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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.
San Francisco International Airport vs Los Angeles International Airport
Detailed comparison of SFO and LAX on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 7.0/10.
4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, International Terminal A & G) · 50M+ passengers/year
7.8/ 10
How good is San Francisco International Airport?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores 7.8/10 (Very Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.5),
passenger experience (7.7), and facilities (8.2).
Lounge quality rates 8.3/10. See full airport guide →
In short
San Francisco SFO is rated 7.8/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.3/10. United Polaris Lounge in International Terminal G is the premium benchmark for transpacific business class. Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 serves domestic and some international cardholders. See /guides/sfo-airport-lounge-guide-2026.
FlightLogic Score7.8Very Good
On-time7.5Departure reliability
Experience7.7Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities8.2Food, shops, seating
Lounges8.3Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.
On-Time Performance
7.5
Passenger Experience
7.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.2
Lounge score8.3/10
Highlights
United Polaris Lounge in International Terminal G — among the best US airline lounges for transpacific departures
International Terminal A and G host Star Alliance, oneworld, and Centurion Lounge for long-haul passengers
BART train to downtown San Francisco in 30 minutes — preferred over LAX for city access on business trips
Common UK routing via London with BA, Virgin Atlantic, and United non-stops
Overview
West Coast tech gateway — United Polaris hub with strong Asia-Pacific routes and renovated International Terminal lounges.
International Terminal and Polaris
International Terminal G hosts United Polaris Lounge for United long-haul business class and Star Alliance Gold on international departures. Terminal A serves other Star Alliance and oneworld long-haul carriers with alliance lounges.
Airside connections exist between International Terminal A and G — easier than JFK for Star Alliance connections.
Los Angeles, United States · LAX · #2 in this comparison
9 terminals (Tom Bradley International + T1–T8) · 75M+ passengers/year
7.0/ 10
How good is Los Angeles International Airport?
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) scores 7.0/10 (Very Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.9),
passenger experience (6.8), and facilities (7.5).
Lounge quality rates 8.0/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Los Angeles LAX is rated 7.0/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.0/10. Most long-haul UK and Asia routes use Tom Bradley International (TBIT) with alliance and airline lounges. Terminal-specific access applies — allow 2+ hours for international departures. The LAX People Mover connects terminals landside.
FlightLogic Score7.0Very Good
On-time6.9Departure reliability
Experience6.8Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.5Food, shops, seating
Lounges8.0Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic methodology
Score breakdown
Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.
On-Time Performance
6.9
Passenger Experience
6.8
Facilities & Comfort
7.5
Lounge score8.0/10
Highlights
Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) consolidates most international departures and premium lounges
Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam each operate large alliance lounges in TBIT
LAX People Mover (automated train) links terminals landside — plan time for terminal changes
Strong Asia-Pacific and transatlantic connectivity; congestion peaks on Sunday evening international banks
Overview
West Coast US gateway with the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) hosting most long-haul lounges and ongoing terminal modernisation.
Tom Bradley and international lounges
Most UK and long-haul passengers use Tom Bradley International Terminal, where Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam operate large shared lounges plus airline-specific clubs (Qantas, Cathay Pacific partner access via Oneworld, etc.).
Amex Centurion Lounge at LAX is in the international terminal area — verify terminal assignment on your ticket before planning lounge time.
FAQ
Which is better, San Francisco International Airport or Los Angeles International Airport?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 7.0/10.
Which has better lounges, SFO or LAX?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher for lounges at 8.3/10, versus Los Angeles International Airport at 8.0/10.
Which airport is more on-time, SFO or LAX?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has stronger on-time performance at 7.5/10 versus Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 6.9/10.
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