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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 New York John F. Kennedy International Airport
Detailed comparison of SFO and JFK on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 7.2/10. New York John F. Kennedy International Airport leads on lounges at 8.4/10.
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.
New York, United States · JFK · #2 in this comparison
How good is New York John F. Kennedy International Airport?
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) scores 7.2/10 (Very Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.8),
passenger experience (7.0), and facilities (7.8).
Lounge quality rates 8.4/10. See full airport guide →
In short
JFK (JFK) is New York's primary international airport, rated 7.2/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.4/10. Terminal 4 has the deepest lounge mix (Delta, Virgin, Centurion, Priority Pass). Terminal 8 is American's flagship hub. Allow extra time — security and terminal transfers are slower than European hubs. See /guides/jfk-airport-lounge-guide-2026 for terminal-by-terminal access.
FlightLogic Score7.2Very Good
On-time6.8Departure reliability
Experience7.0Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.8Food, shops, seating
Lounges8.4Lounge 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
6.8
Passenger Experience
7.0
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score8.4/10
Highlights
Terminal 4 is the international hub — Delta Sky Club, Virgin Clubhouse, Amex Centurion, and Plaza Premium
Terminal 8 hosts American Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club for AA long-haul departures
No unified post-security connector — lounge access is terminal-specific; misconnects often require re-security
FlightLogic lounge score 8.4/10 — among the strongest US airport lounge ecosystems when you depart from the right terminal
Overview
Primary US gateway for transatlantic traffic — terminal-specific lounges, fragmented airside connections, and strong premium options in T4 and T8.
Terminal layout and lounge access
JFK is split across six terminals with no single airside link between all of them. Your lounge options depend entirely on which terminal your flight departs from — Amex Centurion in Terminal 4 is useless if you depart from Terminal 8 without a long landside transfer.
Terminal 4 serves Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and many SkyTeam and international carriers. Terminal 8 is American Airlines' home. JetBlue Mint Lounge in Terminal 5 is among the best domestic US airline lounges. British Airways still uses Terminal 7 on select departures.
UK traveller notes
Most UK–JFK routes arrive into T4 (Virgin, Delta, BA on some flights) or T8 (BA, AA). For connections onward within the US, verify whether your itinerary stays airside or requires baggage reclaim and re-check — many JFK connections are not protected through a single terminal.
Global Entry and Mobile Passport can shorten immigration; TSA PreCheck helps on domestic connections. Pair with /guides/jfk-airport-lounge-guide-2026 and Heathrow guides for round-trip transatlantic planning.
FAQ
Which is better, San Francisco International Airport or New York John F. Kennedy International Airport?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 7.2/10. New York John F. Kennedy International Airport leads on lounges at 8.4/10.
Which has better lounges, SFO or JFK?
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) scores higher for lounges at 8.4/10, versus San Francisco International Airport at 8.3/10.
Which airport is more on-time, SFO or JFK?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has stronger on-time performance at 7.5/10 versus New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 6.8/10.
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