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San Francisco International Airport vs Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Detailed comparison of SFO and ORD on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) at 7.4/10.
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.
Chicago, United States · ORD · #2 in this comparison
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) scores 7.4/10 (Very Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.0),
passenger experience (7.2), and facilities (7.8).
Lounge quality rates 8.0/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) scores 7.4/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.0/10. All international flights depart Terminal 5 — alliance lounges serve Star Alliance and oneworld partners. United Polaris is in Terminal 1 only. See /guides/ord-airport-lounge-guide-2026.
FlightLogic Score7.4Very Good
On-time7.0Departure reliability
Experience7.2Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.8Food, shops, seating
Lounges8.0Lounge 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
7.2
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score8.0/10
Highlights
Terminal 5 handles all international departures — Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam alliance lounges
United Polaris Lounge in Terminal 1 for United long-haul business class — not reachable airside from T5
Common connection point for UK–US domestic and UK–Asia routings via United and American
ORD people mover links terminals landside — plan 60+ minutes for terminal changes
Overview
United Airlines and American Airlines mega-hub — Terminal 5 international departures with Star Alliance and oneworld lounges for transatlantic connections.
Terminal 5 international hub
Terminal 5 consolidates international departures with Swissport-operated alliance lounges for Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam. United and American domestic connections require landside terminal transfer and re-security.
UK travellers connecting to US domestic flights should allow 2+ hours minimum for immigration, baggage reclaim if not interlined, and re-check.
FAQ
Which is better, San Francisco International Airport or Chicago O'Hare International Airport?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) at 7.4/10.
Which has better lounges, SFO or ORD?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher for lounges at 8.3/10, versus Chicago O'Hare International Airport at 8.0/10.
Which airport is more on-time, SFO or ORD?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has stronger on-time performance at 7.5/10 versus Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) at 7.0/10.
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