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

MEX / MMXX - Mexico City International Airport - Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez

Address: Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez
Av. Capitán Carlos León S/N
Col Peñón de los Baños
Delegacion 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)


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Transit in MEX
 

I am looking at a complicated mileage run which involves transiting MEX. I will be flying LAX-MEX-JFK with about 2 1/2 hours at MEX. Will this be an easy transit? :confused: Can I stay airside? :confused:

Shouldn't be a problem if you have your connecting boarding pass. If so, it's as simple as stepping off the plane to get onto the next one. No need for immigration, customs, etc.

Even if you don't have a boarding pass, completing the formalities, going to the check-in counters, and re-clearing security is not very difficult, and should take an hour at most if the airport is busy, otherwise less.

Finding the lounges can be a bit of a challenge if you're unfamiliar with the airport, since they're on different floors, and it's a bit convoluted & a long-ish walk to get there from where US flights typically arrive (gates 29-36). But everything is airside. (There's also a new American Express Centurion Lounge right in the gate 29-36 area, if you're a Platinum or Centurion card holder).

Thanks, chtiet.^

So, there is no transit desk airside. I must clear immigration unless I could get my boarding pass in advance?:confused:

I only went to MEX once and waited about 1 1/2 hours in line for immigration. So not representative, but there can be long waits at immigration.

SmilingBoy.

Well, AM and MX have "transfer desks" at around gate 19, so my guess is if you're on Skyteam, then AM should be able to help. I wouldn't think that MX can do a whole lot if you're not on them.

However, apparently things have changed, and if you read part of this trip report involving a recent connection in MEX http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...=1#post8574975, then it seems that they did make the person clear immigration in a sort of haphazard way...

Interesting - I have only come from North America in the recent past (not in the evening, when all the widebodies from Europe coincide), and it has never been more than a few minutes' wait.

That was from ORD actually, and I think we arrived quite late in the evening and had to wait until even later in the evening/night...

SmilingBoy.

Bummer!:mad:

Me too. I don't think I waited at all, actually.

I love Mexico City, but I think I got lung cancer just from sitting in that airport for a few hours. :eek:

Does anyone have certain information about international transit formalities in MEX?

I have 50 minutes between 2 UA flights. I may not be able to obtain my boarding pass prior to the connecting flight.

I'm planning to go straight from my arrival gate to my departing gate to get my boarding pass - and it sounds like I may or may not need to then go to immigration for a departure form?:confused:

I am looking at the same szenario. Coming in on UA and leaving on UA is there a way to get the BPs at the UA gate - or better yet is there a way to get the BP at your departing U.S. gateway from UA?

not a big deal - immigration always fairly quick there

Just to understand you correctly: Did you manage a 58 minute turnaround? Clearing customs and immigration, rechecking with UA at dept level, clearing immigration & scruity and getting back on the plane, all included?
Incidentially the time of the day would be 17h30 -18h00.

I'm doing the same scenario. Is it possible to arrive on a UA flight and then immediately turn around in one hour to catch the departing UA flight? Is MEX like the Asian airports where you can stay in the transit area without clearing Immigration/Customs?

Reporting back: Had a change in schedule resulting in a 4 hrs layover. Immigration at around 2h00 p.m. was fairly quick, only about 5 mins wait. I guess it would have taken 15 - 20 mins total from arrival gate back up to check-in counters. In this case a 1 hrs layover (clear immigration, recheck-in, security and back to the gate) would have been doable.

Still wondering, if there is no way to get boarding passes airside.

There are, IMO, too many threads on this issue - but MEX is changing its procedures now, with two terminals, as reported in this thread in the American AAdvantage Forum. The gates have no printing facilities for boarding passes, so there's no joy there.

Immigration / Migración is usually relatively fast and uncomplicated; waiting for bags can take some time and sometimes you may be given the incorrect carousel number - then Customs / Aduana is generally brief, with the "traffic signal roulette." But connecting can be a true hassle, especially if it involves transferring terminals.

