If you are flying to Mexico, there are a few key points to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you're visiting the bustling streets of Mexico City, the beautiful beaches of Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, or the historic sites of Merida or Oaxaca, understanding the air travel process will help you make the most of your journey.

Choosing Your Airport:

Mexico is home to many major international airports, including Cancun (CUN), Huatulco (HUX), Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo (ZIH), Los Cabos (SJD), Merida (MID), Mexico City (MEX), Mazatlan (MZT), Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Tulum (TQO). Every airport in the world has a 3 letter code. Use the GEM transport map to determine the closest airport & airport code. Regional flying within Mexico is very common & cost effective too. Most smaller cities have domestic airports. Flying to/from San Diego (SAN) and then taking a Uber/taxi to CBX (border crossing) allows for inexpensive domestic flights from Tijuana (TIJ) airport.

Entry Requirements:

• Before booking your air travel, it's important to review your entry requirements. Your passport name must match your ticket. Mexico does NOT have a 6+ month validity rule requirement for your passport. Your passport only needs to be valid while in Mexico.

• Most International airports have automated customs kiosk machines & you will often receive a 180 day tourist card receipt for your stay. You must be 18+ years old to use and 180 days is not guaranteed. Mexico has an official Viajero Confiable program to use these machines, but this does not seem to be enforced…yet. Follow the signs on the floor or wall to get in the automated machine line. Visit Documents & paperwork, for more info.

• You may be directed to a customs agent, who will ask about your stay and stamp your passport. Agents may issue you less than 180 days, so state your wish for 180 days. Evidence of lodging or onward travel may help. Tourist card costs are built into your plane ticket. Additionally, travelers from certain countries may need to obtain a visa in advance. The US & Canada do not require additional travel visas. It's essential to check the most up-to-date entry requirements to ensure a hassle-free arrival in Mexico.

• There are online forms you can fill out and print ahead of time. I have found Mexican online programs to have usability issues at times or your printed forms not being accepted at times when you arrive. As such, myself and other seasoned travelers always recommend you do all your paperwork when you arrive in person. The choice is always yours.

Booking Your Flight:

• Once I know my preferred airport and have my airport code, I start with a travel site to research flights. Booking.com, and Trip.com have travel deals. It’s a $ game and prices change. There is no magic website to get secret low prices, it’s all based on what day you fly and what time you fly. Need the cheapest flight? Fly on a Tuesday or an early morning / red-eye flight. Pick a weekend or holiday and it will cost you more.

• You do NOT need to book a round-trip flight, nor are there savings with round-trip tickets anymore. Use different airlines for each flight, if that works best for you. Once I have my preferred flights, I often book directly at the airline’s website and use their mileage program. If you have a preferred travel booking site, use that. Many travel with points and thus you know how that works.

• In addition to the major International airlines serving Mexico, there are many domestic Mexican airlines. I feature these airlines & routes in the GEM map: Google Maps - Web-based map. How to use the map.

  Here is a list of the primary domestic carriers: Aeromexico - Volaris - Viva Aerobus - Mexicana - Tar Aerolíneas - Califia - Señor Air - Aerotucán

• If you are a long-distance International traveler, chances are you are flying to/thru Mexico City (MEX). This is a very busy airport with 2 terminals - T1 & T2. There is an airport train that connects terminals, if you have a connecting flight. The GEM map has all the details. There are taxis services inside the terminals, a subway metro station close by both terminals, bus stations inside each terminal, money services, restaurants, hotels, sleeping pods, plus much more. Here are the airlines serving Mexico City: Wiki - Aeropuerto Mex. Airline and terminal guide

• Mexico City has a new airport serving International & Domestic flights - Felipe Ángeles AIFA (NLU). You may find better prices to/from this airport. Transportation infrastructure is still being built as it is far away from Mexico City. Mexico City subway/metro will connect in the future. ADO bus line has connections to/from the TAPO bus station & Indios Verdes subway station. More connections and updates will be featured here.

Travel Insurance:

Always optional, but offers many security, cancellation and health care benefits.

