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
Nov 21, 2021, 6:58 pm
#542
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: AF/KL Gold, DL Diamond, Hertz PC, Bonvoy Gold Elite; Hilton Gold
Posts: 997
Can someone confirm, is the Airtrain landslide or airside. If connecting Intl to Intl (AM to AF) and using the Airtrain to get to T1 do you have to reclear security?
Nov 22, 2021, 8:36 am
#543
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,630
Nov 29, 2021, 12:25 am
#545
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 689
I'm not sure this was an one off, but flying into T1 in the evening last week was a mess. The immigration line was snaking out the hall and up the stairs, and took something like 1-1/2 hours to get to the front. The times in the past for me it has been reasonably quick, but I had noticed even 4 weeks ago I saw very few tourists around, and the hotels were still quiet with a few on business and aircrew. But it is much busier, loads of Americans in my CDMX hotel as the bar was heaving with them, presumably having a short break for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Dec 19, 2021, 3:00 pm
#546
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Francisco
Programs: DL DM, 1MM AA PLT 2MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, and...Smiles Diamante
Posts: 2,783
Any more updates on immigration waits? I have two reports from friends traveling through T2 that the waits were dreadful during the past few weeks as well -- on the order of 90-120 minutes.
I'm usually tone deaf /accustomed to the non-pleasantries of flying through/to/from AICM but think I'm going to take a pass on connections their until things improve a bit.
I miss the Viajero Confiable days.
I'm usually tone deaf /accustomed to the non-pleasantries of flying through/to/from AICM but think I'm going to take a pass on connections their until things improve a bit.
I miss the Viajero Confiable days.
Dec 19, 2021, 6:43 pm
#547
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: AF/KL Gold, DL Diamond, Hertz PC, Bonvoy Gold Elite; Hilton Gold
Posts: 997
Any more updates on immigration waits? I have two reports from friends traveling through T2 that the waits were dreadful during the past few weeks as well -- on the order of 90-120 minutes.
I'm usually tone deaf /accustomed to the non-pleasantries of flying through/to/from AICM but think I'm going to take a pass on connections their until things improve a bit.
I miss the Viajero Confiable days.
I'm usually tone deaf /accustomed to the non-pleasantries of flying through/to/from AICM but think I'm going to take a pass on connections their until things improve a bit.
I miss the Viajero Confiable days.
I arrived T1 on 15th at 400pm and was same story.
Dec 20, 2021, 2:41 pm
#549
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,817
I will be traveling to MEX for the first time next week and just have a couple of questions.
1. It appears the most practical ways to get to hotel from airport is either Taxi or Uber? Any reason NOT to just use Uber if that is what we are used to?
2. On our departure, we have a flight at 6.30AM on AA back to the US. Staying at the Courtyard the night before. What time would you guys recommend checking in?
Thanks!
1. It appears the most practical ways to get to hotel from airport is either Taxi or Uber? Any reason NOT to just use Uber if that is what we are used to?
2. On our departure, we have a flight at 6.30AM on AA back to the US. Staying at the Courtyard the night before. What time would you guys recommend checking in?
Thanks!
Dec 20, 2021, 3:06 pm
#550
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,630
I will be traveling to MEX for the first time next week and just have a couple of questions.
1. It appears the most practical ways to get to hotel from airport is either Taxi or Uber? Any reason NOT to just use Uber if that is what we are used to?
2. On our departure, we have a flight at 6.30AM on AA back to the US. Staying at the Courtyard the night before. What time would you guys recommend checking in?
Thanks!
1. It appears the most practical ways to get to hotel from airport is either Taxi or Uber? Any reason NOT to just use Uber if that is what we are used to?
2. On our departure, we have a flight at 6.30AM on AA back to the US. Staying at the Courtyard the night before. What time would you guys recommend checking in?
Thanks!
Dec 20, 2021, 3:29 pm
#551
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,817
The reason not to use an UBER is if you're unfamiliar with the airport, it can be a bit confusing, and also, if you have larger luggage, you might find the typical UBER too small. In any event, there are authorized Taxi windows in the terminal, and they are cheap, reliable and safe. You may save a few $ by taking UBER, but for a first timer, I'd suggest the inside booth - they take CCs.
Dec 22, 2021, 11:46 am
#552
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Francisco
Programs: DL DM, 1MM AA PLT 2MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, and...Smiles Diamante
Posts: 2,783
In my experience the ATMs are perfectly reputable other than...occasionally not having cash. Anecdotally I've had better luck with the Banamex machines than others. (I feel like I've not fared so well with the Santander machines.)
On the Uber front, size shouldn't be an issue as you can easily score a monster SUV for a very reasonable price. I'd say the challenges might be finding the zone as Eastbay1K mentioned (I haven't dealt with T1 for ages and can't comment, but T2 is easy) and frequent issues with non-arriving/moving drivers/vehicles hoping to score a cancellation fee.
On the Uber front, size shouldn't be an issue as you can easily score a monster SUV for a very reasonable price. I'd say the challenges might be finding the zone as Eastbay1K mentioned (I haven't dealt with T1 for ages and can't comment, but T2 is easy) and frequent issues with non-arriving/moving drivers/vehicles hoping to score a cancellation fee.
Dec 25, 2021, 4:21 pm
#553
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,817
Thanks to those that gave suggestions for transportation etc. Thought I would report back on how it went and impressions as a first time visitor.
1. I expected a nicer airport to be honest. Found the overall condition of the airport from getting off the plane to getting the taxi underwhelming for such an airport in such a large international city.
2. Not sure why but immigration was not accepting online filled out immigration forms. A lot of people scrambling to fill out forms again.
3. I think due to arriving on Christmas Eve, there was a real shortage of taxis. The lines where not terribly long but in the ten minute we stood there one sedan taxi came. Luckily for us, the taxi company wouldn't sell us a sedan ticket but instead a sprinter van ticket. At the time, I thought I was just being upsold but when we got to jump the queue and get in a vehicle.....it was worth the very inflated price. I cant imagine the people ahead of us got out out of there in less than an hour at the paces cars where coming through.
Again, thanks for the info beforehand.
1. I expected a nicer airport to be honest. Found the overall condition of the airport from getting off the plane to getting the taxi underwhelming for such an airport in such a large international city.
2. Not sure why but immigration was not accepting online filled out immigration forms. A lot of people scrambling to fill out forms again.
3. I think due to arriving on Christmas Eve, there was a real shortage of taxis. The lines where not terribly long but in the ten minute we stood there one sedan taxi came. Luckily for us, the taxi company wouldn't sell us a sedan ticket but instead a sprinter van ticket. At the time, I thought I was just being upsold but when we got to jump the queue and get in a vehicle.....it was worth the very inflated price. I cant imagine the people ahead of us got out out of there in less than an hour at the paces cars where coming through.
Again, thanks for the info beforehand.
Dec 26, 2021, 3:11 pm
#554
Join Date: May 2002
Programs: WN F9 HA UA AA IHG HH MR
Posts: 3,305
T1 is a 1950s relic that was supposed to have been retired by now with the construction of the new MEX airport 10km to the northeast. That construction ground to a halt with the election of AMLO three years ago.
Dec 26, 2021, 5:23 pm
#555
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,817
Very unfortunate. Nice city and should have an airport that represents that, IMO.