Jul 2, 2014, 12:19 am
Last edit by: JDiver
Please edit or add information to this wiki as necessary.
GENERAL INFORMATION
"AICM" - Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México
(Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez)
Av. Capitán Carlos León S/N
Col Peñón de los Baños
Delegación Venustiano Carranza, DF
CP 15620, México
Phone: (+52 55) 2482-2424 and 2482-2400
Website: http://www.aicm.com.mx/home_en.php (English language version)
Link to AICM airlines information, including terminals.
Most comprehensive information: Wikipedia (Castilian Spanish)
Mexico City Airport Guide to lounges, sleeping, etc. by SleepinginAirports.net
Venustiano Carranza is one of the 16 boroughs (delegaciones) of the Federal District; it serves Mexico City, and is located 3.1 miles / 5 km east of downtown (getting there takes significantly longer than you would think; traffic can be very congested). The airport is one of the oldest, opening in 1928, and is limited by two runways at high altitude (7,316 ft / 2,230 m above MSL) and can not expand due to encroaching population. Recent attempts to open a new, higher capacity airport were ended by the new President, so this airport, Latin America's second busiest, will do for now.
NOTE: See post 380 (23 May 2018, by BenA) for information on the new automated passport reading kiosks in Terminal 2 and a shorter option to lengthy arrivals queues.
FLIGHT INFORMATION: http://www.aicm.com.mx/informacional.../fids/fids.php
CONNECTIONS: Check to see if you need to connect between terminals, and allow plenty of time for that. See MEX Connection Times international / domestic master thread
Interterminal Transportation - Aerotrén / Air Train: The landside elevated Aerotrén APM (Automated People Mover) claims to move only those connecting passengers with boarding passes between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It consists of two to four cars, each with 25 passenger (with baggage and hand carry) capacity, per train, which travels at 28 MPH / 45 kph over the 1.9 mi / 3 km range. Time en route is 4:40 (min), dwell time in each terminal is 60 seconds, time between trains is 10:45 (min).
Aerotrén route
Interterminal Transportation - Landside red shuttle busses[/B] operate 05:00 (am) to 01:00 (am), also used during Aerotrén breakdowns, are labeled ""Transportación entre Terminales"; the stops are at entrance No. 6 of Terminal 1 and entrance No. 4 of Terminal 2. They are air conditioned, have luggage spaces and are wheelchair-accessible.
MEX airport map
ARRIVING: If you are arriving from an international flight without a connection (you are terminating at MEX), you must have your forms filled out - see Requirements for visiting Mexico as a tourist ("tourist card", visa etc.).
You may have a lengthy walk down the glassed-in arrivals corridor. This corridor has glass door controlled areas to allow people from the departures area cross through the arrivals corridor (like using an air lock), so you could be detained by a boarding aircraft. In one instance we were detained nearly fifteen minutes enough route from the 30s gate as a TACA flight boarded and our passage was blocked by glass doors.
Proceed to the corridor end and down one floor to the not-so-well marked exits for "Migración" and proceed to the sometimes lengthy queues to present your passport and documents. Your tourist card will be stamped and you will be given a portion back - turn it in on your departure (if you lose it, expect to pay a fine and have to spend some time with formalities). (When you check in at MEX, the form will be stapled to your boarding pass, and removed at the boarding gate - if somehow you do not have it at counter or gate, you'll have to return landslide and fill out forms and pay a MXN 307.00 fine.
Once your passport is stamped and your "Tourist Card" / FMM is validated, proceed to the baggage carousels and look for your flight to be displayed. Carts are available. Retrieve your baggage and proceed to "ADUANA", where you will queue up one more time.Normally, as you approach the customs kiosk, you will walk up to what looks like a small traffic light / robot and press the large button; a Green light means you can proceed, a Red light means further Customs formalities and inspection. You normally then put your bags on a conveyor belt for x-ray screening, As your bags have been x-rayed prior to delivery you no longer have the x-rayed upon exiting the Aduana hall, though bags may be selected for secondary screening; then you are landside in the arrivals floor scrum.
BAGGAGE STORAGE (link)
If you recover your baggage and have a layover, there are left luggage / baggage storage / GUARDAEQUIPAJE* at AICM, ~100 MXN per day.
