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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 Newcastle International Airport
Detailed comparison of SFO and NCL on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Newcastle International Airport (NCL) at 7.1/10.
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.
Newcastle, United Kingdom · NCL · #2 in this comparison
Newcastle International Airport (NCL) scores 7.1/10 (Very Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.0),
passenger experience (7.0), and facilities (7.3).
Lounge quality rates 7.0/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Newcastle NCL scores 7.1/10 — North East hub with Emirates to Dubai. Metro to city centre ~25 min. Escape Lounge for Priority Pass. UK261 on all departures.
FlightLogic Score7.1Very Good
On-time7.0Departure reliability
Experience7.0Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.3Food, 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
7.0
Facilities & Comfort
7.3
Lounge score7.0/10
Highlights
North East England and Tyne and Wear gateway — Newcastle city centre Metro in ~25 minutes
Emirates daily to Dubai — rare long-haul option for a regional UK airport
Escape Lounge and Aspire Lounge accept Priority Pass
UK261 covers all NCL departures
Overview
North East England's primary airport — easyJet and Jet2 leisure network plus Emirates to Dubai and BA to London Heathrow.
North East connectivity
Newcastle combines strong easyJet and Jet2 short-haul with Emirates DXB — useful for Gulf and Asia connections without London positioning. BA links to Heathrow for oneworld long-haul.
Tyne and Wear Metro serves the airport directly — one of the better UK regional public-transport links.
FAQ
Which is better, San Francisco International Airport or Newcastle International Airport?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Newcastle International Airport (NCL) at 7.1/10.
Which has better lounges, SFO or NCL?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher for lounges at 8.3/10, versus Newcastle International Airport at 7.0/10.
Which airport is more on-time, SFO or NCL?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has stronger on-time performance at 7.5/10 versus Newcastle International Airport (NCL) at 7.0/10.
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