Tips, Recommendations, and Precautions for Passengers at AICM

The Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is one of the busiest airports in Latin America. While it offers a wide variety of services, shops, and transportation options, passengers often encounter 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 of tips, recommendations, and precautions to make your passage through AICM more efficient and secure.

🛫 Before Arriving at the Airport

1️⃣ Check Your Itinerary and Travel Times

📌 Recommendation: Arrive with enough time, especially if you are flying during peak hours or have an international flight.

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

2️⃣ Security at Immigration and Security Checks

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

• If you are a foreigner, have your immigration form (FMM) on hand, as it may be requested when leaving the country.
• Avoid carrying liquids greater than 100 ml in your carry-on luggage.
  🚦 Caution: Some passengers have reported theft of belongings during security screening. Keep an eye on your personal items on the inspection belt.

3️⃣ Transportation Options and Precautions

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

🛍️ Shopping at AICM: What You Should Know

1️⃣ Duty-Free and Stores (Caution with Prices and Service)

📌 Recommendation: If you shop at Dufry (now Avolta), check prices and packaging carefully.
🚦 Caution:
❌ Problems with alcohol packaging: If you have a connection in the USA, Canada, or Europe, your purchase may be confiscated if it is not properly packaged.
❌ Poor customer service at Dufry: Many passengers report bad experiences with employees and difficulty getting purchase invoices.
✅ Alternative: For authentic souvenirs, visit the MAP Store in Terminal 2, which offers quality Mexican handicrafts.

2️⃣ Britt Shop and Souvenirs

📌 Recommendation: Ask for the price before paying.
🚦 Caution:
❌ High costs and arbitrary charges: Some travelers report being overcharged without prior notice.

🍽️ Food and Drink at AICM

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

• High prices: Many restaurants and cafes inside the airport have significantly higher costs than in the city.
• Waiting time: During peak hours, some locations 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 Waiting Times

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

• Failures on flight screens: They are not always up to date. Check the status of departures from aeropuerto-mex.com, use applications like FlightAware or directly ask your airline.
• Last-minute changes at boarding gates: Some airlines may change gates without prior notice.

✅ Tip: If you have more than 6 hours of waiting time, 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 are bringing declarable products, do so immediately to avoid fines.
• If you are a foreigner and used an electronic FMM, verify that the officer seals it correctly upon entry.

🚦 Caution:

• Long lines at immigration: If you have an international connection, keep in mind that the process can take more than 40 minutes.

🚨 General Precautions to Avoid Problems at AICM

✔️ Do not lose sight of your luggage. Thefts and losses have been reported, especially in Terminal 1.
✔️ Avoid money changers inside the airport. Exchange rates are usually higher than in the city.
✔️ Be careful with public Wi-Fi fraud. Use VPN if you connect to open networks.
✔️ Avoid "coyotes" or people offering help with procedures. They are unnecessary and, in many cases, charge abusive fees.

🛡️ Summary of Key Tips

🟢 Arrive with enough time and check your itinerary.
🟢 Use safe transportation and avoid informal taxis.
🟢 Verify prices in duty-free shops and for souvenirs before paying.
🟢 If you buy alcohol, make sure it is well packaged.
🟢 Find out about connections, immigration, and waiting times.
🟢 Do not connect to open Wi-Fi networks without protection.
🟢 Avoid rushed purchases and compare prices before spending.