*Goo-ARR-dah ek-kee-PA-heh
Terminal 1: Internacional area 10 between Gates 7 and 8, Area E-2; 24 hours a day.
Terminal 2: in front of the Domestic Arrivals area, 24 hours a day.
TERMINALS
Terminal 1 is the original terminal, and has expanded a number of times. Terminal 2 was opened in 2007, increasing the airport's capacity 40% from the frequently expanded Terminal 1. SkyTeam, including local member Aeroméxico, excepting Air France and KLM, are located in Terminal 2.
See this WikiTravel page for further information, including airlines and terminals: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_city_airport
Terminal 1:
Premium Lounges in T1: Hotels: See this excellent page on Arriving in Terminal 1, from www.midwesternerinmexico.com.
Terminal 2: (Domestic subterminal and SkyTeam other than KLM and AF)
Premium Lounges in T2: Hotels:
FOR HOTELS, LOUNGES, SLEEPING:
A fairly comprehensiveresource is www.sleepinginairports.net. Their intro page to MEX is here, and it covers everything from hotels to Lounges and ad hoc sleeping in airports. E.g. Avianca Lounge is 24/7 and day passes are currently available.
Izzzleep sleep capsules in Terminal 1 (140 MXN hourly, minimum two hours, WiFi, bathrooms, showers for 130 MXN fee - bookable via Bookings.com, Expedia, etc.) Landsude, just “past the entrance to the Marriott Courtyard, in/on top of the T1 bus terminal structure.” (Gracias to flugvergnugen)
OFFSITE TRANSPORTATION:
By taxi: The authorized taxi stands at the airport have "Transporte Terrestre" kiosks where you can buy a ticket to your destination, and then proceed outside to the taxi line to catch the taxi. DO NOT pay attention to touts or walk across the street to pick up unaffiliated or pirate taxis - kidnapping and assault are not unknown if you choose to do this.
Uber: see https://www.uber.com/cities/mexico-city; see post #146.
You may wish to read over this informative page about using taxis (and the various kinds of taxis available), with particular emphasis on Mexico City taxis.
By Metro: If you have no luggage, you can use the Metro (Line 5 / Yellow Line, station Terminal Aérea) (serves Terminal 1 only - use interterminal shuttle bus to Terminal 2)and connect to your destination (most will connect to other lines at Pantitlán south, or Oceania north of Terminal Aérea). Tickets (and passes) can be purchased from kiosks, and cost $3.00 pesos per trip (~€ 0.15, or ~US$ 0.24). Hours are 05:00 a 24:00 weekdays, starting 06:00 Saturdays, and 07:00 Sundays and holidays. Website (Castilian Spanish).
Local Bus: The best local bus is the articulated BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Metrobús Line 4 - the electrically-powered red bus runs in priority roadway lanes from 04:30 (am) to midnight), departures every 20 minutes, takes 30 minutes to downtown historic center / centro histórico, costs $30.00 pesos (about US$2.40 / €1.80) single / one way, has luggage space. Catch it on the ground floor of Terminal 1 opposite Gates 6 - 7, and Terminal 2 near the taxi rank on the ground floor / arrivals. Get your tickets from automated kiosks with peso coins or credit card; sweep your card past the validator as you board. See this page (English version) for details.
By Intercity Bus: There are stations in each terminal with reliable, economical and safe buses to various national destinations. See this page for the bus schedule, and for more on Mexican busses here: Bus travel in Mexico, the definitive thread.
"AICM Terminal 1 land terminal (Terminal terrestre de autobuses - open 24 / 7) is located in front of the international area vehicular ramp and its facilities include various services for the comfort of our passengers. Among others, it offers VIP lounges, internet, resting, reading and meeting halls. The terminal also offers a fast food area, shops, souvenirs and currency exchange offices.
The AICM Terminal 2 land terminal is located at gate D, between entrance 4 and the national arrival passenger exit, and its facilities include resting halls and a fast food area."
