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
Oct 19, 2014, 1:01 am
#121
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 226
I hope this is the right place to ask this. If not, please move it.
My family is planning a trip to Mexico City for Xmas. We are coming from two places.
Me, DH and my mother are arriving from SF on UA 821 at 7:00 on December 24. My sister will be arriving from New York on what is a code share for Delta and Aero Mexico at about 6:20 pm.
We are staying at the JW Marriott at Andres Bellos. We'd like to all travel together and take a cab. What is the approximate cab fare? Also, what would be the best way for us to meet? The 3 of us coming from SF all have status on United - and Global Entry. (Actually we all have GE, but I don't think that will buy us anything).
Any advice would be appreciated. Last time I was in this airport was connecting through on Mexicana in 98.
Thanks!
My family is planning a trip to Mexico City for Xmas. We are coming from two places.
Me, DH and my mother are arriving from SF on UA 821 at 7:00 on December 24. My sister will be arriving from New York on what is a code share for Delta and Aero Mexico at about 6:20 pm.
We are staying at the JW Marriott at Andres Bellos. We'd like to all travel together and take a cab. What is the approximate cab fare? Also, what would be the best way for us to meet? The 3 of us coming from SF all have status on United - and Global Entry. (Actually we all have GE, but I don't think that will buy us anything).
Any advice would be appreciated. Last time I was in this airport was connecting through on Mexicana in 98.
Thanks!
Oct 20, 2014, 4:22 pm
#122
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
The best thing, IMO, is for sister (since she's solo and arrives earlier) take the lanside bus to terminal 1 (where you'll arrive) to await you at international arrivals or one of the restaurant locations mentioned upthread. (She won't be able to use the Aerotrén without a boarding pass for an ongoing flight departing Terminal 1.)
Then you can all proceed to the taxi kiosk and pay ($250-400 MXN seem to be rates for a taxi from the airport to the city center - farther colonias). Four with luggage you might prefer a van.
Be sure to read the Wiki (and the page linked to in the Taxi section) and upthread.
Then you can all proceed to the taxi kiosk and pay ($250-400 MXN seem to be rates for a taxi from the airport to the city center - farther colonias). Four with luggage you might prefer a van.
Be sure to read the Wiki (and the page linked to in the Taxi section) and upthread.
Oct 20, 2014, 4:56 pm
#123
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: MEX
Programs: LATAMPASS, Copa ConnectMiles Gold
Posts: 266
If you need to exchange money, you can get very good rates at the Casas de Cambio in Terminal 1 - oddly enough, better than the exchange houses or banks offer outside the airport. (FYI, the few casas de cambio in T2 do not offer very good rates.)
And just a note about Immigration, you might need a bit of patience, given your 7 pm arrival, because the KLM, Lufthansa, and Air France 747's (and Iberia's A340) arrive shortly before you do, in the 6-7 pm window. And BA's 747 arrives shortly after 7.
Anyway, enjoy your trip - there's lots to see and do in the city!
And just a note about Immigration, you might need a bit of patience, given your 7 pm arrival, because the KLM, Lufthansa, and Air France 747's (and Iberia's A340) arrive shortly before you do, in the 6-7 pm window. And BA's 747 arrives shortly after 7.
Anyway, enjoy your trip - there's lots to see and do in the city!
Oct 21, 2014, 10:16 am
#124
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 505
I think it's worth clarifying that UA uses T1, and DL/AM use T2. There's a train going in-between, but you must have a boarding pass or itinerary from the other terminal in order to be allowed on.
Another alternative to the one mentioned above is for your sister to sit tight in T2, and you can ask your T1 cab to swing around to T2 to pick her up. Fares are fixed and paid in advance, so I don't think it would be a problem...
Another alternative to the one mentioned above is for your sister to sit tight in T2, and you can ask your T1 cab to swing around to T2 to pick her up. Fares are fixed and paid in advance, so I don't think it would be a problem...
Nov 10, 2014, 7:59 pm
#126
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO/SMF
Programs: Holder of six "persona non-grata" awards
Posts: 1,914
I was there just this past September; cab from MEX to Hilton Reforma was under $20. I selected "Excelente" (?) taxi cab service from the line of taxi booths/vendors just outside the arrivals hall.
Nov 10, 2014, 7:59 pm
#127
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO/SMF
Programs: Holder of six "persona non-grata" awards
Posts: 1,914
I was there just this past September; cab from MEX to Hilton Reforma was under $20. I selected "Excelente" (?) taxi cab service from the line of taxi booths/vendors just outside the arrivals hall.
Nov 11, 2014, 10:58 am
#128
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 505
If you arrive at airport peak times (e.g., when all the European widebodies arrive), there may be a shortage of taxis and/or long lines. So a tip is to walk out of the terminal to the taxi staging area, see what company actually has vehicles ready and available, and then go back to buy a ticket from that company. That way you may be able to avoid a longer wait...
Also, Uber is now an alternative too.
Also, Uber is now an alternative too.
Nov 11, 2014, 10:58 am
#129
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 505
If you arrive at airport peak times (e.g., when all the European widebodies arrive), there may be a shortage of taxis and/or long lines. So a tip is to walk out of the terminal to the taxi staging area, see what company actually has vehicles ready and available, and then go back to buy a ticket from that company. That way you may be able to avoid a longer wait...
Also, Uber is now an alternative too.
Also, Uber is now an alternative too.
