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Verdict

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) at 7.7/10.

Score comparison

Metric San Francisco International Airport Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.8 7.7
On-Time Performance 7.5 7.5
Passenger Experience 7.7 7.6
Facilities & Comfort 8.2 8.0
Lounge Score 8.3 7.6
City San Francisco Lisbon
Country United States Portugal
Terminals 4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, International Terminal A & G) 2 terminals (T1 main, T2 low-cost)
Annual passengers 50M+ 33M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy SFO — San LIS — Lisbon
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.

Lisbon, Portugal · LIS · #2 in this comparison

Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport

2 terminals (T1 main, T2 low-cost) · 33M+ passengers/year

7.7 / 10

How good is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport?

Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) scores 7.7/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.5), passenger experience (7.6), and facilities (8.0). Lounge quality rates 7.6/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Lisbon LIS scores 7.7/10 — Portugal's main hub. Metro to city ~20 min. TAP Star Alliance gateway. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-portugal-greece and /guides/lisbon-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.7 Very Good
On-time 7.5 Departure reliability
Experience 7.6 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.0 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.6 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
7.6
Facilities & Comfort
8.0
Lounge score 7.6/10

Highlights

  • Primary UK gateway to Lisbon, Sintra, and central Portugal
  • TAP Portugal hub — Star Alliance connections to Brazil, Africa, and Atlantic islands
  • Metro red line to city centre ~20 min — among Europe's best airport-city links
  • TAP/Star Alliance lounges in T1; Priority Pass at ANA lounges

Overview

Portugal's primary hub — TAP Star Alliance gateway with dense easyJet, Ryanair, BA, and Jet2 UK schedules plus Atlantic island connections.

UK routes

BA, TAP, easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2 serve LIS from London, Manchester, and regional UK. TAP offers competitive business class on LHR–LIS for Star Alliance collectors.

Compare Faro (/airports/faro) for Algarve beach holidays — Lisbon wins on city breaks and TAP connections.

More comparisons

Compare San Francisco International Airport (SFO) against 59 other airports
Compare Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) against 59 other airports

FAQ

Which is better, San Francisco International Airport or Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) at 7.7/10.

Which has better lounges, SFO or LIS?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher for lounges at 8.3/10, versus Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport at 7.6/10.

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

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has stronger on-time performance at 7.5/10 versus Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) at 7.5/10.