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Beijing Capital Airport review by S Maretzo

25 June 2007   Customer Rating :

Had a connecting International flight in Beijing, and only 1h30 to find my way. A total nightmare, filled a ton of forms, had to go through immigration and in again! Nobody seemed to know where to go for international connection. I reached the next check-in counter when it was closing. Next time, I will fly through Seoul, no stupid hassles like in Beijing.

Beijing Capital Airport review by L Halle

31 May 2007   Customer Rating :

We were surprised to find the airport welcoming, cheerful, and modern. All the customs and immigrations procedures were smooth, and though we were approached by the famous taxi con-artists, it was not difficult to ignore them. Communicating our destination was a bit challenging - knowing a few phrases of Mandarin really helps (like being able to recite numbers up to 1000). All the airport personnel are friendly and greet you with a smile. They speak English quite well. Interesting tidbit: at the passport check, each clerk as his/her own ratings module where you can press a button to indicate the level of service you were given. A word of advice regarding the taxi: there is a 10 Yuan highway toll which is added to your fare. (10 Yuan= approx. $1.35) Don't be alarmed if a taxi driver asks you for this in addition to the fare on the meter. The concierge at the hotel confirmed this to be legitimate. We had no run-ins with taxi drivers who did not use the meter. Of the seven cab-rides we took, only one driver spoke English, so please have your hotel tell the driver where you need to go, and they will most likely give you a written address on a business card with a map of the hotel for your return. We would not advice you to rent a car as the aggressive traffic is overwhelmingly hectic and unpredictable. Three lanes can usually turn into four or five, if there is a shoulder, and the drivers are accustomed to weaving in and out of the tiniest spaces, cutting people off left and right. Upon our departure we found that the taxis have to drop you off across the through-lanes in front of the departure hall. We were also lucky to avoid encounters with "bag- handlers." Security-checks and customs checks were equally smooth on this side of things, and everyone greeted us with genuine smiles. We also were never approached by any con-artists claiming to be officials needing us to pay a "departure tax." Perhaps the airport has improved the monitoring of these scams in anticipation of the Olympic Games. The duty-free shops are very nice and you can pick up a lot of last-minute gifts here. However, if you have a connecting flight in the US, you cannot purchase anything liquid (i.e. alcohol) since you will need to pass through another security check with your carry-ons. But you can find many other suitable gifts, such as nice tea-sets and teas, jade jewelry and decorative trinkets, calligraphy sets, etc. All-in-all, the Beijing airport is excellent, especially as compared to some of the American airports where service is lacking and information is not clearly provided. We had an easier time understanding the English announcements in Beijing than in the Philadelphia Airport, which is where we live.

Beijing Capital Airport review by Herbert Schmidt

29 January 2007   Customer Rating : n/a

The facilities of Beijing (just two runways, two small terminals) are by far not enough for the increasing number for flights. But the new large Terminal 3 has to open before the olympics 2008. Now you must be patient at check-in, passport control, from terminal to take-off. Even for domestic flights they have a passport-control. Check through of luggage to your final domestic destination is not possible. The passport control for outbound passengers is better organized: one queue for several counters, instead of one for each counter for inbound. Tip: At immigration take the most left queue for foreigners because in case the counters for foreigners are very crowded the officials allow also foreigners to use the queue for Chinese. Then you can change quickly. They never checked my luggage at international arrivals. ignore taxi touts. take official taxi in front of the terminals. it is not easy to tell the taxi drivers where you want to go. The trunks of many taxis are too small, either because of gas tanks or taxi driver carries lots of own stuff. Pay attention that taxi driver switches on the meter. In case of problems with the taxi driver show him that you write down his driver id which is shown inside beside the driver seat. This helps. Because they will be punished hard in case a foreigner complains. At Terminal 2 for departure taxis must stop about 100m away from terminal. Not easy in case you have lots of luggage. Pay attention to guys who wants to carry for money your luggage to terminal. Most of them are not allowed to enter the checkin area. What I hate most: for arriving international passengers you must fill out 3 papers: immigration card, health card, customs declaration! When Chinese enter EU they do not have to fill out any paper.