Nomad Insurance / Safety Wing & Travel Insurance Master are two well proven companies with years of experience and service. Compare their plans and offerings.

Flying to Mexico:

Time to pack, It’s time to fly! Confirm what you can bring to Mexico. Check into your airline online or via their app within 24 hours of flying and confirm your seat and get your boarding pass. If you are having problems getting a boarding pass online, then most likely the issue is you need to check in at the airport to show the agent your passport. Most International flights require 2+ hours early arrival. It’s a travel day so prepare for some fun ahead.

• Luggage considerations: checked luggage that does not arrive can be a real problem in Mexico. It might show up or not. If you have a concierge, discuss this with them asap. They know who to call. Sometimes you will need to go back to the airport, as it might not be delivered to you.

• I’m not checking luggage anymore and bring a carry-on and personal item, so I know it’s always with me. I travel with my Ogio Layover Travel bag (carry-on approved) if I’m heading to a single destination or will use a carry-on sized travel backpack, if I am traveling to many destinations.

Arrival in Mexico:

Navigating the Airport:

• If you need Pesos - ATMs or Cambios ($ exchange) are available in the airport. You will need some local currency! Please read my money guide.

• Most Mexican airports have many places to eat, often with good local food vs fast food.

• Take advantage of the airport restroom. Always take advantage of any free clean restroom in Mexico!

  Leaving the Airport:

• The GEM map airplane icons have all the major airports listed with locations & details. Terminal details, airport transfers, buses, trains and other travel methods are featured in the icon details. You can pre-book your airport transfers to your lodging if you wish or use taxis/uber services, public transport. Some airports, like Puerto Vallarta, have cheaper off-airport transportation easily available.

• You have many transportation options depending on your travel budget.

• Can easily pre-book your airport transfer for convenience and ease. Search for your destination. Trip.com has an excellent airport transfer service that tracks your flight.

• Taxis in Mexico are heavily regulated. Airport-licensed taxis have a Federal green license plate, often English speaking drivers and carry better insurance. This will cost you more than off-airport taxis and Ubers. The GEM map shows off-airport taxi stands for some airports.

• Since bus travel is extensive & comfortable in Mexico, most all airports will have bus terminals at or near the airport.

• You may wish to rent a vehicle instead. Driving is complex in Mexico. Please read the lower half of the driving section.

Departing Mexico:

• Before departing Mexico, check for any departure taxes or fees that may apply. Most all of these have been eliminated. The only recent one I have heard of is Cancun and this is optional to pay…most don’t.

• Check in 24 hours before your flight. You will need your 5 letter ticket code and last name. Consider using the airline’s app for your boarding pass.

• Mexican TSA security agents are very strict about what’s in your carry-on luggage. I have had food items confiscated every time, as well as my TSA compliant wine opener. I no longer bring any food items back with me and leave my TSA wine opener in Mexico for someone else to use. If you check bags, this is not an issue. Consult what is allow to be brought to your home country: USA - Canada

• It's essential to arrive at the airport with ample time to complete check-in, security procedures, and immigration processes, especially during peak travel periods. I advise 2+ hours at a minimum as Mexican International airports are always very crowded.

• You might be asked to turn back in your tourist card, receipt or show your passport. Some airports still require this, while others are not checking any more. If you lost it, there will be an office where you can pay a fee/fine for the replacement cost.

• There is NO process to extend your tourist card, you must leave the country. If you are in the country with an expired tourist card, receipt or passport stamp there is always a risk you will be deported if caught.

• Bringing a dog to the US? CDC guidelines - CDC forms and regulations

• I use airline phone apps to check in ahead of time & create my boarding pass.

• It’s often difficult to get boarding passes printed in Mexico. Some airports have kiosks to print your boarding pass, but not all. Waiting in the line for a ticketing agent always works, but I find most Mexican airports packed all the time.

• I often fly with a backpack style carry-on and a personal item, to avoid those lines. Do what’s best for you! You’re leaving, so time to plan your next trip back!

You may leave Mexico, but Mexico never leaves you.