INTERCITY BUSSES:
- Autobuses del Oriente (ADO)
Tel: 5133-2424 and 01800-702-8000
Operations: 6:00 to 21:00 hrs. 7 days
Destination: Córdoba, state of Veracrúz
- Autobuses Estrella Blanca
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operations: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destinations: Pachuca, state of Hidalgo
- Autobuses Estrella Roja
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operations: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destination: Puebla, Puebla
- Autobuses La Piedad
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operating Hours: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destinations: Querétaro, Qro.
- Autobuses Pullman de Morelos
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operating Hours: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destination: Cuernavaca, Mor.
- Autobuses TMT Caminante
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operating Hours: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destination: Toluca, Mexico
GENERAL INFORMATION
"AICM" - Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México
(Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez)
Av. Capitán Carlos León S/N
Col Peñón de los Baños
Delegación Venustiano Carranza, DF
CP 15620, México
Phone: (+52 55) 2482-2424 and 2482-2400
Website: http://www.aicm.com.mx/home_en.php (English language version)
Link to AICM airlines information, including terminals.
Most comprehensive information: Wikipedia (Castilian Spanish)
Mexico City Airport Guide to lounges, sleeping, etc. by SleepinginAirports.net
Venustiano Carranza is one of the 16 boroughs (delegaciones) of the Federal District; it serves Mexico City, and is located 3.1 miles / 5 km east of downtown (getting there takes significantly longer than you would think; traffic can be very congested). The airport is one of the oldest, opening in 1928, and is limited by two runways at high altitude (7,316 ft / 2,230 m above MSL) and can not expand due to encroaching population. Recent attempts to open a new, higher capacity airport were ended by the new President, so this airport, Latin America's second busiest, will do for now.
NOTE: See post 380 (23 May 2018, by BenA) for information on the new automated passport reading kiosks in Terminal 2 and a shorter option to lengthy arrivals queues.
FLIGHT INFORMATION: http://www.aicm.com.mx/informacional.../fids/fids.php
CONNECTIONS: Check to see if you need to connect between terminals, and allow plenty of time for that. See MEX Connection Times international / domestic master thread
From an international flight to an international/domestic flight – Clear immigration, customs and security with any (retrieved at carousels) check-in baggage, then place your baggage on the flight connections carousel located on the right hand side, before proceeding to your departure gate.
If you are traveling on separate ticketing, you will have to go to the terminal airline ticket counter, check in and check your bags.
If you are connecting to the same airline to a domestic destination, you will recover your baggage once you arrive there. Look for the transit queue and processing.
From a domestic flight to an international flight – Proceed directly to the appropriate terminal and departure gate ([B.
If you are traveling on separate ticketing, you will have to go to the terminal airline ticket counter, check in and check your bags.
If you are connecting to the same airline to a domestic destination, you will recover your baggage once you arrive there. Look for the transit queue and processing.
From a domestic flight to an international flight – Proceed directly to the appropriate terminal and departure gate ([B.
Aerotrén route
Interterminal Transportation - Landside red shuttle busses[/B] operate 05:00 (am) to 01:00 (am), also used during Aerotrén breakdowns, are labeled ""Transportación entre Terminales"; the stops are at entrance No. 6 of Terminal 1 and entrance No. 4 of Terminal 2. They are air conditioned, have luggage spaces and are wheelchair-accessible.
MEX airport map
ARRIVING: If you are arriving from an international flight without a connection (you are terminating at MEX), you must have your forms filled out - see Requirements for visiting Mexico as a tourist ("tourist card", visa etc.).
You may have a lengthy walk down the glassed-in arrivals corridor. This corridor has glass door controlled areas to allow people from the departures area cross through the arrivals corridor (like using an air lock), so you could be detained by a boarding aircraft. In one instance we were detained nearly fifteen minutes enough route from the 30s gate as a TACA flight boarded and our passage was blocked by glass doors.
Proceed to the corridor end and down one floor to the not-so-well marked exits for "Migración" and proceed to the sometimes lengthy queues to present your passport and documents. Your tourist card will be stamped and you will be given a portion back - turn it in on your departure (if you lose it, expect to pay a fine and have to spend some time with formalities). (When you check in at MEX, the form will be stapled to your boarding pass, and removed at the boarding gate - if somehow you do not have it at counter or gate, you'll have to return landslide and fill out forms and pay a MXN 307.00 fine.