Beijing Capital Airport review by Abdul Hameed
21 January 2007

First impression was good. Clean airport and well maintained. Immigration and baggage was quick, took less than half an hour. Staff had helping attitude. It was quite warm inside airport while it was minus 5 celsius outside. I had to pay 40 RMB commission on 200 US dollar currency exchange at travelex at airport, while I was not charged at all, in my hotel. Language was a problem though - some of the airport staff could speak little bit of English. When departing from Beijing Airport laptop/internet facility was available. Prices of the drinks/snacks were quite high. Seating arrangement was quite sufficient for the waiting passengers. Toilets were well maintained. Flight information was displayed both in English and Chinese language.

Beijing Capital Airport review by Nigel Barnsley
19 January 2007

A great airport! Through immigration, baggage reclaim and customs in 25 minutes, everybody very friendly and polite; and they now have bilingual staff working on the taxi rank to explain your destination to the driver if you don't speak Mandarin. But do make sure you go to the official rank outside the terminal and ignore the touts milling around inside. Equally slick on the way back, and you no longer have to queue up to pay the departure tax: it's included in the price of your ticket.

Beijing Capital Airport review by Mohammad Zia Ebrahimi
20 December 2006

Very clean. Immigration took half an hour baggage was ready on the belt after immigration. Changing money and buying ticket is very easy and fast only you have to speak to Chinese people word by word and very slowly - and must be able to understand the Chinese accent. Chinese people usually are willing to provide good service, but language is a problem for them. It should be noted that you have to check with Taxi drivers if their meter works properly, if not it is better to call police.

Beijing Capital Airport review by Robbie Francisco
12 October 2006

Arriving and departing from this airport is easy and efficient. Despite the heavy passenger traffic, the flow of everything seemed to be in order. It's only in hailing for a cab when you arrive that can be a bit of a challenge. Always look for the cue and show the airport security your address so he can tell the driver where exactly you need to go if you cannot speak a word of Chinese.

Beijing Capital Airport review by Jeff Pug
10 October 2006

Upon international arrival at PEK, greeted with dark concourses on the way to immigration & luggage. Felt like somebody forgot that we were coming and didn't turn the lights on (we arrived mid-afternoon). Baggage claim & immigration was very efficient & quick. Departures are OK. Policy of not opening check-in until 3 hours before flight means that you have to hold on to your luggage if you are transferring (as was the case with me). Going to the restaurants in the mezzanine level with luggage was hard to navigate given all the other luggage stored along the walls. Also open smoking policy is quite noticeable to those who are accustomed to smoke-free airports. In departure lounge, air conditioning not working so area got very stuffy. Plane was delayed but departure monitors did not reflect this status. Air China airport club was rudimentary at best, but self-serve set up was nice as you could get what you wanted.

Beijing Capital Airport review by Ana Wisdell
13 September 2006

Arrived on BA in new international terminal, busy mid afternoon. Through passage, immigration and customs quick and easy. Bags arrived quickly and on large carrousel - easy to retrieve luggage having arrived with a full plane. Terminal very crowded and busy, but able to find contact with a few minutes as meeting point as explained easy to find.

Beijing Capital Airport review by Jack Sheldon
11 July 2006

Flew in and out of Beijing a few days ago. On arrival (I grant it was late evening), straight through immigration, bags already on the belt and I was out with my local staff no more than 20 minutes after touchdown. Departure was almost as efficient. As a word of warning, if you have to change any local currency, do it at the Bank of China counter before you go through the luggage screening and check in. There are no change facilities airside.

Beijing Capital Airport review by Steve Conroy
1 July 2006

There is no "departure tax" payable for international departures, as it is factored into your ticket price. Be very wary of any person who tries to get you to pay one!!! I will guarantee you that they are scammers!!! Also, the new international terminal is an excellent facility, for both arrivals and departures. Clean, tidy, spacious. Baggage collection was amazingly fast, and customs officials were polite and courteous (Syd and LAX take note!!!) There are not as many shops air-side, but there are enough for those in need. One tip for first time travellers departing PEK International: the airline check-in desks are "air side" - you have to clear immigration BEFORE you can check your bags in and get your seat allocation. There is no problem with that - just be aware of it, as it is a tad unusual compared to many western airports!

