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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 Milan Malpensa Airport
Detailed comparison of SFO and MXP on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) at 7.5/10.
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.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) scores 7.5/10 (Very Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.3),
passenger experience (7.4), and facilities (7.8).
Lounge quality rates 7.6/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Milan MXP scores 7.5/10 — northern Italy hub. Malpensa Express ~50 min to city. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-italy-2026 and /guides/milan-airport-lounge-guide-2026.
FlightLogic Score7.5Very Good
On-time7.3Departure reliability
Experience7.4Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.8Food, shops, seating
Lounges7.6Lounge 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
7.3
Passenger Experience
7.4
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score7.6/10
Highlights
Gateway to Milan, Lake Como, and Dolomites ski resorts in winter
Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale ~50 min — reliable rail link
ITA Airways T1 lounge; easyJet base for UK low-cost
Compare Rome (/airports/rome) for central and southern Italy
Overview
Northern Italy's primary hub — ITA Airways and easyJet base with UK routes from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, and Manchester for Milan, Lakes, and ski transfers.
Northern Italy routing
MXP suits Lombardy, Piedmont, and Swiss border transfers. Bergamo (BGY) is Ryanair's Milan airport — cheaper but 50 km from city centre.
Winter ski season (Dec–Mar) sees heavy UK package traffic — book parking and lounge early.
FAQ
Which is better, San Francisco International Airport or Milan Malpensa Airport?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) at 7.5/10.
Which has better lounges, SFO or MXP?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher for lounges at 8.3/10, versus Milan Malpensa Airport at 7.6/10.
Which airport is more on-time, SFO or MXP?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has stronger on-time performance at 7.5/10 versus Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) at 7.3/10.
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