San Francisco International Airport vs London Stansted Airport

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.

Overview

London's third airport and Ryanair's largest UK base — single-terminal design, Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, and Escape Lounge for Priority Pass holders.

Ryanair hub and low-cost operations

Stansted is Ryanair's largest UK base, handling the majority of Europe and Mediterranean leisure traffic from London's eastern corridor. easyJet and Jet2 also operate significant schedules. For UK travellers chasing lowest fares, STN often undercuts Gatwick and Luton on the same routes — but factor in Stansted Express rail costs and strict Ryanair baggage rules.

UK261 compensation applies to all flights departing Stansted regardless of fare paid. A 3+ hour arrival delay on a UK-regulated flight triggers £220–£520 per passenger if the delay was the airline's fault.

Getting to central London

Stansted Express runs to Liverpool Street every 15 minutes at peak, taking ~45 minutes. National Express coaches serve Victoria and other London terminals — often cheaper but slower in traffic. Uber/Bolt use signed ride-app zones landside.

Compare STN against Gatwick (/airports/gatwick) and Luton for your route — Stansted wins on Ryanair frequency; Gatwick wins on Virgin long-haul and lounge depth.