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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 Birmingham Airport
Detailed comparison of SFO and BHX on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Birmingham Airport (BHX) 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.
Birmingham, United Kingdom · BHX · #2 in this comparison
Birmingham Airport (BHX) 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 7.0/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Birmingham BHX scores 7.2/10 on FlightLogic — Midlands gateway with on-site rail to Birmingham New Street (~10 min). Emirates daily to Dubai. UK261 covers all departures. See /guides/birmingham-airport-lounge-guide-2026.
FlightLogic Score7.2Very Good
On-time7.0Departure reliability
Experience7.1Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.5Food, shops, seating
Lounges7.0Lounge 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
7.0
Passenger Experience
7.1
Facilities & Comfort
7.5
Lounge score7.0/10
Highlights
Birmingham International station — 10–15 min train to Birmingham New Street; CrossCountry and West Midlands Railway
Emirates daily B777 to Dubai — Midlands' primary long-haul link for Gulf connections
Jet2, TUI, and easyJet leisure base; Clubrooms lounge for premium passengers
UK261 applies — useful for Jet2 and TUI package holiday delays
Overview
Midlands gateway with single-terminal design, Birmingham International rail station on-site, and Emirates daily Dubai service.
Midlands connectivity
Birmingham serves the West Midlands and surrounding counties with a single-terminal design and direct rail link via Birmingham International station — Air-Rail Link people mover connects terminal to platforms in ~2 minutes.
Emirates operates daily Dubai service — the primary long-haul option for Midlands travellers avoiding Manchester or Heathrow positioning.
FAQ
Which is better, San Francisco International Airport or Birmingham Airport?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Birmingham Airport (BHX) at 7.2/10.
Which has better lounges, SFO or BHX?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher for lounges at 8.3/10, versus Birmingham Airport at 7.0/10.
Which airport is more on-time, SFO or BHX?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has stronger on-time performance at 7.5/10 versus Birmingham Airport (BHX) at 7.0/10.
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