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MEX - Mexico City International Airport / 🛫AICM🛬 master thread

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Old Jul 2, 2014, 12:19 am
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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.
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:
  • 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).
Hotels:
  • 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>
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:
  • 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)
Hotels:
  • izZzleep microhotel, $170 MXN (under USD $9.00) for two hours, MXN $160 for a shower, etc. See IZZZLEEP
  • NH Collection Mexico City Airport Terminal 2 (287 rooms, 6th floor)<link>

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:


Mexico City Area Map (midwesternerinmexico.com http://bit.ly/1iTjS4P)

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.
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
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MEX - Mexico City International Airport / 🛫AICM🛬 master thread

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Old Feb 20, 2024, 2:35 pm
  #706  
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
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Originally Posted by Eastbay1K
Necesito ayuda, por favor. Aeromexico me mareó!
Actually, I had brain surgery and that is what was causing me to get dizzy and unbalanced. But, maybe the flight didn't help either.😁
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Old Feb 26, 2024, 5:25 pm
  #707  
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 222
Have a 3 hour connection in AICM arriving international in AM at T2 and departing international AF in T1. Different PNRs. Only hand luggage. Arriving flight "should" be at around 7PM and departing flight "should" be at around 10PM. I've watched a few YouTube videos and read a few threads, but was hoping to confirm that I still need to pass through passport control, take the AirTrain to T1 and pass security and immigration again? How crazy are the security lines on average at around that time? Trying to figure out if it's worth it/doable. Thanks in advance.
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Old Feb 26, 2024, 8:29 pm
  #708  
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Originally Posted by Basanez
Have a 3 hour connection in AICM arriving international in AM at T2 and departing international AF in T1. Different PNRs. Only hand luggage. Arriving flight "should" be at around 7PM and departing flight "should" be at around 10PM. I've watched a few YouTube videos and read a few threads, but was hoping to confirm that I still need to pass through passport control, take the AirTrain to T1 and pass security and immigration again? How crazy are the security lines on average at around that time? Trying to figure out if it's worth it/doable. Thanks in advance.
Security lines are rarely more than 10 minutes. The choke point is immigration. And yes. You need to go through all arrival formalities, just like a USA transit.
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Old Feb 27, 2024, 4:02 am
  #709  
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 222
Originally Posted by Eastbay1K
Security lines are rarely more than 10 minutes. The choke point is immigration. And yes. You need to go through all arrival formalities, just like a USA transit.
Thank you. Wondering if it’s doable in 3 hours. Have no idea how immigration lines are.
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Old Feb 27, 2024, 10:19 am
  #710  
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
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Three hours should be enough to do it. FWIW, I arrived around 7:30pm last Friday and immigration was nearly empty of arrivals, got through in a matter of minutes. The customs lines were a little longer, say 15 or so. The past year or so, every time I have gone through customs they are scanning all bags, no "nothing to declare" line.
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Old Feb 27, 2024, 10:50 am
  #711  
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 222
Originally Posted by RFNJ
Three hours should be enough to do it. FWIW, I arrived around 7:30pm last Friday and immigration was nearly empty of arrivals, got through in a matter of minutes. The customs lines were a little longer, say 15 or so. The past year or so, every time I have gone through customs they are scanning all bags, no "nothing to declare" line.
Thank you so much!
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Old Feb 27, 2024, 4:39 pm
  #712  
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
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AICM just announced some cancellations due to the Popocatepetl Volcano debris:

In CDMX there's an air quality warning and restrictions, Phase 1. The Volcano is at Phase 2, where it's been for several months but had a huge explosion recently. Check your flights over the next day for any cancellations.


