One map, pinned from each airport’s published coordinates.
Category scores
Overall is the published weighted sum. A highlighted score is ahead; a tie stays plain.
Ease of use
25% · Wayfinding, security wait, and layout.
OAK7.8
SMF7.8
Comfort & amenities
20% · Seating, Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and quiet.
OAK6.8
SMF7.0+0.2
Food & retail
15% · Food and retail quality and variety.
OAK7.2
SMF8.2+1.0
Ground access
15% · Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
OAK8.0+0.5
SMF7.5
Reliability
15% · Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
OAK6.7
SMF6.8+0.1
Lounges
10% · Worth-it density and access quality.
OAK7.0
SMF7.6+0.6
Best for
OAK
Southwest-heavy itinerariesEast Bay/Oakland originsBART-connected city tripsQuick low-stress domestic departures
SMF
Local California dining before flightsQuick domestic hops with PreCheckEasy downtown access via cheap bus or short rideshareFamilies and straightforward navigation
Watch out for
OAK
Only one Priority Pass lounge (closes early)Southwest peak crowds and limited gate seatingBART requires Coliseum transfer + higher airport connector fareFacilities feel dated pending modernization
SMF
Small Escape Lounges hitting capacity with linesParking garage/Daily filling and closing without noticeEarly-morning security and lounge readiness gapsNo airside terminal connection—re-clear for transfers
Amenities and tips
OAK
Escape LoungeLocal dining (Calavera, Tay Ho, OAK Clubhouse)BART connectorFree Wi-Fi + chargingNursing rooms & pet reliefCLEAR + PreCheck
Build 90–120 minutes for Southwest banks
Peak pressure is early morning and late afternoon Southwest banks in Terminal 2. PreCheck and CLEAR help; the airside connector lets you pick the shorter checkpoint when you have time.
Walk airside between T1 and T2
You do not re-clear to change terminals after security. International arrivals process in Terminal 1; JSX uses a separate building on Earhart Road.
Use the T1–T2 connector for better food
Terminal 2 is Southwest-heavy and fills at banks. Walk to Terminal 1 for more variety or the Escape Lounge if your card or day pass covers it.
SMF
Local farm-to-fork diningEscape Lounges (A & B)Free WiFi throughoutNursing rooms & family facilitiesEV charging & accessible parkingConsolidated ground transport
Hit security before 5 a.m. or after 9 a.m.
Busiest TSA windows are 4–6 a.m. and midday peaks—PreCheck/CLEAR usually cuts waits to under 5–10 minutes.
Walk the garage between A and B
Pedestrian bridges through the parking garage beat the shuttle for most connections—about 10 minutes door-to-door.
Skip chains for local farm-to-fork
Prioritize Cafe Bernardo, Nixtaco, Magpie Café, Temple Coffee, or BAWK! over Wendy’s or Starbucks when you have time.
OAK · OAK delivers easy navigation and solid BART access with local food options but trades off limited lounges and aging facilities against SFO's scale.
SMF · Efficient mid-size airport with excellent local food and straightforward layout, traded against small crowded lounges and occasional parking/security peaks during growth.