Once your passport is stamped and your "Tourist Card" / FMM is validated, proceed to the baggage carousels and look for your flight to be displayed. Carts are available. Retrieve your baggage and proceed to "ADUANA", where you will queue up one more time.
BAGGAGE STORAGE (link)
If you recover your baggage and have a layover, there are left luggage / baggage storage / GUARDAEQUIPAJE* at AICM, ~100 MXN per day.
*Goo-ARR-dah ek-kee-PA-heh
Terminal 1: Internacional area 10 between Gates 7 and 8, Area E-2; 24 hours a day.
Terminal 2: in front of the Domestic Arrivals area, 24 hours a day.
TERMINALS
Terminal 1 is the original terminal, and has expanded a number of times. Terminal 2 was opened in 2007, increasing the airport's capacity 40% from the frequently expanded Terminal 1. SkyTeam, including local member Aeroméxico, excepting Air France and KLM, are located in Terminal 2.
See this WikiTravel page for further information, including airlines and terminals: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_city_airport
Terminal 1:
Premium Lounges in T1:
- Salón Premier Internacional T1 (Aeroméxico - SkyTeam; Diners Club)
- United Club (United Airlines, Priority Pass)
- Admirals Club (American Airlines, U.S. Airways, oneworld - near Gate 23
- American Express Platinum Centurión Lounge (near Gate 30 - much closer to AA, U.S. etc. departures than some of the airline lounges).
- izZzleep microhotel, $170 MXN (under USD $9.00) for two hours, MXN $160 for a shower, etc. See IZZZLEEP
- Camino Real Aeropuerto de México (connected to terminal 1-B by walkway - 600 rooms, budget) <link>
- Courtyard Mexico City Airport by Marriott (connected by walkway and free shuttle to Terminal 2 - 288 rooms) <link>
- Fiesta Inn Aeropuerto Ciudad de México by Fiesta Americana (Located across from Terminal 1 and offers free shuttles - 327 rooms, budget) <link>
- Hilton México City Airport (Level 3, near gate F1 in the International arrivals area - 110 rooms) <link>
Terminal 2: (Domestic subterminal and SkyTeam other than KLM and AF)
Premium Lounges in T2:
- Club Diamante (Aeromar)
- HSBC Premier Lounge (landslide)
- Salón Premier Nacional (Domestic side - Aeroméxico - SkyTeam; Priority Pass; Diners Club; Airport Angel)
- Salón Premier Internacional T2 (Aeroméxico - SkyTeam; Priority Pass; Diners Club, Airport Angel)
- Riedel Wine Room (Aeroméxico)
- Travel Pass Elite Lounge (Banamex/Citibank)
- Centurión American Express Lounge (American Express)
FOR HOTELS, LOUNGES, SLEEPING:
A fairly comprehensiveresource is www.sleepinginairports.net. Their intro page to MEX is here, and it covers everything from hotels to Lounges and ad hoc sleeping in airports. E.g. Avianca Lounge is 24/7 and day passes are currently available.
Izzzleep sleep capsules in Terminal 1 (140 MXN hourly, minimum two hours, WiFi, bathrooms, showers for 130 MXN fee - bookable via Bookings.com, Expedia, etc.) Landsude, just “past the entrance to the Marriott Courtyard, in/on top of the T1 bus terminal structure.” (Gracias to flugvergnugen)
OFFSITE TRANSPORTATION:
By taxi: The authorized taxi stands at the airport have "Transporte Terrestre" kiosks where you can buy a ticket to your destination, and then proceed outside to the taxi line to catch the taxi. DO NOT pay attention to touts or walk across the street to pick up unaffiliated or pirate taxis - kidnapping and assault are not unknown if you choose to do this.
Uber: see https://www.uber.com/cities/mexico-city; see post #146.
You may wish to read over this informative page about using taxis (and the various kinds of taxis available), with particular emphasis on Mexico City taxis.
