I will be traveling Mexicana for the first time in a few months from JFK-CUN with my partner. The outbound flight will be in business class and the return in economy. I have a few questions:

• Mexicana advised when I booked the flight that there is a 3 hour check in time. Is this enforced? I don't want to be at JFK at 5am for an 8am flight if I don't have to. I won't be checking any bags, so how late can I show up to check in before the flight closes? Is it the same for the return from CUN-JFK?

• Will I have lounge access if traveling in business class? If so, do you know which lounge? Also, on the return, even though I'm in economy, I have BA Gold status. Will this get us entry to the lounge in CUN?

Any suggestions or advice? Thanks!