Beijing Capital Airport review by Shannon Roy
7 April 2006

Some of these comments are misleading - there is no 'airport tax', either international or domestic, at Beijing. These taxes are now part of the ticket prices, as they are at most airports around the world. Also, one of the two new terminals is now completed, and this offers a much more pleasant pre-boarding experience than the older terminal.

Beijing Capital Airport review by Steven Curfs
7 April 2006

I have to disagree with R Chen on PEK. The airport access is fine, especially the last 2,5 km. When you reach the first motorway around the city, that's where all the trouble starts. We took a cab to the airport and had no difficulties reaching the airport, once we were out of the city center. Check-in fine as well, the usual Chinese rituals but nothing to complain about really. Security check swift and restaurants/bars, even toilets fine. Smoking remains a problem in China, but for the rest I was quite satisfied with PEK airport. Note that I took a domestic flight to SHA.

Beijing Capital Airport review by R Chen
2 April 2006

Getting to the airport is reasonable until the last 2.5 km. This section might take you more than half an hour to clear. Checking in is chaotic and don't believe anyone telling you anything, ask a few more people and then decide whom you want to believe. Be prepared to queue a few times through customs, security and make sure you fill out the forms in English even if you know Chinese. Besides the poor selection of goods, high prices for food be prepared to suffer secondary smoke inhalation due to lack of ventilation of the smoking room which made the whole waiting area filled with smoke. Charge your battery before you go to the airport there are no power points you can easily find. And don't confront any of the airport personnel, they have a very "thin face" and will go to the extreme to get back at you if you ever point out to them that they have made a mistake.

Beijing Capital Airport review by Sean Keyes
18 March 2006

Flew Turkmenistan Airlines business class ASB-PEK-ASB. No delays arriving but taxiing from the runway to the apron (and vice versa) takes a very, very long time. So does clearing immigration. The checkpoints aren't understaffed or anything and officials are efficient enough but there just seem to be a lot of people flying to Beijing these days. I can't imagine what it will be like during the 2008 Olympics. Departing was no problem, although the airport departure tax is a little steep at RMB80. The airport's business class lounge is fantastic--it's just absolutely brilliant and makes it well worth it to fly business class at least on your departure leg from Beijing. They not only offer free drinks and snacks like other business class lounges but also a wide variety of mouth-watering light meals such as soups, spring rolls and lo mein. For me, this was by far the highlight of the airport.

Beijing Capital Airport review by Lars Larsson
19 February 2006

Beijing airport is quite comfortable. However it is the worst airport in the world both for arrivals and departures in particular for foreigners. Hours in the line to get to your gate and hours through customs on arrival. I know many people that look for alternative destinations in China in order to avoid this. My view - if this does not change drastically within short - the face of Beijing will be hurt severely - for all the wrong reasons.

Beijing Capital Airport review by Sebastien Ries
2 January 2006

There are 5 bus lines between the airport and the city, they all go into downtown, through different parts of town. ven if it does not get you where you want to go, it is a much better deal to take ANY of them into town then take a taxi because taxis from the airport are a rip-off.

Beijing Capital Airport review by M Levin
19 December 2005

An average airport. The worst parts - the "Bag Handlers" who grab your bags from the taxi before you can get out. Most ask for 20 or 30 Yuan but settle for 10. The "line" to hand in the customs card in the international departure area. Usually there is one person there who never looks at the form. The airport tax scam that happens to passengers from the West, usually in the domestic departure area. I have been asked for 400 Yuan (50 USD) for "airport tax" by an official looking person who said "Ok you pay me". He had four slips of paper, all in Chinese, with a value of 100 Yuan on each. I asked to go to his office but "no foreigners allowed". A few others I know have been bothered by this. The domestic airport tax is around 50 Yuan and added to the price of the ticket.

