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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 Alicante-Elche Airport
Detailed comparison of SFO and ALC on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) at 7.2/10.
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.
Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) scores 7.2/10 (Very Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.0),
passenger experience (7.1), and facilities (7.5).
Lounge quality rates 6.9/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Alicante ALC scores 7.2/10 — Costa Blanca UK leisure hub. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-spain-2026 and /guides/alicante-airport-lounge-guide-2026.
FlightLogic Score7.2Very Good
On-time7.0Departure reliability
Experience7.1Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.5Food, shops, seating
Lounges6.9Lounge 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
7.0
Passenger Experience
7.1
Facilities & Comfort
7.5
Lounge score6.9/10
Highlights
Top UK Costa Blanca airport — Benidorm, Alicante city, and Murcia within 60 min drive
Jet2 and TUI package base alongside Ryanair and easyJet from 15+ UK airports
Single terminal — straightforward; summer queues significant
Compare Málaga (/airports/malaga) for Costa del Sol; Palma for Balearics
Overview
Costa Blanca gateway — Jet2, TUI, Ryanair, and easyJet dominate UK package and low-cost traffic to Benidorm, Torrevieja, and Murcia coast.
Costa Blanca access
Pre-book resort transfers — public transport to northern Costa Blanca resorts is limited. Tram to Alicante city from airport terminal.
UK261 on return legs; EU261 on EU departures.
FAQ
Which is better, San Francisco International Airport or Alicante-Elche Airport?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) at 7.2/10.
Which has better lounges, SFO or ALC?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher for lounges at 8.3/10, versus Alicante-Elche Airport at 6.9/10.
Which airport is more on-time, SFO or ALC?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has stronger on-time performance at 7.5/10 versus Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) at 7.0/10.
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