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Verdict

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.

Score comparison

Metric San Francisco International Airport East Midlands Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.8 6.7
On-Time Performance 7.5 6.5
Passenger Experience 7.7 6.6
Facilities & Comfort 8.2 6.9
Lounge Score 8.3 6.4
City San Francisco Derby
Country United States United Kingdom
Terminals 4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, International Terminal A & G) 1 terminal
Annual passengers 50M+ 4M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy SFO — San EMA — East
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

San Francisco, United States · SFO · #1 in this comparison

San Francisco International Airport

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.

FlightLogic Score 7.8 Very Good
On-time 7.5 Departure reliability
Experience 7.7 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.2 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.3 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic 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 score 8.3/10

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.

Derby, United Kingdom · EMA · #2 in this comparison

East Midlands Airport

1 terminal · 4M+ passengers/year

6.7 / 10

How good is East Midlands Airport?

East Midlands Airport (EMA) scores 6.7/10 (Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.5), passenger experience (6.6), and facilities (6.9). Lounge quality rates 6.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

East Midlands EMA scores 6.7/10 — Nottingham/Derby/Leicester gateway. Ryanair and Jet2 hub. Aspire Lounge for Priority Pass. Bus and rail via East Midlands Parkway. UK261 applies.

FlightLogic Score 6.7 Good
On-time 6.5 Departure reliability
Experience 6.6 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 6.9 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 6.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic 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
6.5
Passenger Experience
6.6
Facilities & Comfort
6.9
Lounge score 6.4/10

Highlights

  • Serves Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Lincolnshire without Birmingham or East Coast rail positioning
  • Ryanair and Jet2 base — dense Europe and Mediterranean leisure network
  • Aspire Lounge accepts Priority Pass — limited hours; pre-book recommended
  • UK261 on all UK departures; compare /airports/birmingham for Emirates long-haul

Overview

Midlands cargo and leisure airport between Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester — Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI with strong DHL freight operations.

Midlands positioning

EMA sits between the M1 and A50 with bus links to Nottingham and Derby. East Midlands Parkway rail station is a short bus ride — useful for London St Pancras connections via LNER.

For long-haul, Birmingham (7.2/10) offers daily Emirates to Dubai; EMA is short-haul focused.

More comparisons

Compare San Francisco International Airport (SFO) against 59 other airports
Compare East Midlands Airport (EMA) against 59 other airports

FAQ

Which is better, San Francisco International Airport or East Midlands Airport?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.

Which has better lounges, SFO or EMA?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher for lounges at 8.3/10, versus East Midlands Airport at 6.4/10.

Which airport is more on-time, SFO or EMA?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has stronger on-time performance at 7.5/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.5/10.