Cozumel airport, UA-UA connection, bypass immigration?
Jul 7, 2021, 12:24 pm
#1
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Cozumel airport, UA-UA connection, bypass immigration?
This coming Saturday I am thinking of doing a direct turn around flying LAX-CZM-LAX, with one hour on the ground.
How is the terminal layout at CZM? Are arrivals and departures separated? Can I stay airside and avoid going through immigration?
How is the terminal layout at CZM? Are arrivals and departures separated? Can I stay airside and avoid going through immigration?
Jul 7, 2021, 2:21 pm
#2
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I haven't been to Cozumel, but I have also not been to a Mexican airport that is set up for international transfer - I would expect to get dumped into immigration US-style. (aka the departure gates are 'in-territory')
Jul 7, 2021, 2:51 pm
#3
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I imagine you're considering separate tickets, then. It doesn't look like UA will sell you a same-day round-trip for LAX/CZM. And, in this case, that means it's not a good idea.
Jul 7, 2021, 3:28 pm
#4
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I've flown in to CZM on UA before, its a pretty small airport, no jet bridges, you deplane on the tarmac. Security personnel will guide you towards the doors for immigration. I'm not sure I'd expect them to let anyone deviate from that. The good news is because of how small it is, immigration is pretty quick. As is getting back through security.
Jul 7, 2021, 3:42 pm
#5
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Just as TX said, I don't think you could talk your way into going back directly into departure as they direct to immigration immediately. Also, even though it is small if you have even two flights departing close together security can get a bit backed up. I think you said you had a one hour turn around. I suspect you are departing on the same equipment you will arrive on, just a turn around.
Jul 7, 2021, 4:19 pm
#7
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While small, you still may have to deal with formalities. You will certainly need to pass through immigration. While that may be quick, getting back through on the return may be more arduous.,
We left Cancun about a month ago. At the time, a Covid negative test was required, and we had to fill out a bunch of online forms.
Not sure if the Covid test is still required. If so, make sure you can get one before departing the US.
Honestly I would recommend a different, domestic destination.
We left Cancun about a month ago. At the time, a Covid negative test was required, and we had to fill out a bunch of online forms.
Not sure if the Covid test is still required. If so, make sure you can get one before departing the US.
Honestly I would recommend a different, domestic destination.
Jul 7, 2021, 4:22 pm
#8
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Jul 7, 2021, 4:39 pm
#9
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no judgments…I’ve done similar trips.
i also once had a very tight connection in CUN in a similar situation. You’ll need to go through immigration.
Jul 7, 2021, 6:22 pm
#10
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Thanks for all the replies. OK, same turn flight is not a good idea.Either will arrive from DEN around 2hrs before the LAX departure or skip it all together.
As for the reason, simply crazy aviation enthusiast “collecting” different nonstop airports out of LAX while working towards status.
As for the reason, simply crazy aviation enthusiast “collecting” different nonstop airports out of LAX while working towards status.
Jul 7, 2021, 8:29 pm
#11
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Similar to what others report, I've been in and out of CZM twice in the past couple months (from HOU and ORD). You go straight into immigration, then there is a small baggage claim, through customs and out to an area where people try to get you to take their company's bus/taxi. I believe you'd have to walk down to your left once out the doors and get back into the airport, where there is security (doesn't take as long as U.S. security that I've seen but still can be a line) and walk into the departure area. I don't think you could talk your way into the departure lounge. Good luck.
Jul 7, 2021, 9:08 pm
#12
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I highly wouldn't suggest doing a B2B at an international airport where you would need to clear immigration.
First, you might be subject to additional screening and questioning at Cozumel by the Mexican Authorities and you might miss your turnaround.
Secondly, online check-in might not be available for the CZM-LAX leg due to COVID-19 test and attestations checks at Cozumel and the check-in counters would close 1 hour before departure. Don't rely on getting a mobile boarding pass for this leg.
If you want to achieve your goal to fly from LAX to different airports with UA, spend more time in Cozumel rather than doing a turnaround.
First, you might be subject to additional screening and questioning at Cozumel by the Mexican Authorities and you might miss your turnaround.
Secondly, online check-in might not be available for the CZM-LAX leg due to COVID-19 test and attestations checks at Cozumel and the check-in counters would close 1 hour before departure. Don't rely on getting a mobile boarding pass for this leg.
If you want to achieve your goal to fly from LAX to different airports with UA, spend more time in Cozumel rather than doing a turnaround.
Jul 7, 2021, 9:21 pm
#13
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Jul 8, 2021, 6:27 am
#14
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Different strokes for different folks :-) I'd be tempted to try it for the novelty. I connected in GCM to get to KIN for work (refuse to fly DL and AA and UA were similarly inconvenient) and was escorted from arrival to departure through customs, baggage claim/recheck and security by an airport employee because the inbound was horribly delayed...(actually made it on the connection about 15 minutes after published departure time and they closed the door behind me)... But I'm not sure I'd count on it especially if not on a through ticket (as it is though I'm not a beach-y person I don't think I would have minded an overnight at UA's expense in Grand Cayman...)
Jul 8, 2021, 8:05 am
#15
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Thanks for all the replies. OK, same turn flight is not a good idea.Either will arrive from DEN around 2hrs before the LAX departure or skip it all together.
As for the reason, simply crazy aviation enthusiast “collecting” different nonstop airports out of LAX while working towards status.
As for the reason, simply crazy aviation enthusiast “collecting” different nonstop airports out of LAX while working towards status.