Walking out of the airport - Taxi Sitio (Rank) (from WikiTravel - http://wikitravel.org/en/Mexico_City)
Be aware the airport is not located in the best area of the city, so it is not recommended for tourists to walk outside the airport terminal in search for cheaper taxi service unless you have pre-arranged your service. Definitely do not attempt this if you are not comfortable speaking Spanish. Despite this, an alternative Taxi Sitio (site) can be reached by using the overpass located outside of Gate D. Taxis here are about half the price of the official airport taxis and are considered secure. This is the Sitio (taxi rank) that is set up for the airline employees.
Be aware the airport is not located in the best area of the city, so it is not recommended for tourists to walk outside the airport terminal in search for cheaper taxi service unless you have pre-arranged your service. Definitely do not attempt this if you are not comfortable speaking Spanish. Despite this, an alternative Taxi Sitio (site) can be reached by using the overpass located outside of Gate D. Taxis here are about half the price of the official airport taxis and are considered secure. This is the Sitio (taxi rank) that is set up for the airline employees.
Local Bus: The best local bus is the articulated BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Metrobús Line 4 - the electrically-powered red bus runs in priority roadway lanes from 04:30 (am) to midnight), departures every 20 minutes, takes 30 minutes to downtown historic center / centro histórico, costs $30.00 pesos (about US$2.40 / €1.80) single / one way, has luggage space. Catch it on the ground floor of Terminal 1 opposite Gates 6 - 7, and Terminal 2 near the taxi rank on the ground floor / arrivals. Get your tickets from automated kiosks with peso coins or credit card; sweep your card past the validator as you board. See this page (English version) for details.
By Intercity Bus: There are stations in each terminal with reliable, economical and safe buses to various national destinations. See this page for the bus schedule, and for more on Mexican busses here: Bus travel in Mexico, the definitive thread.
"AICM Terminal 1 land terminal (Terminal terrestre de autobuses - open 24 / 7) is located in front of the international area vehicular ramp and its facilities include various services for the comfort of our passengers. Among others, it offers VIP lounges, internet, resting, reading and meeting halls. The terminal also offers a fast food area, shops, souvenirs and currency exchange offices.
The AICM Terminal 2 land terminal is located at gate D, between entrance 4 and the national arrival passenger exit, and its facilities include resting halls and a fast food area."
INTERCITY BUSSES:
- Autobuses del Oriente (ADO)
Tel: 5133-2424 and 01800-702-8000
Operations: 6:00 to 21:00 hrs. 7 days
Destination: Córdoba, state of Veracrúz
- Autobuses Estrella Blanca
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operations: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destinations: Pachuca, state of Hidalgo
- Autobuses Estrella Roja
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operations: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destination: Puebla, Puebla
- Autobuses La Piedad
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operating Hours: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destinations: Querétaro, Qro.
- Autobuses Pullman de Morelos
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operating Hours: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destination: Cuernavaca, Mor.
- Autobuses TMT Caminante
Tels: 5786-9341, 5786-9358, 5786-9338 & 5786-9342
Operating Hours: 24 hrs. / 7 days
Destination: Toluca, Mexico
MEX - Mexico City International Airport / 🛫AICM🛬 master thread
Sep 20, 2017, 11:48 am
#376
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Airport operations were suspended temporarily after a possible gas leak was identified in the control tower. Airport operations were reinstated soon after, though there is damage to the roadside area by Terminal 2.
My sister and nephew were flying LAX-MEX on Interjet when the earthquake occurred. Their flight was routed LAX-CUL-GDL-TLC before the airport declared open and their arruved MEX T-1 without incident and were driven home (Jardines del Pedregal in CDMX).
My sister and nephew were flying LAX-MEX on Interjet when the earthquake occurred. Their flight was routed LAX-CUL-GDL-TLC before the airport declared open and their arruved MEX T-1 without incident and were driven home (Jardines del Pedregal in CDMX).
Sep 25, 2017, 10:20 am
#377
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: USA
Programs: SPG Gold, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Discoverist, IHG Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 33
With an hour and a half international connection in MEX on AeroMexico T2 from US am I better off checking bags straight through or carrying on and taking them with me? Do we have to pick up bags in customs in MEX like we do if we are connecting internationally in the US?
Sep 25, 2017, 10:55 am
#378
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,644
With an hour and a half international connection in MEX on AeroMexico T2 from US am I better off checking bags straight through or carrying on and taking them with me? Do we have to pick up bags in customs in MEX like we do if we are connecting internationally in the US?
