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.
FlightLogic Score7.8Very Good
On-time7.6Departure reliability
Experience7.7Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities8.0Food, shops, seating
Lounges8.4Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic 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 score8.4/10
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
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.
London, United Kingdom · STN · #2 in this comparison
London Stansted Airport (STN) scores 6.9/10 (Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.7),
passenger experience (6.8), and facilities (7.0).
Lounge quality rates 6.8/10. See full airport guide →
In short
London Stansted (STN) is rated 6.9/10 on FlightLogic — primarily a Ryanair and Jet2 leisure hub. Stansted Express to Liverpool Street ~45 min. Escape Lounge for Priority Pass. UK261 covers all departures. See /guides/stansted-airport-lounge-guide.
FlightLogic Score6.9Good
On-time6.7Departure reliability
Experience6.8Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.0Food, shops, seating
Lounges6.8Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic 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
6.7
Passenger Experience
6.8
Facilities & Comfort
7.0
Lounge score6.8/10
Highlights
Ryanair's largest UK base — dominant low-cost hub for Europe and Mediterranean leisure routes
Stansted Express reaches London Liverpool Street in ~45 minutes — fastest rail link among London secondary airports
UK261 applies to all UK-departing flights — including Ryanair and Jet2
Overview
London's third airport and Ryanair's largest UK base — single-terminal design, Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, and Escape Lounge for Priority Pass holders.
Ryanair hub and low-cost operations
Stansted is Ryanair's largest UK base, handling the majority of Europe and Mediterranean leisure traffic from London's eastern corridor. easyJet and Jet2 also operate significant schedules. For UK travellers chasing lowest fares, STN often undercuts Gatwick and Luton on the same routes — but factor in Stansted Express rail costs and strict Ryanair baggage rules.
UK261 compensation applies to all flights departing Stansted regardless of fare paid. A 3+ hour arrival delay on a UK-regulated flight triggers £220–£520 per passenger if the delay was the airline's fault.
Getting to central London
Stansted Express runs to Liverpool Street every 15 minutes at peak, taking ~45 minutes. National Express coaches serve Victoria and other London terminals — often cheaper but slower in traffic. Uber/Bolt use signed ride-app zones landside.
Compare STN against Gatwick (/airports/gatwick) and Luton for your route — Stansted wins on Ryanair frequency; Gatwick wins on Virgin long-haul and lounge depth.
More comparisons
Compare Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) against 59 other airports