
            "title": "Medical Services | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://www.flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-05-26T21:54:18Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q17": {
        "question": "What aircraft are typically used on flights from Medellín to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "There is no nonstop service on flights from Medellín to San Francisco; all options connect through another city. Copa Airlines operates the route most, using a Boeing 737 MAX 9 on the long leg via Panama City, typically paired with a Boeing 737-800 or 737-700 on the short leg. United connects via Houston with a Boeing 737 MAX 8 long leg (short legs on a 737-900 or 737 MAX 9), American via Miami with an Airbus A321-200 Neo (short leg on a 737 MAX 8), Avianca via San Salvador with an Airbus A320-200 Neo (short leg on an A320-100), and JetBlue via Fort Lauderdale with an Airbus A320 (short leg on an A320-100).",
        "methodology": "Aircraft types come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). For U.S. routes the type is grounded in the tail number that actually operated the flight; elsewhere it comes from the airline's filed equipment code. Where the source does not commit to a specific variant we name the aircraft family (for example Airbus A320 family) rather than guess, and where no reliable type is on file the aircraft is omitted rather than estimated. Types describe typical scheduled equipment and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute swaps.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_aircraft"
        ]
      },
      "q18": {
        "question": "Which airline alliances serve flights from Medellín to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "Flights from Medellín (MDE) to San Francisco (SFO) have no nonstop service. On one-stop itineraries, Copa Airlines (via Panama City) is a Star Alliance member, United Airlines (via Houston, Mexico City, Miami, or Orlando) is also Star Alliance, and American Airlines (via Miami) belongs to Oneworld. Avianca, which appears as the operator on some United-marketed connections, is itself a Star Alliance carrier. No SkyTeam or unaligned major carriers appear in the typical connecting patterns.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines"
        ]
      },
      "q20": {
        "question": "What are the best airport lounge options when departing from Medellín?",
        "answer": "When departing from Medellín's José María Córdova International Airport, the best lounge options depend on whether you're flying domestic or international. For international departures, The Lounge Medellin International offers showers, conference rooms, a children's salon, Wi-Fi, snacks, and drinks, with a maximum 4-hour stay and one child under 12 admitted free per cardholder. For domestic flights, The Lounge Medellin Nacional provides premium food, spirits, beer and wine, and Wi-Fi, also with a 4-hour limit and free child admission. Two additional lounges, Harmony Lounge Nacional and Harmony Lounge Internacional, operate from 06:00 to 21:00, though their specific amenities aren't detailed.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://americanexpress.com/es-ar/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/MDE/The-Lounge-Medellin-International-Terminal-Internacional-BYzRp1Irxl",
            "title": "The Lounge Medellin International en Aeropuerto Internacional José María Córdova | Amex AR",
            "favicon": "https://www.americanexpress.com/apple-touch-icon-152x152.png"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://prioritypass.com/es-LA/lounges/colombia/jose-maria-cordova-international/mde2-the-lounge-medellin-international",
            "title": "The Lounge Medellín Internacional MDE AIRPORT  Aeropuerto Internacional José María Córdova (Medellín) | Priority Pass",
            "favicon": "https://prioritypass.com/icon.png?a4ff481221414a5c"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://prioritypass.com/es-LA/lounges/colombia/jose-maria-cordova-international",
            "title": "José María Córdova International Airport MDE Lounges - MDE Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass",
            "favicon": "https://prioritypass.com/icon.png?a4ff481221414a5c"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://americanexpress.com/es-mx/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/MDE/The-Lounge-Medellin-Terminal-de-vuelos-nacionales-KQlpb8y4sO",
            "title": "The Lounge Medellin en Aeropuerto Internacional José María Córdova | Amex MX",
            "favicon": "https://www.americanexpress.com/apple-touch-icon-152x152.png"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.aa.com/web/i18n/travelInformation/destinationInformation/mde-airport.html",
            "title": "Medellin, Colombia (MDE)",
            "favicon": "https://www.aa.com/content/images/chrome/rebrand/favicon.png"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q21": {
        "question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Medellín to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "On Medellín–San Francisco flights, Basic Economy fares may exclude checked baggage. Standard international economy typically includes one checked bag and a carry‑on, while premium cabins offer more generous allowances."
      },
      "q22": {
        "question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Medellín to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "Flights from Medellín to San Francisco typically offer Economy and flat-bed Business class, with Premium Economy available on some connecting itineraries."
      },
      "q23": {
        "question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?",
        "answer": "Policies vary by airline and fare; flexible and premium cabin tickets often allow same‑day changes or standby, while Basic Economy rarely does."
      }
    }
  }
}