Dec 4, 2014, 12:43 pm
#130
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Programs: BA - Gold for Life, CCR & GGL; IC Spire Elite Ambassador; Diamond Hilton Honors; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 6,720
Is there a transit area for international to international flights at Terminal 1 or do you have to go through immigration?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Dec 5, 2014, 9:05 am
#131
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
If your flights involve different terminals, this will require a boarding pass and the air train / aerotrén as well.
Dec 7, 2014, 7:53 pm
#132
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,824
Today's experience at MEX- ugly transiting UA to COPA
It was not fun traveling through MEX on our way to Peru today; the UA to COPA connection is really, really bad. There should be a section on UA's website explaining how it all goes down... or doesn't.
Getting from T1 to T2... actually, just finding out that you need to get to T2 in the first place, isn't easy. Is there a UA transfer desk at MEX? I didn't come across it, and it doesn't tell you which terminal you're going to on the ticket (when issued in the US). Eventually you find someone who tells you that T2 is where you need to be, but the process is klunky is that you end up going totally landside.
In a nutshell, you go to the second level and walk all the way down (straight, no turns), and take the AirTrain to T2. You need to show your tickets to get on the AirTran, and the staff had to look up COPA.
You make your way on the AirTrain to T2 and, surprise, COPA still doesn't show up on any monitors. Just AeroMexico. Obviously, there are monitors showing COPA flights that my travel-weary eyes passed over. You find the COPA desks where you have to recheck your bags and, for some reason, have your tickets re-issued. Actually just mine; my daughter's tickets were OK. There was nobody in line ahead of us but it took 10 minutes before someone became free, and 15 minutes to sort out whatever it was with the ticket. That's OK, things happen.
You go to gate 53, like it says on your ticket. Only gate 53 changed to a DL flight, and there are still no monitors telling you where and when COPA flights leave from. Thankfully someone in the DL area saw my puzzled look and redirected us to gate 59.
I've transited through a lot of airports, and never had anything quite as "up in the air" as MEX. It makes LHR look easy (and I admit, LHR is a lot better than it used to be).
If you have a clue, it can all play out fairly easily. If you don't, you'll understand why they block 3 hour+ connections between UA and COPA.
Getting from T1 to T2... actually, just finding out that you need to get to T2 in the first place, isn't easy. Is there a UA transfer desk at MEX? I didn't come across it, and it doesn't tell you which terminal you're going to on the ticket (when issued in the US). Eventually you find someone who tells you that T2 is where you need to be, but the process is klunky is that you end up going totally landside.
In a nutshell, you go to the second level and walk all the way down (straight, no turns), and take the AirTrain to T2. You need to show your tickets to get on the AirTran, and the staff had to look up COPA.
You make your way on the AirTrain to T2 and, surprise, COPA still doesn't show up on any monitors. Just AeroMexico. Obviously, there are monitors showing COPA flights that my travel-weary eyes passed over. You find the COPA desks where you have to recheck your bags and, for some reason, have your tickets re-issued. Actually just mine; my daughter's tickets were OK. There was nobody in line ahead of us but it took 10 minutes before someone became free, and 15 minutes to sort out whatever it was with the ticket. That's OK, things happen.
You go to gate 53, like it says on your ticket. Only gate 53 changed to a DL flight, and there are still no monitors telling you where and when COPA flights leave from. Thankfully someone in the DL area saw my puzzled look and redirected us to gate 59.
I've transited through a lot of airports, and never had anything quite as "up in the air" as MEX. It makes LHR look easy (and I admit, LHR is a lot better than it used to be).
If you have a clue, it can all play out fairly easily. If you don't, you'll understand why they block 3 hour+ connections between UA and COPA.
Dec 8, 2014, 7:30 am
#133
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
An invaluable app for anyone's smartphone is Flight Board. Displays the flight board in most, if not all, major airports, both inbound or outbound, and you can sort a number of ways. Works on cellular or wifi. For MEX, definitely shows COPA - even UPS!
Dec 12, 2014, 8:22 am
#134
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 505
MEX has never really been a connection point for int'l to int'l flights, and terminal construction/updates have never been done with that in mind. One look in this thread would have given you a heads-up about the UA-CM connection. It wouldn't make any sense for UA to have a transfer desk in MEX, because IMO there are very few people who would need its services.
CM is in T2 because when T2 was built, CO was in Skyteam and followed its partners AM and DL into T2. When CO changed alliances, it moved back into T1, but CM has remained in T2. Don't really know why, as T1 should have capacity after the demise of MX.
CM is in T2 because when T2 was built, CO was in Skyteam and followed its partners AM and DL into T2. When CO changed alliances, it moved back into T1, but CM has remained in T2. Don't really know why, as T1 should have capacity after the demise of MX.
Dec 12, 2014, 4:31 pm
#135
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NYC (formative years spent wandering around ORD, hence the name)
Programs: NO STATUS WHATSOEVER!
Posts: 82
Physical access to AM international lounge
I understand from previous messages that (a) when arriving internationally in T2, one must go immediately to immigration/customs, and (b) of the two Aeromexico lounges, only the "international" lounge has showers.
I am flying JFK-MEX-OAX. After clearing immigration/customs, can I still access the "international" lounge to take a shower, or am I forced to visit the "domestic" lounge only which does not have showers?
I am flying JFK-MEX-OAX. After clearing immigration/customs, can I still access the "international" lounge to take a shower, or am I forced to visit the "domestic" lounge only which does not have showers?