Beijing Capital Airport by Michael Schmidt
21 October 2005

I am amazed at the travelers who said that they got through customs quickly! Every time I go to Beijing, entering is no problem (lines go quick), but the zig-zagging lines of people waiting to "get out" is always staggeringly slow (going through customs)! I'm usually on Asiana Airlines, so maybe it's just the time of day that I'm departing, but man oh man that's a hefty wait in line! The airport itself is okay, but it certainly isn't Olympic City-calibre! The premium class lounges are lame (but I'm spoiled by Asiana's at Incheon). The boarding areas are old and ragged, but it's always interesting to see signs for flights departing to Pyongyang, North Korea! What a treat! The taxi pushers on arrival are a pain, but I don't mind the little dudes that wait for me to carry/push my bags to the checkout counter on departure. What's a couple of bucks to make their day?

Beijing Capital Airport by Shannon Roy
9 September 2005

Two best things about Beijing: the new "helpers" who will wheel your bag through the scrum and find your check in counter for you, all for ten yuan; the usually quick run through immigration and baggage claim on arrival. The two worst things about Beijing: waiting in a needless, mad, queue-less scrum to enter the International check in area; the taxi touts on arrival.

Beijing Capital Airport by  G Dy
8 July 2005

Beijing Capital Airport's facilities are less foreigner-friendly than say, Don Muang Intl (Bangkok). Their toilets are starting to stink, maybe the cleaners are not doing their jobs properly or cleaning supplies are not being utilized to their fullest. You get better service if you are an "obvious foreigner" (skin and hair colour, etc) but if you happen to look like the locals, you tend to be ignored and can be rudely spoken to. DTF shops sell things that are outrageously priced, and the restaurants could stock more spoons and forks for those foreigners (especially those with kids) who are not used to chopsticks. Sometimes baggage claim tends to be very slow and if one has travelled on different time zones, waiting for one's baggage can be painful. And by the way, with the rise in tourist arrival, it would be very good if the Airport management develops a booth or something that can provide basic translation services.

Beijing Capital Airport by  Tom Neyrinck

4 June 2005

I arrived at, and departed from Beijing (international terminal) begin of May. Immigration and security were very quick and friendly, the gates were not far away large windows allowing for good plane spotting. Very clean airport, all-in-all a pleasant experience. The major minus of the airport are the ridiculously expensive shops, and the lack of restaurants where one can eat and drink at a reasonable price. I ordered an orange juice at on eplace, but when I was told the price was 8 USD I just walked away. Would be nice to see a McDonalds or any other PizzaHut-look-alike.

Beijing Capital Airport by  P Davis

29 May 2005

Travellers should be aware that landside there is a severe shortage of seating outside of restaurants. It's quite common to see people waiting for flights sitting on suitcases or on the floor. Most domestic airlines will not let you in to the departure lounge area until an hour before your departure time.

Beijing Capital Airport by Daphne Toh

15 May 2005

The airport looks new and modern but I feel that it has not been fully utilised to the fullest. I was in the airport at around 8pm, waiting for my night flight home, but there wasn't even a single shop opened around that hours for me to do some last minute shopping or have a cup of coffee and slight snacks before I embarked on my journey back. The whole airport seems so 'lifeless', and the worst of all is that the immigrations only opened 2 counters for clearance when there's more than 25 of us queuing up. Think the airport seriously needs to brush up on their efficiency and improve their services to airport users.

