Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Common Complaints

• Freezing Temperatures: A recurring complaint is that the terminals, particularly Terminal 3, can be outrageously cold, with some travelers reporting temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius inside.
• Limited Food, Shopping, and Amenities: Many shops and food options are closed or very limited, especially in transit areas, leading to a poor selection for travelers. Shower facilities, once free, now often require payment or lounge access.
• Unreliable and Restricted Wi-Fi: The airport's Wi-Fi is frequently reported as poor, difficult to connect to, and heavily restricted, with many common websites blocked.
• Long Security and Immigration Wait Times: Passengers often face lengthy queues for security, customs, and immigration, with some reporting wait times of several hours. Security staff are sometimes described as rude and overly thorough.
• Poor English Support and Unhelpful Staff: Many travelers encounter difficulties with staff who speak limited English, and information or assistance for foreigners is often lacking.
• Confusing International Transit: The process for international transfers is often described as frustrating and confusing, frequently requiring passengers to go through customs and re-check luggage, even for connecting flights.
• Remote Gate Bus Transfers: Despite the airport's size, international passengers are often bused to remote aircraft stands, even when gates appear unoccupied.

Beijing Capital International Airport can be a challenging experience for travelers, particularly those on international transits, due to issues with comfort, amenities, and staff assistance. While its modern infrastructure is a positive, the operational aspects related to passenger experience, especially cold temperatures and inefficient processes, warrant significant improvement.