So I had my first run in with the new customs procedure, on JFK-MEX-ACA. In the old system, you collected your bags in MEX, went through customs, and then dropped them off on a conveyor. The new procedure is easier, where your bags are scanned at MEX behind the scenes, and you do not have to collect your bag until your final destination.

So what happens if your bag gets flagged for inspection/payment of duties? Well let me tell you.

I had a short connection - 1 hour, 20 minutes. All went smoothly and I was at the front of the line waiting to board my connection, which was running 20 minutes late. But even if it had been on time, I would have had plenty of time. Felling good, happy for my trip to be almost done.

Then the gate agent announced my name, told me I had to exit past security, go downstairs, re-enter security and get my bag from the Aeromexico service area in the baggage area, and submit to inspection. Obviously, as it was about boarding time, I was going to miss this flight, but I was told that I could catch the next one (orig flight 1:25, next flight 5:20). Followed instructions, got my bag, where again I was told I could re-book, and submitted to search. Paid my fine ($50) and was told to go upstairs to rebook.

Where I was told that because this was not Aeromexico's fault, they were not simply going to put me on the next flight, but I had to buy a new one.

Obviously, things went south from here. i had some traveler armor - I was a paid premier class ticket, and an Platinum status. After some explaining, which started off very polite but may have gotten colorful, I was booked onto the following flight.

So the lesson I learned from this is besides the obvious (don't put something in your bag that gets flagged), I think that I am going to avoid super short connections. If I had had 3 hours, I think I could have pulled this off. I think after everything was said and done, I had my new boarding pass, bag checked and was past security by 2:10, so lets say it was a 50 minute process. So if i had a 3 hour connection, I think I would have been fine.

As for the initial refusal to re-book me, I don't know how they could take that stance. But it would make me think twice about flying with AM in the future.