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San Francisco International Airport vs Barcelona El Prat Airport
Detailed comparison of SFO and BCN on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) at 7.6/10.
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.
Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) scores 7.6/10 (Very Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.4),
passenger experience (7.5), and facilities (7.9).
Lounge quality rates 7.4/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Barcelona BCN scores 7.6/10 on FlightLogic — Spain's #2 airport and top UK–Catalonia gateway. T1/T2 split for Schengen. Aeroport train to city ~25 min. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-spain-2026 and /guides/barcelona-airport-lounge-guide-2026.
FlightLogic Score7.6Very Good
On-time7.4Departure reliability
Experience7.5Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.9Food, shops, seating
Lounges7.4Lounge 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
7.4
Passenger Experience
7.5
Facilities & Comfort
7.9
Lounge score7.4/10
Highlights
Primary UK gateway to Barcelona, Costa Brava, and Pyrenees ski transfers
Dense UK schedule — BA, Vueling, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and regional bases
Aena lounge and Priority Pass options in T1; allow time for terminal split on Schengen vs non-Schengen
EU261 applies on EU departures — UK261 on UK-return flights
Overview
Spain's second-busiest airport and the primary UK gateway to Catalonia — Vueling and Ryanair hub with dense BA, easyJet, and Jet2 schedules from London and regional UK.
UK routes and airlines
British Airways, Vueling, easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair operate multiple daily frequencies from London and Manchester. Vueling (IAG) offers Avios earning on select fares — useful for BA collectors routing UK–Spain.
Compare BCN against Palma (/airports/palma) for Balearics holidays and Málaga (/airports/malaga) for Costa del Sol — Barcelona wins on city breaks and northern Spain access.
FAQ
Which is better, San Francisco International Airport or Barcelona El Prat Airport?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) at 7.6/10.
Which has better lounges, SFO or BCN?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher for lounges at 8.3/10, versus Barcelona El Prat Airport at 7.4/10.
Which airport is more on-time, SFO or BCN?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has stronger on-time performance at 7.5/10 versus Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) at 7.4/10.
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