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Verdict

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Tenerife South Airport (TFS) at 7.4/10.

Score comparison

Metric San Francisco International Airport Tenerife South Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.8 7.4
On-Time Performance 7.5 7.2
Passenger Experience 7.7 7.3
Facilities & Comfort 8.2 7.7
Lounge Score 8.3 7.0
City San Francisco Tenerife
Country United States Spain
Terminals 4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, International Terminal A & G) 1 terminal
Annual passengers 50M+ 12M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy SFO — San TFS — Tenerife
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.

Tenerife, Spain · TFS · #2 in this comparison

Tenerife South Airport

1 terminal · 12M+ passengers/year

7.4 / 10

How good is Tenerife South Airport?

Tenerife South Airport (TFS) scores 7.4/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.2), passenger experience (7.3), and facilities (7.7). Lounge quality rates 7.0/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Tenerife South TFS scores 7.4/10 — Canary Islands UK gateway. Year-round sun. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-spain and /guides/tenerife-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.4 Very Good
On-time 7.2 Departure reliability
Experience 7.3 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.7 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.0 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
7.2
Passenger Experience
7.3
Facilities & Comfort
7.7
Lounge score 7.0/10

Highlights

  • Canary Islands' busiest airport for UK tourists — winter sun and half-term favourite
  • Jet2 and TUI dominate; easyJet and Ryanair from London and regional UK
  • Year-round warm climate — peak UK traffic Oct–Apr and school holidays
  • Compare Tenerife North (TFN) — TFS handles virtually all UK traffic

Overview

Canary Islands' primary UK gateway — year-round sun destination with Jet2, TUI, easyJet, and Ryanair from across the UK for Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje.

Canary Islands routing

TFS serves southern resorts; TFN (north) has limited UK service. Gran Canaria (LPA) is alternative Canary gateway — not yet profiled.

EU261 applies; UK261 on UK-return flights. Allow 2+ hrs security at Easter and half-term.

More comparisons

Compare San Francisco International Airport (SFO) against 59 other airports
Compare Tenerife South Airport (TFS) against 59 other airports

FAQ

Which is better, San Francisco International Airport or Tenerife South Airport?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Tenerife South Airport (TFS) at 7.4/10.

Which has better lounges, SFO or TFS?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher for lounges at 8.3/10, versus Tenerife South Airport at 7.0/10.

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

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has stronger on-time performance at 7.5/10 versus Tenerife South Airport (TFS) at 7.2/10.