Beijing Capital Airport by Harry Tsui

8 April 2005

Beijing airport is divided into two sections, international and domestic. I usually use it as the arrival point from San Francisco, Tokyo and Hong Kong. The design of the airport is a nice one with high ceiling and good view. However, walking from the gate to the immigration takes some time. It usually takes around 30 minutes to get through the immigration. (much better than Narita!) Once you are out, you need to go downstairs to go to the baggage claim area or to exit. The Customs there are nice and usually don't bother travellers, unlike Zhengzhou. Taxi lines are long, both for those who wait as well as for taxis. Most taxi drivers have to wait for more than a few hours. But this does not meant that you can get your taxi faster. Because of the limited parking space, the line for waiting is long too! Rather than waiting, I jumped on the regular Airporter to the city center. You have to know your designation first before choosing the right airporter. I took one to the embassy area. The travel time on the new Airport Express Highway and the Third Ring is about 30 minutes. The total time for the journey is about an hour. The airporter final stop is in the middle of nowhere. When I tried to get off the bus, I was swamped by all sort of people, 30 plus. They all want to give me the name cards of travel agencies or hotels. In fact, they just put the cards right inside my shirt pocket, pants, backpacks. (One person just opened my backpack and grabbed my cell phone after getting off the Shenzhen Airporter at the Lowu border!) Having the previous experience, I fought with them and back off to the center of the street and ran away from the mad crowd. My advise, stick with the taxi, even if you have to wait. I have been travelling to Beijing for 5 years. As for the traffic, it is getting worst every year. Even at 9:00 PM, the third ring is like a parking lot. So, please be sure that you leave yourself enough time to get to the airport. Departure is easy now when the airports do away the departure tax thing. Once you get your boarding pass, walk to the right side to go through the immigration. Immigration is fast with almost no waiting most of the time. The waiting lounge is okay with many seats. There is a restaurant serving snacks and drinks but nothing to write home about. I did not use the Lounge since the Star Alliance has no presence there but the other Chinese airlines lounges are not great either. Do I like the Beijing Airport? It's just okay. It is always crowded in the small Departure and Arrival halls. The food there are lousy and way over priced. The Duty Free shops are selling things that nobody wants. The traffic is always bad. But the immigration and customs people are generally nicer than other Chinese cities.

Beijing Capital Airport by Joel Andersson

5 April 2005

The price of food and drinks in China is generally very low. But airports in China are a different story altogether. At Bejing capital Airport a cup of coffee will set you back 38 RMB (no refill). This is expensive but compared to Xiamen airport 45RMB for a cuppa and Nanchang airport's 48 RMB for a small cup of coffee (no milk) it is not that bad. In all fairness, the high price aside the quality of the coffee is usually very good.

Beijing Capital Airport by Jonathan Perratt

6 March 2005

I live in Beijing and trvel most weeks. I enjoy using the international terminal since check, immigration and security are generally extremely quick, the staff generally friendly and none of the gates are far away. What more does a frequent traveller need? OK, the building itself looks tired, the lounges are rather basic and restaurants not up to much so in some ways does not compare with the likes of Seoul or Hong Kong, but I like being able to arrive at the airport 40 minutes before an international flight and know that I will make my flight. The domestic terminal is rather busier; no problem for F and C class since there are totally segregated check-ins and security, but Y class can result in long queues at certain times. The bus-gates are rather scrum-like and confusing if you do not understand Chinese.

Beijing Capital Airport by Larry  Van Enwyk

21 November 2004

I live and work in China and frequently have to travel through Beijing. Change Gates: Happens - but not any more than my experience in US and European airports. Efficiency of Check-In: Typically faster and more efficient than many other airports. The staff are friendly and helpful. Getting the seat you want on a domestic flight can be difficult however. Restaurants: I suggest you delay check-in and go to the restaurant area in the basement area. There are numerous restaurants there, and although they are pricier than local restaurants on the street in China, their prices are a far cry from those you'll find after you check in. Taxis: Never go with anyone who offers you a taxi. Stand in the taxi stand and choose one of the smaller taxis with the lower fare which is posted on the rear passenger window. Once you find the taxi you'll be using check to be sure it has a license on the front passenger side and a taxi meter. The normal fare to city center is about Y80.00 - about US$10.00.

Beijing Capital Airport by Paul Nicol

21 November 2004

I used Beijing airport twice earlier this year in the space of a week. once arriving domestically once departing internationally. I found no major problems on arrival. Although I did attempt to get the bus into the city centre and found that the bus route ends somewhere in the outskirts of the city centre now not understanding any chinese and not having a clue where I was I had one option getting a Taxi! On the way out I decided it was a much better option to get a taxi to the airport. I had a much better experience this time. Check in smooth with friendly staff. The only problem I found was the total lack of any reading material in english. Also being rather hungover (the cheap chinese beer is great) I really fancied a hot chocolate and a sandwich but its impossible to get either of these.

