FlightLogic

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.

Advertiser disclosure — how this service works

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

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) scores higher overall at 8.0/10 versus Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 7.0/10.

Score comparison

Metric Shanghai Pudong International Airport Los Angeles International Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.0 7.0
On-Time Performance 7.8 6.9
Passenger Experience 8.0 6.8
Facilities & Comfort 8.3 7.5
Lounge Score 8.5 8.0
City Shanghai Los Angeles
Country China United States
Terminals 2 terminals (T1 and T2) 9 terminals (Tom Bradley International + T1–T8)
Annual passengers 70M+ 75M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy PVG — Shanghai LAX — Los
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Shanghai, China · PVG · #1 in this comparison

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

2 terminals (T1 and T2) · 70M+ passengers/year

8.0 / 10

How good is Shanghai Pudong International Airport?

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) scores 8.0/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.8), passenger experience (8.0), and facilities (8.3). Lounge quality rates 8.5/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Shanghai Pudong PVG scores 8.0/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.5/10. Terminal 1 Star Alliance; Terminal 2 China Eastern/SkyTeam. Maglev to city in 8 min. Verify PVG vs SHA Hongqiao on ticket. See /guides/shanghai-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 8.0 Excellent
On-time 7.8 Departure reliability
Experience 8.0 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.3 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.5 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
7.8
Passenger Experience
8.0
Facilities & Comfort
8.3
Lounge score 8.5/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 1 serves Star Alliance (Air China, United, Lufthansa); Terminal 2 serves China Eastern and SkyTeam partners
  • China Eastern and Air China First/Business lounges among Asia's largest airline clubs
  • Maglev train to Longyang Road in 8 minutes — fastest airport-to-city link in the world
  • Common one-stop for UK–China and UK–Australia on China Eastern and partner metal

Overview

China Eastern and Star Alliance hub — Terminal 1 and 2 satellite design with strong premium lounges for UK–China and UK–Asia routings via Shanghai.

Terminal 1 and 2 lounge access

Terminal 1 hosts Star Alliance carriers with Air China and partner lounges. Terminal 2 serves China Eastern — China's largest airline at PVG — with extensive First and Business lounges.

Inter-terminal transfers require landside transport or shuttle — not airside. Connections between Star Alliance and SkyTeam metal require immigration unless on protected interline.

UK traveller notes

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

Compare PVG against Beijing PEK (/airports/beijing) and Hong Kong HKG (/airports/hkg) for UK–Asia routing — PVG strong for China domestic connections; HKG for Oneworld.

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, Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Los Angeles International Airport?

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) scores higher overall at 8.0/10 versus Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 7.0/10.

Which has better lounges, PVG or LAX?

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) scores higher for lounges at 8.5/10, versus Los Angeles International Airport at 8.0/10.

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

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) has stronger on-time performance at 7.8/10 versus Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 6.9/10.