Note that AM can be very tight on carry on size/weight. Just be prepared. And if you can get the carry on tags at your origin airport, all the better. (Transit security - same hall, up the escalator opposite the bag redrop spot is ok, but if you go to the main hall and enter security up there, you may be refused entry with your carry on if it doesn't have the proper AM tag).
Oct 4, 2017, 9:23 pm
#379
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Francisco
Programs: DL DM, 1MM AA PLT 2MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, and...Smiles Diamante
Posts: 2,783
Breaking news!
Centurion T2 is open!
Looks like the same food menu as before. Certainly better than Enrique Olvera’s “Pujol inspired cuisine” in Clase Premier.
Not enough time here to provide a full assessment but I thought y’all would appreciate the good news.
Centurion T2 is open!
Looks like the same food menu as before. Certainly better than Enrique Olvera’s “Pujol inspired cuisine” in Clase Premier.
Not enough time here to provide a full assessment but I thought y’all would appreciate the good news.
Last edited by snorkmaster; Oct 12, 2017 at 12:00 am Reason: Add emphasis
Nov 4, 2017, 4:42 pm
#380
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: New York, NY
Programs: IHG Spire Ambassador, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 456
recent T-1 lounge debacle
arrived at t1 with an hour to kill armed with my Amex Platinum and Priority Pass cards. Luckily, I also had my Citi Prestige because the other two were happening. The centurion lounge was packed and it seemed everything was for a fee (except 15-minute massage). The two Grand Salon lounges were waiting list only. As I was walking to my gate (16) I noticed a MasterCard elite lounge immediately in front. I was able to get me and my partner in with the Citi prestige card since it is a World Elite MC. (I believe nominal $1 fee/person). It was almostt empty, bright and modern. There was a small area of snacks (finger sandwiches, hot dogs, snack mix and popcorn). One drink/person was complimentary.
Last edited by 54austin; Nov 4, 2017 at 4:50 pm
Nov 20, 2017, 7:45 pm
#381
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 8
Flight connections in MEX
Hello FT Community,
I'm looking at doing a mileage run from SFO -> MEX -> SAN, with SAN being the final destination (all on Alaska) to take advantage of their double miles offer.. With SAN being the final destination (though listed on a separate reservation), would I have to go through customs or reclaim any checked any bags for this? I presume that all connections would be in the same terminal.
Can anyone share any insight?
Thanks in advance!
I'm looking at doing a mileage run from SFO -> MEX -> SAN, with SAN being the final destination (all on Alaska) to take advantage of their double miles offer.. With SAN being the final destination (though listed on a separate reservation), would I have to go through customs or reclaim any checked any bags for this? I presume that all connections would be in the same terminal.
Can anyone share any insight?
Thanks in advance!
Nov 20, 2017, 9:52 pm
#382
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,644
Hello FT Community,
I'm looking at doing a mileage run from SFO -> MEX -> SAN, with SAN being the final destination (all on Alaska) to take advantage of their double miles offer.. With SAN being the final destination (though listed on a separate reservation), would I have to go through customs or reclaim any checked any bags for this? I presume that all connections would be in the same terminal.
Can anyone share any insight?
Thanks in advance!
I'm looking at doing a mileage run from SFO -> MEX -> SAN, with SAN being the final destination (all on Alaska) to take advantage of their double miles offer.. With SAN being the final destination (though listed on a separate reservation), would I have to go through customs or reclaim any checked any bags for this? I presume that all connections would be in the same terminal.
Can anyone share any insight?
Thanks in advance!
Nov 21, 2017, 6:11 am
#383
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,965
To echo Eastbay..... arriving in MEX can be hit or miss. I would plan your date carefully as arriving in MEX and going through formalities has taken us sometimes 90 minutes or so the lines have been so long...especially around holidays.
Nov 27, 2017, 3:57 pm
#385
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Francisco
Programs: DL DM, 1MM AA PLT 2MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, and...Smiles Diamante
Posts: 2,783
I had a little extra time to relax in the T2 Centurion on my recent trip after filling up on totopos with gas station cheese in the Salon Premier.
