Tips, Recommendations, and Precautions for Passengers at the AICM

Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is one of the busiest in Latin America. While it offers a wide range of services, shops, and transportation options, passengers often face challenges such as long lines, last-minute changes, and, in some cases, less-than-positive shopping experiences. To help you navigate the airport smoothly, here’s a guide with tips, recommendations, and precautions to make your time at the AICM more efficient and safe.

🛫 Before Arriving at the Airport

1️⃣ Check Your Itinerary and Transfer Times

📌 Recommendation: Arrive early, especially if you’re flying during peak hours or on an international flight.

• Domestic Flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before.
• International flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before (more if there are extra controls or connections).
  🚦 Caution: Traffic in Mexico City can be unpredictable. Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to estimate your arrival time.

2️⃣ Security and Immigration Checks

📌 Recommendation: Keep your travel documents in an easily accessible place.

• If you’re a foreign traveler, keep your immigration form (FMM) handy, as it may be requested when leaving the country.
• Avoid carrying liquids over 100 ml in your carry-on.
  🚦 Caution: Some passengers have reported theft of belongings during security checks. Keep an eye on your personal items on the conveyor belt.

3️⃣ Transportation Options and Precautions

📌 Recommendation: Use authorized taxis or apps like Uber and Didi to avoid risks with unregulated transport.
🚦 Caution: Avoid pirate taxis or people offering rides inside the airport. Some passengers have reported overpriced fares or even scams.

🛍️ Shopping at the AICM: What You Should Know

1️⃣ Duty-Free and Shops (Watch Out for Prices and Service)

📌 Recommendation: If you shop at Dufry (now Avolta), double-check prices and packaging.
🚦 Caution:
❌ Problems with alcohol packaging: If you have a connecting flight in the United States, Canada, or Europe, your purchase may be confiscated if not properly sealed.
❌ Poor customer service at Dufry: Many passengers report bad experiences with staff and issues when trying to get receipts or invoices.
✅ Alternative: For authentic souvenirs, visit the MAP Store in Terminal 2, which offers quality Mexican handicrafts.

2️⃣ Britt Shop and Souvenirs

📌 Recommendation: Check prices before paying.
🚦 Caution:
❌ High costs and arbitrary charges: Some travelers report being overcharged without notice.

🍽️ Food and Drinks at AICM

📌 Recommendation: If you want quick and reliable options, Starbucks, Maison Kayser, and 100% Natural are popular choices.
🚦 Caution:

• High prices: Many airport restaurants and cafés are significantly more expensive than in the city.
• Wait times: During peak hours, some places may take longer to serve.

✅ Recommended options:

• For breakfast: Maison Kayser, Starbucks.
• For Mexican food: Vuela Carmela (T2).
• For healthy options: 100% Natural (T1 and T2).

💺 Connections and Layovers

📌 Recommendation: If you have a long layover at AICM, consider relaxing in a lounge such as Grand Lounge Elite (T1) or Aeroméxico VIP Lounge (T2).
🚦 Caution:

• Flight information screens failures: They are not always updated. Check flight status at aeropuerto-mex.com, use apps like FlightAware, or ask your airline directly.
• Last-minute gate changes: Some airlines may change gates without prior notice.

✅ Tip: If you have more than 6 hours to wait, you can take a safe taxi and visit nearby areas such as the Historic Center or Colonia Roma.

🛂 Immigration and Customs: What to Expect

📌 Recommendation:

• If you have items to declare, do so immediately to avoid fines.
• If you’re a foreigner using an electronic FMM, make sure the officer stamps it correctly upon entry.

🚦 Caution:

• Long immigration lines: If you have an international connection, note that the process may take over 40 minutes.

🚨 General Precautions to Avoid Problems at AICM

✔️ Keep an eye on your luggage. Thefts and losses have been reported, especially in Terminal 1.
✔️ Avoid exchanging money inside the airport. Exchange rates are usually worse than in the city.
✔️ Beware of public Wi-Fi fraud. Use a VPN when connecting to open networks.
✔️ Avoid “coyotes” or people offering help with paperwork. They are unnecessary and often charge abusive fees.

🛡️ Key Tips Summary

🟢 Arrive early and check your itinerary.
🟢 Use safe transportation and avoid informal taxis.
🟢 Double-check duty-free and souvenir shop prices before paying.
🟢 If buying alcohol, make sure it’s properly sealed.
🟢 Stay informed about connections, immigration, and wait times.
🟢 Don’t connect to open Wi-Fi networks without protection.
🟢 Avoid rushed purchases and compare prices before spending.