Beijing Capital Airport by Benjamin Weland

14 November 2004

I have used PEK about 12 times over the last 6 months, my gate was changed once, but these things should be quite obvious - 50 Chinese suddenly getting up and racing down an escalator are an unmistakable sign for a gate change. Apart from that no major complaints, no great delays, baggage reclaim generally very efficient (both domestic and international). The only problems are the slightly dingy and overpriced restaurant (even though it has got a nice view over the tarmac), as well as the lack of international newspapers (you sometimes manage to get hold of the Economist or Newsweek) The new International Terminal is going to make things even more convenient.

Beijing Capital Airport by Robin Bramhall

23 October 2004

I flew into PEK on 13th October, and flew out again on 19th October. This was my first visit to Beijing. Initial impressions as you travel through immigration are good. The staff were quick and efficient, and the surroundings are pleasant. My bag appeared soon on the conveyor belt, and I then went out into the Arrivals Hall. On reflection it might have been better to pretend that I didn't speak any English or French or German for that matter, as I was accosted by numerous multilingual "taxi drivers" asking exorbitant fares for the journey to the centre of Beijing. One showed me a card indicating that the standard fare was 800 yuan. He pursued me, continually dropping the price, and eventually came down to 200 yuan. He wouldn't budge any further, even though I showed him the page in my guide book which indicates that the metered taxi fare should be between 75 and 100 yuan. I eventually fought through the scrum, and got a metered taxi which cost me just 80 yuan to the city centre. Touting of all kinds of goods and services is prevalent in the tourist areas of Beijing, and much of it is good humoured, but it would be a good idea for the authorities to clamp down on this at the airport. Unsuspecting passengers will get ripped off. The return taxi fare to the airport was just 75 yuan, and included an exhibition from the driver which Michael Schumacher would have been proud of. As soon as the taxi pulled up outside the Departure Hall, a "porter" pounced, put my bags on a trolley and wheeled it about 50 metres to the check-in desk, after which he asked for a 10 yuan fee (which is evidently the official rate for the job) Airside in the Departure Lounge is very pleasant. There's a reasonable selection of duty free items, a restaurant which looks out over the runway, and plenty of seating by the Departure Gates. Other than the touts, a very good experience. I'll be back next year.

Beijing Capital Airport by J Wilson

6 October 2004

I travel through Beijing Airport about 10 times a year both internationally and domestically. I agree with the other people in the forum who complain about the Gate's being changed a lot, although have only had this happen 2 or 3 times lately. I have found the baggage retreival excellent, although some regional airlines leave your baggage behind then don't give you any compensation. I agree it will be a BIG problem with a million people visiting in the Olympic year, so they better get their act together. Yes, Taxi's do overcharge but what foreign country doesn't!. Always ask for a small taxi as the Taxi rank will often get you the biggest taxi because you're a foreigner. Also watch out for Hawkers wanting to help you get to your gate - they walk you 20m to a check-in desk then want to charge you US$10. Other than that, Beijing is fine (if you assume you will have a problem at the airport, then this is the best approach to take when visiting!). I like Beijing Airport - if you want bad try going to CDG in France!

Beijing Capital Airport by Bert van der Honing

30 September 2004

Beware for taxi drivers at the official taxi rank as well. Airport officials do not always notice the lack of a meter AND a license (on the dashboard in front of the passenger seat). BOTH of these items should be in the taxi!

