2h15 layover at PEK Beijing Capital Airport

Question

Hi everyone,

Checking flights for a possible trip to Tokyo next year, I have found a relatively cheap option with Hainan Airlines where we'd go Edinburgh to PEK Beijing Capital Airport for a 2h15min layover (05:10 to 07:25, so early morning hours) then onwards onto the second flight to Narita.

Reading online, I'm slightly worried that 2h15min might not be long enough, so I was wondering if anyone has had a similar (the same?) experience at PEK - and how if so how it went?

Specifically...

1) We will only be travelling with carry-on luggage. During those 2h15min, will we still need to go through baggage control and immigration control (incl. filling forms of any kind) at PEK Beijing Capital?

2) Given that both flights (Edinburgh > Beijing, Beijing > Tokyo) are with the same airline (Hainan Airlines) would they rebook us on another Beijing > Tokyo flight for free, if there is any sort of delay?

3) Reading online, I think (but I'm not sure) that Hainan's int'l flights all land at / depart from PEK Terminal 2. Does this make the 2h15min layover time more feasible?

Thanks,

José

Answer

A 2h15min layover at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) is generally feasible, but there are several important details to consider, especially for early morning flights. Here's a detailed breakdown based on your situation:

1) Carry-on luggage and transit procedures:

Since you are traveling with only carry-on luggage and both flights are international on the same airline (Hainan Airlines), you usually do not need to collect luggage or go through customs.
You will still need to go through security screening and possibly a transit immigration check depending on PEK's regulations at the time. Some passengers transiting internationally at PEK do have to show a boarding pass and pass through security again, even if they do not enter China formally.
Passenger forms (like arrival cards) are generally not required if you remain in the transit area, but double-check with Hainan Airlines, as early morning procedures can sometimes differ.

2) Flight connections and rebooking:

Because both flights are with Hainan Airlines, the airline is responsible for ensuring you make your connection.
If your Edinburgh > Beijing flight is delayed and you miss the Beijing > Tokyo flight, Hainan Airlines will typically rebook you on the next available flight to Tokyo at no additional cost.
Always confirm at check-in that your boarding passes for both flights are issued together, which helps streamline your transfer.

3) Terminal considerations:

Yes, most Hainan Airlines international flights operate out of Terminal 2 at PEK. Staying within the same terminal makes a 2h15min layover more feasible.
Even within Terminal 2, allow extra time for early morning operational delays, security checks, and walking to the departure gate.

Additional advice:

Check in online and have both boarding passes ready to save time at the airport.
Familiarize yourself with Terminal 2 layout to quickly move between gates.
Keep in mind that early morning flights can have longer security lines or delays, so allow at least 30–40 minutes for security and gate transfer.

In summary, a 2h15min layover at PEK is tight but manageable, especially if you travel with carry-on only, stay in Terminal 2, and both flights are on Hainan Airlines. Make sure to check the latest PEK transit rules and confirm boarding passes for both flights to minimize stress during the transfer.

2h15 layover at PEK Beijing Capital Airport

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