Hands down it is HKG. There is nothing, absolutely nothing that can be considered good about that bloated airport as a transfer point if not staying in China.

- AC pax must use the Air China lounge. Limited alcohol and mysterious food products of dubious quality are served. It makes the AC domestic MLL seem luxurious in comparison. HKG abounds with delicious food and quality.

- Dirt and filth everywhere. Touch anything and your hands and clothes become soiled. Cleanliness is the byword in Hong Kong where cleaning staff are on the job 24/7. No chance of a HKG washroom smelling like an open latrine as is the case at PEK.

- PEK has rude pax, pushing and shoving and hacking without covering their mouths. Hong Kong airport users skew to civility, much like the folks of Singapore.

- Transfer from AC to CA is an exercise in frustration. Surliness and inefficiency is the M.O. It doesn't matter if in business class, the CA agent still carries on like she's doing you a favour.

- If it's an evening flight, don't expect to hear a boarding call or announcement, because they didn't do it on any of my flights. Maybe it was an Air China thing. My colleague says he had a similar experience with China Eastern.

- Delays cancellations and misconnections are what Beijing international offers.

- If you have a long layover, PEK has the airport Hilton, which is one of the nicest Hiltons I have ever stayed in. Modern, spotless and an excellent breakfast with brilliant staff. In comparison, the Hong Kong Airport Regal seemed more like the worn out Ramada Hotel at LAX.

- If there are IROPS, no worries at all in HKG as the contract agents and airport personnel are the best of the best and are the reason why the airport is so good. At PEK, good luck.