Beijing Capital Airport by K Tanaka

22 November 2003

I fly to Beijing at least once a month. Over the past three years, I've only ever recalled 4 of my nearly 36 flights that either took off or arrived on time. This is the city that harbors the delusion it can host the 2008 Olympics. These problems haven't changed in three years: 1). the public address system doesn't jive with new departure/boarding gate information. I've missed two flights because my boarding pass says Gate 10, the public address system says gate 20 while a woman with a bull horn at gate 30 is calling my flight. 2). The airport authority is never prepared for rainstorm or dust storms or the first snow of every winter. Take-offs and arrivals are always delayed with the slightest disruption in weather; 3) The Chinese don't queue and Beijing travelers make this cultural deficiency into high art; 4) Taxi system - there's no system. 5) Con men - a favourite trick is to charge fares in U.S. dollars when they know you're a foreigner. That's 8.3 times higher than the yuan fare; 6) Foreign magazines and newspapers - none available; 7) Over- priced food, smoky cafeteria that's a health hazard; 8) Protectionism - Airport security forbids alcohol to be carried in hand luggage and will confiscate any bottle that's brought on board, unless the liquor is bought at the Airport Duty Free, Go figure. 9) Health checks - Beijing was the world's worst SARS-infected city. Some fever detectors were not even operational during SARS. They were there for display.

Beijing Capital Airport by P Potts

13 April 2003

I've travelled through PEK several times, and the most annoying thing about the airport is the boarding gates. As Philip Cato said, the domestic bus gates are nothing short of a complete nightmare. When you ask the staff about which one is which, they are as confused as you (and it's not a language problem - I speak Chinese - they aren't sure which gate should be which either). After all the confusion, you get herded onto the tarmac to walk up all the steps onto the plane. More than a little unprofessional in my experience.

Beijing Capital Airport review by Philip Cato

22 November 2002

I use Beijing Capital airport frequently for domestic travel. The worst aspect of the domestic terminal must be the "bus gates" at ground level during peak hours. Finding your gate is a lottery - the information on your boarding pass is usually outdated by the time you get to the gate area. The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that the video screens showing departing flights and their allocated gates is opposite the gates, so you have to move away from the gate area to read them. Finally, there is little or no logic in the boarding sequence. They will be boarding flight "X" at 1700 hrs, and above the gate the information panel will tell you that the next flight from this particular gate will be flight Y at 1730 hrs, when in fact there is flight Z at 1715 hrs in between.

Beijing Capital Airport review by J K Kwong

22 October 2002

As a passenger who use the BJS quite a lot, I would like to say that the staff of BJS is not very kind to Chinese people, especially when the luggage overloaded, the crew of the check in desk are very not happy to give any extra weight to the Chinese, and normally charge the extra money straight away. But if you are not Chinese, they would try to give you as much convince as possible. Also, the service of the international terminal of BJS is much better than the domestic. Sometime, the announcement for boarding in domestic is without English.

Beijing Capital Airport review by Stephan Neuhauser

20 August 2002

Well designed, but restaurant prices are extremely high. In September 2001 I traveled PEK-ZRH with SR - the plane arrived from Shanghai and parked at the domestic gates. But passengers boarding at PEK waited in the international departures lounge. Though you could see the aircraft through the windows there was no way to get there, no announcements were made and in the end it was annoying having to find competent ground staff to guide you through security checks from the international to the domestic gate.

Beijing Capital Airport review by S Lee

28 July 2002

As a frequent flyer in Asia-Pacific region, I use Beijing Capital International Airport at least 10 times a year. Overview, I have to say that it is an airport constructed and managed with high qualities, although it doesn't have as many things you could do as in Hong Kong International Airport or Singapore Changi International Airport, but Beijing Capital International Airport gives me an unusual feeling with the well-designed terminal building. Also, the staff in the airport are generally kind and friendly, toilets are very regularly cleaned, quite a lot duty free shops are on services, flight information announcements are always clearly reported in both Chinese and English, there are also normally enough seats for all waiting passengers and although VIP lounges are not too luxury, but they are working nicely and I enjoyed to use them as well. However, there are also some improvements can be done such as reduce the waiting time in customs, security checkpoints and sometimes in the check-in areas as well. Additionally, if the airport authority could consider to open new an Internet cafe, lap-top connection points and more electronic luggage lockers in the airport terminal, these improvements would be good.