Mexico City: Airport-downtown transporation
 

I will be arriving in the evening and am wondering what the best (safest) transport options are to downtown. I'm thinking of having my hotel pick me up. Could someone comment on the taxi service and how it works - is it organized or do you have to select from "touts." Appreciate all reassuring comments ! Thanks.

You exit the baggage/customs area and head to ground transportation (I think this was forward and then to the right) - Look for Door # 10 and there is a counter to pre-pay your fare. Hand your ticket to the usher guy and hop into a cab; done..... now the ride on the other hand, can take 20 minutes or so OR up to an hour or more depending on traffic/weather/time of day.

It is very well organized and modern. Forget about most things you've heard before regarding Mexico City... Prepaid taxi fare is around 140 pesos to Downtown using the airport's authorized taxis

250 pesos (fixed rate paid in advance) if heading out to the western suburbs-Polanco.

Adding to the previous poster comments, the airport is super-modern, the taxi stands that sell the prepaid tickets are legitimate and the drive will be safe.

Thank you all very much.

Go to the Sitio 300 stand. Their taxis are less expensive and they are less likely to try to sell you a coupon for the, larger, limousines.

Hi. The previous posters are correct. I travel to Mexico City every 1 to 2 months (and have for many years). The airport taxis are very safe. I am a woman and usually arrive alone and have had no problems or fears.

You do pre-pay outside the terminal right outside Door 10 but that applies only to the old terminal (now terminal 1). I'm sure the new terminal (terminal 2) also has the pre-paid airport taxis, but I have not arrived there yet. Your terminal depends on your airline (DL, AM, CO are in T2) but AA is in 1. I can't recall other airlines.

By the way, the only time I got an airport transfer arranged by my hotel (always the Four Seasons), I felt like I was ripped off. The driver met me at arrivals, but then I had to walk with him all the way into the parking garage for him to get the car. There is no easy place outside of the parking garage for drivers to temporarily park their cars. Yes it was a nicer car but really makes no difference. And I am someone that usually pays for hotel airport transfer in other countries.

Thanks for the update. Which terminal are UA, CO, AS now?

UA - T1
CO - T2
AS - T1

Oh boy, do I second that. Must be one of the most polluted places on Earth...

I usually try to get to MEX a few hours before my departure...to get some walking in and...
...earlier this month I've discovered the Mexicana lounge, 4th floor, just above AA's Admiral's Club. What a great workout room -- free weights, weight machines, various treadmills, etc. The facility also offers friendly staff, snacks and drinks, shower, changing rooms, lots of Internet computers and great views of the runway.

Only $35US for a day pass, although a very reliable source informed me that "under a special arrangement, (AA) EXPs can use the MX lounge at MEX when traveling on AA or MX on the same day", although additional access may become available once MX joins OneWorld.

MEX - Mexico City International Airport / AICM master thread
 

Taxis still safe in MEX?

I've got a reservation at the St. Regis and am wondering if this will work or if I should just go through the hotel for a car service.

Thanks in advance!

Yes, still the exact same. (Why wouldn't they be?...)

Don't know...that's why I asked. :p

I did some more reading on other threads and think I've got an idea on the different kinds of taxis there are out there -- planning on using a registered taxi to get to a hotel.

Still the same?
Well, actually not quite. Sitio 300 has lost its near monopoly, so there are now a few other companies, but all offer the same service. Be sure to specify the standard vehicle not the people mover.
Also, since this thread started, terminal 2 has opened. Same system though.

Airport taxis are extremely safe.

For other transportation, go through the hotel either for car service or go through a sitio taxi (pronounce it like the initials C T O in English).

Do NOT hail a cab from the street.

Thank you all for this information. I will also be at the St Regis later this month but just being a tourist. Would be afraid to hear the rates if the SR arranged for my car, driver and guide. Anyone have a service they can refer me to? Appreciate.

