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 Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 7.0/10.

Score comparison

Metric Beijing Capital International Airport Los Angeles International Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.8 7.0
On-Time Performance 7.6 6.9
Passenger Experience 7.7 6.8
Facilities & Comfort 8.0 7.5
Lounge Score 8.4 8.0
City Beijing Los Angeles
Country China United States
Terminals 3 terminals (T1, T2, T3) 9 terminals (Tom Bradley International + T1–T8)
Annual passengers 73M+ 75M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy PEK — Beijing LAX — Los
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.

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, Beijing Capital International Airport or Los Angeles International Airport?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 7.0/10.

Which has better lounges, PEK or LAX?

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) scores higher for lounges at 8.4/10, versus Los Angeles International Airport at 8.0/10.

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

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) has stronger on-time performance at 7.6/10 versus Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 6.9/10.