Our world has progressed a lot, and so have the transportation means. Once, humans couldn’t even imagine flying in the air; now, the air transportation system is common. Most of us have traveled through the air. Or at least, the majority has seen aircraft flying. Though it is common nowadays, arrivals and departures can be complicated if you don’t have any information or knowledge about it.
This article presents an ultimate guide to the departure areas of Mexico City International Airport. Also known as Benito Juarez International Airport, it is the leading airport in Mexico, welcoming millions of people each year. If we look at the numbers, Mexico City International Airport is the 17th busiest airport in the world. On a typical day, this airport has more than 1000 aircraft movements. In North America, this airport ranks 8th on the list of the busiest airports. In detail, let us look at the Mexico City International Airport and its departure areas. But before this, I want you to understand the importance of being familiar with the departure area of an airport.
Importance of being familiar with the Departure Area
Knowing your way around the airport makes your journey stress-free. The departure area is the initial point of your trip. If you are familiar with its layout, it will save you precious time and start the journey on a positive note. This knowledge will ensure you pass the security checkpoints, check-in area, and immigration process quite quickly. You will know where to drop the baggage and from where to get the additional information. You can then use your precious time to plan your trip, grab a quick bite, or relax a bit.
Overview of Mexico City International Airport
Located in the heart of Mexico City, millions of people travel through this airport each year. It has two parallel runway strips and two terminals. On a typical day, more than 100,000 people travel in this airport. In 2023, more than 48 million people traveled through this airport. More than 25 different airlines operate their flights at this airport. These airlines travel to more than 100 different destinations in the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Terminal 1 receives flights from almost all 25 airlines. On the other hand, Aeromexico and Delta Airlines mostly do their business through terminal 2.
Departure process at Mexico City International Airport
There is a standard departure procedure at almost every international airport in the world. However, there can be slight changes in the procedure itself and the facilities. First of all, you have to get your boarding pass. You can do so by checking in online or at the airport. At Mexico City Airport, self-service kiosks are present. You can download and print your boarding pass from there.
After you have your boarding pass in your hand, you need to drop your baggage. Make sure you hand over your luggage to the designated baggage area. Now, you have to pass through immigration controls and security checks. At this point, you should have all the necessary documents in your hand, such as your passport, ID, ticket, boarding pass, etc. Then, you can proceed to the departure lounge.
Terminal 1 Departures
Terminal 1 is a double-story, 800-meter-long building. The ground floor houses all the arrival facilities and check-in areas for domestic flights. On the top floor, there are international check-in areas and a 900-meter-long departure concourse. Terminal 1 serves as a departure area for both domestic and international flights. Let us look at the procedure for departures through Terminal 1.
There are several entrances to this terminal. After entering through one, you have to go to the check-in counter to get the boarding pass. As mentioned above, you can use the kiosks to download and print the boarding pass yourself. Now that you have the boarding pass proceed to the designated baggage drop-off area. There are several baggage drop-off areas in the terminal, but passengers of each flight have a specific one. So make sure you put your luggage in the correct area. Otherwise, your luggage can get misplaced on some other flight.
As an international passenger, you have to go through the immigration process. Usually, passengers on domestic flights don’t have to go through this process. After clearing the security checks and immigration process, you can enter the boarding lounge. Here, you can do any last-minute shopping or just relax before your flight. At Terminal 1, several facilities and amenities are available, such as hotels, restaurants, shopping options, cafes, and VIP lounges.
Terminal 2 Departures
Terminal 2 is a new and modern terminal covering 288,000 square meters. Similar to Terminal 1, the departure area is presented on the top floor of this terminal. There are three check-in areas, a main concourse, and two security checks. The main concourse is connected to three piers, which house 30 gates, food shops, and duty-free shops. As of now, this terminal is the central hub for Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico.
The departure procedure is similar to Terminal 1. You can get the boarding pass from the check-in counters or download and print it from the self-service kiosks. After getting the boarding pass, you have to leave your luggage at the designated area. Again, make sure you go to the correct baggage drop-off area. Now, you will have to clear the security checkpoints and the immigration controls. Then, you can go to the boarding lounge, where you can grab something to eat, do some shopping, or just relax.
Transportation options
Mexico City Airport offers several transportation options for both arrivals and departures. These options include:
- Taxis
- Ride-sharing options
- Public transports
- Parking options
Tips for a smooth departure
Though traveling by flight has become common nowadays, the procedure can still be a bit complicated for some people. Here are some tips for you to enjoy a smooth departure.
- If you are traveling on an international flight, make sure you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before the scheduled flight departure time. For domestic flights, you can come at least 2 hours before.
- To save time, it is better to check in online and get your boarding pass earlier. This option is available at the Mexico City Airport.
- Before leaving your room, ensure you know the exact terminal of your flight.
- Don’t pack the necessary documents for any flight in your big luggage bag. Carry a small pocket-sized or shoulder bag. In it, keep all the necessary documents, such as your passport, visa, ID, boarding pass, and ticket.
Conclusion
Mexico City Airport is a modern and developed airport. All the necessary facilities are present to ensure smooth arrival and departure. However, to ensure that these processes are soft, you should have a basic understanding of the procedure and the airport layout. This article presents an ultimate guide for a smooth departure from Mexico City International Airport.