How about a transfer from SR to MEX? Make a res online or via phone? This info also appreciated. Thanks.

Given the room rates at the St. Regis, one of the most expensive places to stay in the city - I find it a bit humorous that you'd be trying to save US$5 or $10 on cab fares. Having said that, the hotel car rates - for very nice vehicles - for trips to/from the airport are most likely in the $350-400 peso rate. Divide that by 12.5 to find the approximate fare in US$. A 'Sitio 300' "authorized" taxi from the airport will cost you about $160 pesos. You can book a hotel or Sitio 300 car ahead of time, for a return trip to the airport. Return fares from the hotel with Sitio 300 will be less than what you were charged for the trip to the hotel when you arrive. I was in Mexico City last week for the fiestas patrias and accompanied by an elderly friend who'd not been in the city in decades. I was continuing on to another city in Mexico and he was returning home after a week, so I sent him to the airport in a hotel car from the Marriott on Paseo de la Reforma, for which ride the driver charged him $300 pesos. His safety was worth the money charged. Sometimes, when you try to cut corners there are unfortunate consequences. Have a great trip.

Thank you. I am at the SR on SPG FWNs. Always trying to be conservative with $.

Being charged $750 pesos for taxi ride to the hotel
 

I am going to be arriving at 6:00 AM on Saturday the 30th of October in Mexico City via UAL. I am staying at fiestan americana chapultepec and the hotel quoted 750 pesos for two. Having never been to Mexico City before and the cab stories you hear, I was trying to book a pre-paid taxi on the internet. This has worked in the past in Puerto Vallarta and Cancun but I can't seem to find anything in Mexico City. Is there a better option? I have been scammed before by official looking taxi operators with a clipboard etc. How do we discern between official taxi and impersonators in Mexico City. Appreciate any help.

I was just in MEX for the first time also and had the exact same concerns. Think I posted my detailed arrival and transport under the Intercontinental Mexico City forum. You should have no issues purchasing your voucher upon arrival and taxi the airport sanctioned taxi to your hotel. That time of the morning should be a breeze in terms of traffic. Do not waste alot of energy worrying about this. I already did for both of us. I found Mexico City full of culture and friendly people. If necessary would return without any hesitation. I always get everything lined up properly like you. Enjoy!

None of the "authorized" and regulated taxi companies providing service from the airport have staff or salespersons walking around the terminal. Each of the two or three companies have counter space on the arrivals level and it's from there you'll pre-pay for your ride to your hotel.

My favorite taxi company is "Sitio 300" and the counter is located next to the Alamo Rent-A-Car counter to your left as you exit the Customs area. If you don't see it ask one of the baggage porters standing in that area where the counter is. I trust the baggage porters in that airport and have never found them to be touts for anyone nor have they steered me wrongly. Though I usually handle my own luggage without assistance, I do sometimes use the porters.

When you get to the taxi counter you'll be asked your destination. Taxi fares for trips from the airport are regulated and determined by distance traveled. There'll be a large map with circles on it - designating zones. Tell the clerk you want a "sedan" (lest you be sold a ticket for the larger Chevy Suburban type vehicle, at double the cost). You will be given a ticket with the price stamped on it and then pay the clerk. Follow the signs to the taxi staging area or seek the assistance of a porter (and if you have just a couple of bags a MX$10-20 (Peso) tip will suffice).

When you get to the taxi staging area (there are two or three) someone will look at your ticket and you tell the person where you're going. Enough English is spoken that there'll be no miscommunication. After your luggage is placed into the trunk of the sedan (4-door car) you can get into the front or back seat. In Mexico it's commonplace for passengers to ride in the front. The driver will take your ticket, split it in two halves and give you your portion as a receipt.

These drivers are professional and safe to be with.

Do not be tempted by the occassional tout who wanders the terminal offering a ride in a rogue taxi parked along airport property (a block away) just because the fare will be a couple of US$ less. Be smart. Play safe.

Have a great visit!