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Arrivals to Mexico City Airport (AICM)
The arrival process at AICM can be intense, especially after a long journey. This guide is designed to help you navigate each step, from deplaning to exiting the terminal, using the experience of thousands of travelers so you know what to expect at immigration, baggage claim, and transportation options.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Arrivals
How long will it take to exit the airport once I land?
It is highly variable, but be prepared for a considerable wait. According to user experience, the two biggest bottlenecks are immigration control and baggage claim. On a good day, you could be out in 45 minutes, but during peak hours or if your suitcase is one of the last to come out, the entire process can easily extend to 90 minutes or even more than 2 hours.
If I have a connecting flight, do I need to collect my luggage?
This is one of the biggest sources of confusion. The general rule is: if you arrive on an international flight and your connection is to a domestic destination, YES, you must go through immigration, collect your checked baggage, pass through customs, and check it in again for your next flight. If your journey is international-international, your luggage is usually transferred automatically, but always confirm this with the airline staff upon deplaning.
What is the safest and most recommended transportation option when leaving?
The safest option is to use the authorized taxis that are paid for at the official kiosks inside the terminal. Avoid at all costs the people who verbally offer you transportation in the hallways. Transportation apps like Uber are also a popular option, but you must go to the designated pickup areas, which are often congested.
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Traveler's Handbook: Critical Points on Arrivals
The Challenge of Patience in Immigration
The first major filter upon arriving from an international flight is passport control. The lines can be very long, especially if several large flights arrive at the same time. The staff can be efficient, but the volume of passengers often overwhelms the area's capacity. Your strategy: have all your documents (passport, visa, immigration form if applicable) ready in hand and be patient. There is no way to speed up this step.
The Long Wait and Care of Luggage
Baggage delivery is consistently pointed out as one of the slowest and most frustrating processes at AICM. It is not uncommon to wait more than an hour in front of the carousel. In addition, there are recurring reports of damaged suitcases or missing belongings. Your strategy: never pack valuables in checked luggage. Consider using locks or plastic wrapping. If your suitcase does not arrive or arrives damaged, go immediately to your airline's counter BEFORE leaving the baggage claim area.
The Pickup Area: A Chaotic Environment
Once you exit into the public area, you will find a bustling and sometimes overwhelming environment, with many people, taxi drivers, and app drivers. The designated areas to wait for your transport can be saturated and confusing. Your strategy: do not stop in the middle of the passageway. Find a clear reference point to wait for whoever is picking you up. If you request an Uber or similar, contact the driver to agree on an exact point (gate number) and keep in mind that traffic to access the terminal may delay them.
Your Step-by-Step Guide upon Landing at AICM
User Experience:
The arrival process is functional, but rarely fast or smooth. The general perception is that of a saturated airport where patience is the traveler's best ally. From long walks down seemingly endless corridors to unexpected delays, each stage requires attention. However, once in the public area, the airport offers a wide range of services to continue your journey.
1. Disembarkation and Immigration Control
When getting off the plane, do not forget to check the overhead compartments and seat pockets so you don't leave any belongings behind. Follow the signs to "Immigration." If you arrive on an international flight, this is your first mandatory step. Have your passport and necessary documentation handy.
2. Checked Baggage Claim
After passing through immigration, head to the baggage claim area. Look for the carousel number assigned to your flight on the screens. Keep in mind that the wait can be long. If your luggage does not appear, locate your airline's counter in that same area to file a report.
3. Customs
With your luggage in hand, you will pass through customs control. The process can be through a fiscal traffic light (red for inspection, green to pass) or through a selective review by the agents.
4. Exit to the Public Area and Transportation
After crossing the customs doors, you will be in the public arrivals area. Here you will find counters for authorized taxis, car rental offices, and access to other means of transport. If someone is waiting for you, you will probably find them in this area.
5. Passengers with Connecting Flights
If you have a layover at AICM, it is crucial that you check the terminal of your next flight. If you need to change from Terminal 1 to 2 (or vice versa), you will need to use the Aerotrén (if you have a boarding pass) or the connection buses. If your layover is long and you want more comfort, you can access one of the VIP lounges.
Do You Need Accommodation or Transportation?
If your flight arrived very late, you have a long connection, or you simply want to rest before continuing your journey, there are several hotel options inside and near the airport. You can also book your rental vehicle in advance to speed up your departure.
- Book a Rental Vehicle
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