FlightLogic

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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.

Verdict

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) scores higher overall at 8.3/10 versus Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 7.0/10.

Score comparison

Metric Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport Los Angeles International Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.3 7.0
On-Time Performance 8.1 6.9
Passenger Experience 8.2 6.8
Facilities & Comfort 8.6 7.5
Lounge Score 8.8 8.0
City Sydney Los Angeles
Country Australia United States
Terminals 3 terminals (T1 international, T2/T3 domestic) 9 terminals (Tom Bradley International + T1–T8)
Annual passengers 44M+ 75M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy SYD — Sydney LAX — Los
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Sydney, Australia · SYD · #1 in this comparison

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

3 terminals (T1 international, T2/T3 domestic) · 44M+ passengers/year

8.3 / 10

How good is Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport?

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) scores 8.3/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (8.1), passenger experience (8.2), and facilities (8.6). Lounge quality rates 8.8/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Sydney SYD is rated 8.3/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.8/10. International flights use Terminal 1 — Qantas First Lounge is the premium benchmark. Allow 60+ minutes for arrival biosecurity. See /guides/sydney-airport-lounge-guide-2026 and /reviews/qantas-first-lounge-sydney-review.

FlightLogic Score 8.3 Excellent
On-time 8.1 Departure reliability
Experience 8.2 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.6 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.8 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
8.1
Passenger Experience
8.2
Facilities & Comfort
8.6
Lounge score 8.8/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 1 handles all international traffic — Qantas First Lounge and Business Lounge are flagship products
  • Efficient customs and biosecurity — allow time for arrival processing on inbound UK flights
  • Domestic connections require terminal transfer (T1→T2/T3) with re-security
  • Strong Qantas and Oneworld hub for UK–Australia routings via Singapore or direct

Overview

Australia's primary international gateway — Qantas First Lounge and Oneworld partners in Terminal 1 for long-haul arrivals.

Terminal 1 international

All international arrivals and departures use Terminal 1. Qantas operates separate First and Business lounges with Neil Perry dining in the First Lounge.

Oneworld partners use Qantas lounges or the shared Oneworld lounge depending on tier and operating carrier.

Los Angeles, United States · LAX · #2 in this comparison

Los Angeles International Airport

9 terminals (Tom Bradley International + T1–T8) · 75M+ passengers/year

7.0 / 10

How good is Los Angeles International Airport?

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) scores 7.0/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.9), passenger experience (6.8), and facilities (7.5). Lounge quality rates 8.0/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Los Angeles LAX is rated 7.0/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.0/10. Most long-haul UK and Asia routes use Tom Bradley International (TBIT) with alliance and airline lounges. Terminal-specific access applies — allow 2+ hours for international departures. The LAX People Mover connects terminals landside.

FlightLogic Score 7.0 Very Good
On-time 6.9 Departure reliability
Experience 6.8 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.5 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.0 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
6.9
Passenger Experience
6.8
Facilities & Comfort
7.5
Lounge score 8.0/10

Highlights

  • Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) consolidates most international departures and premium lounges
  • Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam each operate large alliance lounges in TBIT
  • LAX People Mover (automated train) links terminals landside — plan time for terminal changes
  • Strong Asia-Pacific and transatlantic connectivity; congestion peaks on Sunday evening international banks

Overview

West Coast US gateway with the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) hosting most long-haul lounges and ongoing terminal modernisation.

Tom Bradley and international lounges

Most UK and long-haul passengers use Tom Bradley International Terminal, where Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam operate large shared lounges plus airline-specific clubs (Qantas, Cathay Pacific partner access via Oneworld, etc.).

Amex Centurion Lounge at LAX is in the international terminal area — verify terminal assignment on your ticket before planning lounge time.

FAQ

Which is better, Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport or Los Angeles International Airport?

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) scores higher overall at 8.3/10 versus Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 7.0/10.

Which has better lounges, SYD or LAX?

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) scores higher for lounges at 8.8/10, versus Los Angeles International Airport at 8.0/10.

Which airport is more on-time, SYD or LAX?

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) has stronger on-time performance at 8.1/10 versus Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 6.9/10.