I don't know if there was a relatively recent change in policy, but with a Platinum card one may consume any non-champagne wine on the list and take advantage of a simple, but pleasant set menu for breakfast or lunch/dinner. If the free set menu doesn't float your boat, the full paid menu is also on offer.
Also, shoeshine man is a nice bonus touch for dusty zapatos. Another bonus feature is an HVAC system that isn't built on Ionic Breezes.
I haven't checked out the T2 shower or spa situations yet.
I don't know if there was a relatively recent change in policy, but with a Platinum card one may consume any non-champagne wine on the list and take advantage of a simple, but pleasant set menu for breakfast or lunch/dinner. If the free set menu doesn't float your boat, the full paid menu is also on offer.
Also, shoeshine man is a nice bonus touch for dusty zapatos. Another bonus feature is an HVAC system that isn't built on Ionic Breezes.
I haven't checked out the T2 shower or spa situations yet.
Dec 24, 2017, 3:57 pm
#386
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: Delta Platinum, Etihad Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 139
T1 Centurion (between gates 17 and 18) also has some complimentary items for Platinum cardholders. Choice between beard trim, manicure touch-up, or massage (I assume shoulder/back). For breakfast a fruit bowl with yogurt and Mexican scrambled eggs with choice of meat. Both were very nice (and the scrambled eggs opinion is coming from a Mexican!). Don't know about alcohol since it was an 8 am flight so just ordered juice. The choice of spa service was 1 per cardholder (but they offered to give my partner a massage still, so don't know if this was an exception just for us or what) but the food/drinks were for both of us. Seats were very comfy! I should be back around dinnertime in the next days so I'll know about the alcohol and dinner offering then. Either way I can say that at least for breakfast there is no comparison between this and the other lounges. Only issue could be seating availability as it's not a large lounge, but this wasn't a problem when we were there.
Jan 7, 2018, 9:14 pm
#387
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: DFW
Programs: UA, DL, LH, Marriott, Amex
Posts: 554
MEX Airport - International Connection and Mixed Ticketing
Hello,
I am looking at booking a mixed ticket with an international connection at MEX. I'm afraid this might be very difficult and/or not a great idea, but I wanted to explore it and see from others experiences how it might fair.
Outbound
DFW - MEX (AA or 5D, likely AA)
MEX - CDG (AF)
Same in reverse for the return flight.
Do I have to clear customs and re-check in? If so, can anybody shed light on the route I would have to walk/shuttle? If I use 5D do I get any help with checked baggage transfer?
Thanks!
I am looking at booking a mixed ticket with an international connection at MEX. I'm afraid this might be very difficult and/or not a great idea, but I wanted to explore it and see from others experiences how it might fair.
Outbound
DFW - MEX (AA or 5D, likely AA)
MEX - CDG (AF)
Same in reverse for the return flight.
Do I have to clear customs and re-check in? If so, can anybody shed light on the route I would have to walk/shuttle? If I use 5D do I get any help with checked baggage transfer?
Thanks!
Jan 8, 2018, 8:34 am
#388
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 505
Why would it be very difficult? The only risk you run is the inherent mixed ticketing risk - if your first flight is late and you miss your separate connection, then you're out of luck.
Otherwise it's a matter of clearing immigration, collecting your bags, clearing customs, and then checking in with AF (T1). If you arrive on AA, you'll be in T1 already, so escalator or elevator to departures. If on AM, then you're in T2, and you have to take the tram to T1. You'll need to show your AF itinerary to the personnel to be allowed into the tram. If you have 2.5 hours or more, and everything is in standard operating mode, it's not difficult & very doable.
Otherwise it's a matter of clearing immigration, collecting your bags, clearing customs, and then checking in with AF (T1). If you arrive on AA, you'll be in T1 already, so escalator or elevator to departures. If on AM, then you're in T2, and you have to take the tram to T1. You'll need to show your AF itinerary to the personnel to be allowed into the tram. If you have 2.5 hours or more, and everything is in standard operating mode, it's not difficult & very doable.
Jan 8, 2018, 10:06 am
#390
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Vietnam & USA
Programs: Delta PM
Posts: 456