Let’s be real, flying with Aeromexico is a bit of a mixed bag.
You get the convenience of being the national carrier, with a massive route network connecting you to almost every major city in North America and Europe. Here’s the interesting part.
But, if you’ve been around the block a few times, you know there are some quirks.
I’ve flown them a handful of times between Mexico City and places like Detroit and Madrid, and I’ve seen both the good and the ugly.
Most people just want to know: is it worth the hassle? And how do you actually survive the process without losing your luggage? From what I’ve seen, the key is knowing exactly what to expect before you get to the airport.
If you underestimate the check-in lines at the Mexico City airport, you’re going to be in for a world of hurt.
But if you play your cards right, the service is actually pretty solid.
Table of Contents
- Aeromexico Check-in: Online vs.
The Airport
- Baggage Policies: What You Need to Know
- In-Flight Experience: WiFi, Food, and Entertainment
- The Claro Miles Program: Is It Worth It?
- Dealing with Delays and Customer Service
Aeromexico Check-in: Online vs.
The Airport
Here is the first thing I tell everyone I know: if you have the option, use the mobile app.
It saves so much time.
Aeromexico’s online check-in usually opens up 48 hours before the flight, and honestly, it’s a lifesaver for international trips.
However, if you’re traveling with a lot of people or have massive bags, the counters can get crazy.
I remember waiting in line for what felt like an hour just to drop off a duffel bag and get a seat assignment.
The agents are usually overworked, especially during peak holiday seasons.
And let’s be honest, they sometimes make mistakes.
I once had an agent try to put me in an exit row without checking my ID properly, which is a huge safety no-no. Oddly enough,
Always double-check your boarding pass.
What Time Should You Arrive?
For domestic flights, they say two hours. Here’s the interesting part.
But for Aeromexico, especially out of Mexico City International Airport (AICM), you really want to aim for three.
The security lines can be unpredictable, and sometimes they shuffle people between terminals.
I’ve seen people miss flights because they thought they were early, but then they got stuck in a secondary screening line for a carry-on bag that looked “too big.” It sounds paranoid, but it happens.
Navigating Mexico City Airport can be tricky enough without rushing.
Baggage Policies: What You Need to Know
Baggage is where Aeromexico tends to lose points with travelers.
It’s not that the policy is confusing, it’s just that the fees can add up.
They charge extra for the first checked bag if you don’t have elite status, which is standard for most legacy carriers.
But the real kicker is if you need to make a connection in Mexico City.
If you’re flying from Cancun to Mexico City and then on to New York, your bag technically has to be re-checked.
I’ve had friends get hit with a massive fee here because the agent claimed their bag was overweight. Oddly enough,
Most people just say okay and pay, but sometimes you can fight it if you weigh your bag beforehand.
A scale is the best tool in your arsenal.
If your bag is 49 pounds, you’re fine.
If it’s 51, you might be paying $50 for the overweight fee.
Carry-On Rules
Keep it simple.
One personal item and one carry-on.
No, your giant backpack that zips open into a duffel bag doesn’t count as a personal item, no matter what the guy in the seat next to you says.
Aeromexico is strict about the size of the overhead bins.
I’ve seen bags checked at the gate because they simply wouldn’t fit in the overhead compartment.
In-Flight Experience: WiFi, Food, and Entertainment
So, how are the planes? Generally, they’re a mix of older Boeing 737s and newer Embraer jets.
The newer ones are actually pretty comfortable with decent legroom.
WiFi and Entertainment
Do not expect high-speed internet.
It’s available, but it’s spotty. But there’s a catch.
If you need to work, I’d suggest downloading your files before you board.
The in-flight entertainment system is okay, but it relies on your phone connecting to the plane’s WiFi to stream movies. Oddly enough,
If the WiFi is dead, you’re stuck watching the safety video on loop.
Tracking your flight status is easier if you have the app, which is the best way to watch for updates.
Food and Drinks
On short domestic flights, you get a small bag of chips and a soda. And this is where things get interesting.
That’s it.
On international flights, the menu is much better.
I’ve had decent beef dishes, though the vegetarian options are usually a sad side salad.
One thing to keep in mind: the alcohol service is generous, but the coffee is hit or miss.
Sometimes it tastes like burnt mud, other times it’s passable.
The Claro Miles Program: Is It Worth It?
Aeromexico has a loyalty program called Claro Miles.
It’s a bit of a confusing tier system—Silver, Platinum, Black, and Diamond—so I’ll try to keep it simple.
The base tier, Silver, is actually pretty easy to get if you fly enough.
It gets you a free seat selection, which is a huge deal since Aeromexica charges $30-$40 just to pick a seat.
But the real perks are at the Platinum level.
That’s where you get access to the executive lounges in Mexico City.
The lounges are surprisingly nice; they have tacos and margaritas, which is a nice touch for a Mexican airline.
But you have to spend a lot of money to get there.
Most people I know just use a travel rewards credit card to book their tickets instead of trying to rack up miles. Here’s the interesting part.
It’s usually a faster path to a free flight than the Claro program.
Dealing with Delays and Customer Service
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: delays.
Aeromexica has had its share of technical issues over the years, and while they’ve improved, it still happens.
If you get stuck on the tarmac for hours, don’t expect immediate compensation.
You have to go to a service desk to claim it.
And honestly, the staff can be a bit dismissive about it.
I had a flight delayed for six hours once, and the only thing the agent offered was a voucher for a meal, which you had to wait in line for at the airport food court.
It was frustrating, but you kind of have to just roll with it.
Understanding your passenger rights is important, but practically speaking, you just want to get home.
Final Thoughts
Aeromexico isn’t the most luxurious airline in the world, and it certainly isn’t the cheapest.
But it connects you to Mexico City better than almost anyone else.
If you’re flying to the heart of Mexico, it’s usually the most convenient option.
Just do yourself a favor: check the weight of your bags, arrive early, and download your movies before you take off.
Image source: pexels.com
Image source credit: pexels.com
