Originally Posted by
schriste
I’m attempting to book award travel into Merida, Mexico (MID). No availability on CO through Houston, so I’m looking at AeroMexico through Mexico City. The flight I have on hold has a 1 hour connection in MEX with the connection departing at 2:20pm. Apparently 1 hour in MEX is a legal connection between AeroMexico flights. I can also fly CO to MEX and then switch to AeroMexico and get an extra 15 minutes, but then I’d be changing airlines in MEX.
I assume I will need to clear immigration and customs in MEX before catching my connecting flight to Merida. Does anyone have any thought on the practicality of going with a 1 hour connection? Or the 75 minute CO to AM connection?
It's hit and miss in Mexico. First of all, Elite Access baggage doesn't exist in Mexico. Your baggage comes off whenever. If you're Elite...assume your bags will be last off of the conveyor...so assume you'll be the last one in line at customs, etc.
On Continental, most of the passengers will
generally be Americans...so the line for non-Mexicans will be longer. On Aeromexico, the passengers will
generally be mostly Mexican or Mexican visa holders, so if you're American, the line for non-Mexicans will be shorter....this could speed your way.
I never fly Mexican carriers, period. But if a connection that tight is your objective, then I would fly Aeromexico into Mexico...do a connection to Aeromexico. I would NOT try changing airlines. I wouldn't try the airline change EVEN WITH the extra few minutes.
There are several reasons.
- At MEX and in Mexico in general, the Mexican carriers have priority over all others...especially the US carriers. Your Continental flight will be waiting for a tug while the later Aeromexico flight will be rolling into the gate with a waiting crew of eager men.
- Your connection will be less hassle
- You will still get your points (hopefully)
- You will not make it on Continental
Mexico can surprise you with speed and sloth...it's very unpredictable. Dare to surprise us!