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

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) at 7.2/10.

Score comparison

Metric Beijing Capital International Airport Alicante-Elche Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.8 7.2
On-Time Performance 7.6 7.0
Passenger Experience 7.7 7.1
Facilities & Comfort 8.0 7.5
Lounge Score 8.4 6.9
City Beijing Alicante
Country China Spain
Terminals 3 terminals (T1, T2, T3) 1 terminal
Annual passengers 73M+ 15M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy PEK — Beijing ALC — Alicante-Elche
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Beijing, China · PEK · #1 in this comparison

Beijing Capital International Airport

3 terminals (T1, T2, T3) · 73M+ passengers/year

7.8 / 10

How good is Beijing Capital International Airport?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores 7.8/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.6), passenger experience (7.7), and facilities (8.0). Lounge quality rates 8.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Beijing Capital PEK scores 7.8/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.4/10. Terminal 3 hosts Air China and Star Alliance international flights. Allow 90+ minutes for connections and immigration. Not to be confused with Daxing PKX. See /guides/beijing-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.8 Very Good
On-time 7.6 Departure reliability
Experience 7.7 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.0 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.4 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
7.6
Passenger Experience
7.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.0
Lounge score 8.4/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 3 is among the world's largest airport buildings — Air China First and Business lounges
  • Star Alliance carriers consolidate in T3 for international departures
  • Common connection point for UK–China and UK–Southeast Asia on Air China and partners
  • Beijing Daxing (PKX) serves some carriers separately — check ticket carefully

Overview

Air China and Star Alliance hub — Terminal 3 dragon-themed mega-terminal with strong premium lounges for UK–China and UK–Asia routings.

Terminal 3 and Air China lounges

Terminal 3 serves most international Star Alliance traffic including Air China long-haul. First and Business lounges offer Chinese and international buffet dining with shower suites.

UK passport holders typically need a visa for China unless qualifying for 144-hour transit visa-free in Beijing — verify current rules before planning a layover exit.

Alicante, Spain · ALC · #2 in this comparison

Alicante-Elche Airport

1 terminal · 15M+ passengers/year

7.2 / 10

How good is Alicante-Elche Airport?

Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) scores 7.2/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.0), passenger experience (7.1), and facilities (7.5). Lounge quality rates 6.9/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Alicante ALC scores 7.2/10 — Costa Blanca UK leisure hub. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-spain-2026 and /guides/alicante-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.2 Very Good
On-time 7.0 Departure reliability
Experience 7.1 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.5 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 6.9 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
7.0
Passenger Experience
7.1
Facilities & Comfort
7.5
Lounge score 6.9/10

Highlights

  • Top UK Costa Blanca airport — Benidorm, Alicante city, and Murcia within 60 min drive
  • Jet2 and TUI package base alongside Ryanair and easyJet from 15+ UK airports
  • Single terminal — straightforward; summer queues significant
  • Compare Málaga (/airports/malaga) for Costa del Sol; Palma for Balearics

Overview

Costa Blanca gateway — Jet2, TUI, Ryanair, and easyJet dominate UK package and low-cost traffic to Benidorm, Torrevieja, and Murcia coast.

Costa Blanca access

Pre-book resort transfers — public transport to northern Costa Blanca resorts is limited. Tram to Alicante city from airport terminal.

UK261 on return legs; EU261 on EU departures.

FAQ

Which is better, Beijing Capital International Airport or Alicante-Elche Airport?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) at 7.2/10.

Which has better lounges, PEK or ALC?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores higher for lounges at 8.4/10, versus Alicante-Elche Airport at 6.9/10.

Which airport is more on-time, PEK or ALC?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) has stronger on-time performance at 7.6/10 versus Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) at 7.0/10.