Hi there,

I am returning from a vacation in Playa del Carmen on March 29th, 2008 and have heard varying stories on how long it takes to get through immigration at the CUN airport. March 29 is a Saturday, does anyone have recent experience who can tell me roughly what time to arrive prior to my 9:30 am flight?

Assuming you're leaving CUN for the U.S., you won't need to pass through immigration. Just security.

Since you will probably hit some spring break traffic, it could be a little crowded. My inexperienced estimate says to arrive 1.5-2.0 hours before your flight and you should be fine.

Hopefully somebody with first hand experience can chime in.

Understatement of the week.

Care to explain why big man on campus?

Thanks for the reply United959. I am returning to the US.

I am planning 2 hours, but am interested to hear what experience others have had. I have heard varying reports of "it's no big deal" to "get there at 6 am"

I don't know how you have arranged your transport from CUN to your hotel but Usually its a round trip and they will tell you exactly when they will pick you up. If you have not booked round trip transfer, i recc. you do as it is alot easier then trying to get around mexico by yourself. If you did book transport, I would just go ask the guys at the transport desk.

Just for referance:
The bus ride could be 1-1.5 hrs although that early their will not be traffic so it depends on how many people it has to pick up. Plus, assume you will have to be at the airport 2 hrs early because all the transport companies will not want you to be late so will always leave super early.

Figure a total of 3.5 - 4 hrs prior to departure, they will want you on the curb in front. Enjoy the beach, and you chose wisely not to stay in Cancun proper unless yourre 21 and want a loud party...

I've been to CUN twice & both times, 2 hours was plenty of time. That said, I'm was also an elite member flying in first class - so I used the first class check-in line. If you're checking bags & won't have the ability to checkin online in advance, I'd give myself at least 2 hours. If you'll have the ability to checkin online & don't need to check bags & can just go to the gate, I think that the 1:30 is fine. I'd go with a 2-2.5 hour window - just to be safe. If you're concerned, it's better to sit & have a few drinks than to be rushed, IMHO.

and just to address the airport issue, you can be there 90 min prior...

Thanks for the info. I do have transport to and from the airport, but I always like to double check my information. I hate being rushed in the airport, particularly when I have my mom with me. I will make sure I am there 2.5 hours prior, and I am flying first, but checking bags...so that should help.

Definitely happy with my choice of Playa over Cancun. My days of being 21 and loud partying are over.

I just left CUN last week - so spring break time, and got to the airport, checked in, passed though security and made it to my gate in less than 20 minutes.

First question -- scheduled carrier or charter? If the latter, leave much more time, as the check in desk will be under-staffed.

LCC? Should be a bit better, but leave time.

Scheduled carrier? Elite member? Both factors cut the time shorter.

The CUN Airport is a bit grim, but AeroMexico has a small club upstairs where you can get the press and some good, Mexican coffee.

T-3 is a pretty nice place, and I think that is where most of the US-bound flights depart from (on US carriers).

Can you use the club if CO Plat?

The club in T-3 did not appear to be a branded, ie. CO, club.