Airport Comparison

SFO San FranciscovsSYD Sydney (Mascot)

Lounges at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) compared side by side — lounge count, access programs, walk-in prices, and terminal coverage. All figures from Loungely's verified lounge data.

SFOSan FranciscoSYDSydney (Mascot)
Verified lounges118
Program-accessible117
Access programsAlaska Lounge Membership, American Express Business Platinum, American Express Centurion, American Express Platinum, Oneworld Emerald / Sapphire, Priority Pass, Star Alliance Gold, United Polaris (Business Class)Air New Zealand, Airline Access, American Express, Emirates, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Visa Infinite
Paid walk-in lounges12
Walk-in price range$50$65–$70
Terminals covered53

SFO vs SYD lounges — frequently asked

Does SFO or SYD have more lounges?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has more — 11 verified lounges vs 8 at SYD. More lounges usually means a better chance of one matching your program or terminal.

Which lounge-access programs work at SFO vs SYD?

SFO: Alaska Lounge Membership, American Express Business Platinum, American Express Centurion, American Express Platinum, Oneworld Emerald / Sapphire, Priority Pass, Star Alliance Gold, United Polaris (Business Class). SYD: Air New Zealand, Airline Access, American Express, Emirates, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Visa Infinite. No overlapping programs — the card or membership you hold may only cover one of them.

Can I pay for walk-in lounge access at SFO or SYD?

SFO: 1 lounge accept paid walk-ins ($50). SYD: 2 lounges accept paid walk-ins ($65–$70). Walk-in access is the fallback when your card's program isn't present.