"Due to the activity of the Popocatépetl volcano today, Tuesday, February 27, some airlines have decided to cancel some operations.
If you have a flight scheduled for today, we recommend you stay informed with your airline to find out its status.
We will continue to inform."
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Old Feb 27, 2024, 8:03 pm
  #713  
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
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UPDATE FROM AICM: So far 22 Flights Cancelled (National and International)

"After the report of suspension of some flights, due to the activity of the Popocatépetl volcano today, Tuesday, February 27, we specify the following:
-The AICM has remained open and in operation.
-22 flights of different national and international airlines have been cancelled, due to safety checks on the aircraft due to having found ashes in flight upon arrival at the AICM.
Management personnel and specialized teams remain on alert and are evaluating the ash fall conditions. At this time, the volcanic ash cloud is heading toward the Gulf of Mexico.
If you have a flight scheduled for this day or the following days, we recommend that you stay informed through your airline and the airport's institutional channels.
Our priority is SAFETY in operations."
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Old Feb 28, 2024, 8:47 am
  #714  
 
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Continue to Monitor your flights in/out of CDMX

From the government:

"Given the emission of ash from the volcano #Popocatépetl , we inform you:

🛫 The
@Aicm_mx
in CDMX remains open and operating
🛫 Preventively, operations at the Hermanos Serdán International Airport in Puebla were suspended at 7 a.m.

🚨 Stay up to date with airline communications regarding possible changes to itineraries due to the presence of volcanic ash
🚨 Consult only official sources"
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Old Feb 28, 2024, 9:27 am
  #715  
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
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From AICM (twitter/X account:

"In the presence of volcanic ash, operations may eventually be suspended. What can happen?"
Attached Images   
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Old Mar 3, 2024, 8:09 pm
  #716  
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
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FYI - Confirmation that a few cartel groups are working at the airport. Most people knew about this years ago, but now things have gotten worse. And that's why passengers have been followed home or to their hotels and robbed after exchanging large sums of money. I used to read about all these types of crimes, including all the trucks/vans carrying jewelry, smart phones etc from the airport (cargo planes) that were later ambushed. All inside information of course. But it's worse now, so stay low key and watch your luggage/contents. These groups are working in the money exchange businesses, baggage handling, etc.

https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/metro...yo-en-el-aicm/
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Old Mar 7, 2024, 12:40 pm
  #717  
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
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Aeromexico and ITA just signed a CodeShare Alliance

They will be operating out of MEX/AICM airport. There will be shared benefits for all customers of either line.

28 destinations in Mexico and 15 destinations in Italy. Aeromexico will be utilizing their 787 Dreamliner to Rome.

https://eturbonews.com/aeromexico-an...medium=twitter
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Old Mar 20, 2024, 12:08 pm
  #718  
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: CHS
Posts: 145
Flying in MIA-MEX on AA business- are there any fast pass ways past immigrations flying business or global entry?

Also- return is a 1240 pm flight MEX-MIA AA business. We will be staying at the courtyard at the airport since I read about traffic. How early should we arrive? we will have access to the admirals' club and have priority pass- any ideas of lunch/breakfast? Will be flying with teens. I thought I read some PP lounges offer massages, manicures- popcorn? thank you!
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Old Mar 20, 2024, 12:28 pm
  #719  
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Originally Posted by WAStraveller
... we will have access to the admirals' club and have priority pass- any ideas of lunch/breakfast?
The MEX Admirals Club has the best food of any Admirals Club that I have been to with the possible exception of the currently closed club at CDG. For breakfast, they even have chilaquiles.
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Old Mar 20, 2024, 2:28 pm
  #720  
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Mexico City
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Posts: 3,849
Originally Posted by WAStraveller
Flying in MIA-MEX on AA business- are there any fast pass ways past immigrations flying business or global entry?

Also- return is a 1240 pm flight MEX-MIA AA business. We will be staying at the courtyard at the airport since I read about traffic. How early should we arrive? we will have access to the admirals' club and have priority pass- any ideas of lunch/breakfast? Will be flying with teens. I thought I read some PP lounges offer massages, manicures- popcorn? thank you!
MEX has no fast track, but for the elderly/disabled and I believe airline staff. I've stayed at the Marriot at MEX and I left 3 hours before my flight because I was flying Emirates and I heard they close their check-in early. I would give yourself at least 2 hours on the safe side. That's just me and it depends if you have to check bags.
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