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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.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport vs San Francisco International Airport
Detailed comparison of PVG and SFO on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) scores higher overall at 8.0/10 versus San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at 7.8/10.
How good is Shanghai Pudong International Airport?
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) scores 8.0/10 (Excellent)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.8),
passenger experience (8.0), and facilities (8.3).
Lounge quality rates 8.5/10. See full airport guide →
In short
Shanghai Pudong PVG scores 8.0/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.5/10. Terminal 1 Star Alliance; Terminal 2 China Eastern/SkyTeam. Maglev to city in 8 min. Verify PVG vs SHA Hongqiao on ticket. See /guides/shanghai-airport-lounge-guide-2026.
FlightLogic Score8.0Excellent
On-time7.8Departure reliability
Experience8.0Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities8.3Food, shops, seating
Lounges8.5Lounge 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
7.8
Passenger Experience
8.0
Facilities & Comfort
8.3
Lounge score8.5/10
Highlights
Terminal 1 serves Star Alliance (Air China, United, Lufthansa); Terminal 2 serves China Eastern and SkyTeam partners
China Eastern and Air China First/Business lounges among Asia's largest airline clubs
Maglev train to Longyang Road in 8 minutes — fastest airport-to-city link in the world
Common one-stop for UK–China and UK–Australia on China Eastern and partner metal
Overview
China Eastern and Star Alliance hub — Terminal 1 and 2 satellite design with strong premium lounges for UK–China and UK–Asia routings via Shanghai.
Terminal 1 and 2 lounge access
Terminal 1 hosts Star Alliance carriers with Air China and partner lounges. Terminal 2 serves China Eastern — China's largest airline at PVG — with extensive First and Business lounges.
Inter-terminal transfers require landside transport or shuttle — not airside. Connections between Star Alliance and SkyTeam metal require immigration unless on protected interline.
UK traveller notes
UK passport holders typically need a visa for China unless qualifying for 144-hour transit visa-free in Shanghai — verify current immigration rules before planning a layover exit.
Compare PVG against Beijing PEK (/airports/beijing) and Hong Kong HKG (/airports/hkg) for UK–Asia routing — PVG strong for China domestic connections; HKG for Oneworld.
San Francisco, United States · SFO · #2 in this comparison
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.
FAQ
Which is better, Shanghai Pudong International Airport or San Francisco International Airport?
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) scores higher overall at 8.0/10 versus San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at 7.8/10.
Which has better lounges, PVG or SFO?
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) scores higher for lounges at 8.5/10, versus San Francisco International Airport at 8.3/10.
Which airport is more on-time, PVG or SFO?
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) has stronger on-time performance at 7.8/10 versus San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at 7.5/10.
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