Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport (MEX) Flights & Flight Status

Mexico City International Airport, known as Benito Juárez International Airport, is the largest airport in Mexico. Less than 10 km (6 miles) from downtown, it is the perfect gateway to the vast Mexican capital.

Its 2 large terminals are set on opposite sides of the airport’s 2 runways and can sometimes be challenging to navigate. The airport can be pretty crowded at certain times of the day. Having traveled through MEX on several international and domestic trips, I learned to be patient with the process.

My best advice is to avoid scheduling tight connections at Mexico City, even if you are flying out of the same terminal. Leave yourself at least 2 hours between connecting flights. That time will pass quickly as you clear immigration and customs and head for your next domestic or international flight.

Airlines flying to Benito Juárez Mexico City International Airport

MEX is Aeromexico's main hub and hosts low-cost carriers Viva Aerobus and Volaris. Latin American carriers Avianca, Copa, and LATAM operate out of this airport, as do many other international carriers, including Air France, KLM, Lufthansa and Emirates. US majors American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines all fly to Mexico City International.

The 2 terminals at Mexico City International Airport

Airlines are located at 2 different terminals, though most operate out of the original Terminal 1.

Terminal 1 is older, though some renovations have been made. Most international carriers offer service from this terminal. Domestic flights by Viva Aerobus and Volaris also operate there. American Airlines and United Airlines are in Terminal 1.

Terminal 2 is the newer terminal. Most of Aeromexico’s flights operate out of Terminal 2, though the airline also has some flights operating in Terminal 1 due to airport crowding. Copa, Delta Air Lines and LATAM are also in Terminal 2.

Arrivals at Mexico City International

Sometimes, the immigration lines can be long, but I’ve found the process usually takes 10-40 minutes.

Baggage claims at both terminals are located on the ground floor and past immigration. You'll need to clear customs before leaving the terminal's secure area. While baggage carts are available to help you with your luggage, these aren’t allowed outside to the curb where you’ll find the taxis. The good news is there are porters ready to help you carry the extra load for a tip.

Connecting flights at Mexico City International

If you are connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight at either terminal, you must clear immigration, pick up your luggage, and go to the dedicated customs area. As soon as you clear customs, you will find airline desks where you can check in your luggage again. You do not need to pick up your bag or go through customs when transiting through Mexico City International Airport between international flights if your luggage is checked-through to your destination.

Aerotren connection between Terminal 1 & 2

Take the Aerotren metrorail if your next flight is in the opposite terminal and you have a boarding pass (paper or digital). It's the fastest route. The metrorail service is free, but limited to checked-in passengers, those in need of assistance, airline staff and airport staff. Space on the Aerotren is limited, so don't bring large luggage.

The Aerotren platform in Terminal 1 is in hall D, near the middle of the bridge called "Puente de Pilotos". The Aerotren platform in Terminal 2 is in hall M, near domestic departures. Trains run every 10 minutes or so, and the trip between terminals takes less than 5 minutes. They operate from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and the last stop is in Terminal 2.

Terminal connection buses

If you can’t take the Aerotren, use the inter-terminal bus on the ground floor near entrance 6 at Terminal 1 and near entrance 4 at Terminal 2. The buses run 24hrs a day. There is a nominal fee for the service, and you will need to pay the driver for a ticket when you board. I recommend getting a few pesos from one of the airport ATMs or one of the currency exchange kiosks.

Managing longer transits

You can explore Mexico City between flights. Luggage storage facilities are available at both terminals, so you can leave your bags behind and travel by taxi, metro or bus. I would only take a day trip if I had 6 or more hours to spare. Traffic is heavy in Mexico City, especially during commute times.

Each terminal has many shops, restaurants and lounges. Generally, I head to one of these until it's time to gather for gate announcements. Several hotels are located on airport property and others nearby with airport shuttle services, so you can stay comfortably if you have an early flight the next morning.

Car Rentals

If you're courageous enough to brave Mexico City traffic, both terminals offer many rental car services, including many you'd find back home. Mexico City is huge, so renting a car might be wise based on your plans. To avoid the hassle of vendors on the road and finding parking in the city, I usually ride by taxi.

Departures at Mexico City Airport

You can get to the airport via metro or bus, but the easiest way is by taxi or hotel shuttle buses. Be sure to leave for the airport with extra time around commuting times. You shouldn't check in too close to your flight departure time at MEX because security lines can be long. Check in 3 hours before your international flight and 2 hours before your domestic flight.

Checking in for your flight at Mexico City International Terminal 1

All airline check-in desks are on the upper level and broken up into 3 zones: F1, F2 and F3. Verify your zone with your airline.

Checking in for your flight at Mexico City International Terminal 2

You’ll find three dedicated check-in zones on the upper level of Terminal 2 – L1-L3. Aeromexico and Delta priority passengers, elite tiers and premium ticket holders can check in at L1. Economy passengers flying international and domestic flights should check in at L-2. If you’re flying economy to the US and Canada, you should check in at L-3.

Waiting for your gate announcement

MEX handles a high volume of flights, so gates aren't allocated until close to departure. You must wait for your gate announcement at the gathering area assigned to your flight. Last-minute gate changes and flight delays are common.

I recommend using your airline's app so you don't miss something on the screens. Your app will update with the correct gate in plenty of time. Don't rush to the gate zone if you have a long wait. Seating may be hard to find, since they are crowded. Try an airport lounge instead or take advantage of the many shops, restaurants and bars.

Mexico City International Airport lounges

In Mexico City International Airport, there are many lounges with pay-for-access policies. I often head straight there to escape the crowds. There are some small, outdated facilities with minimal services. I'll focus on the better ones.

Terminal 1 lounges

In Terminal 1 Hall H, Priority Pass travelers can access the Grand Lounge Elite, which offers refreshments, a barista and an artisanal beer bar. Personal services include foot massages, hair styling and gel nail manicures. Seating may be limited due to high demand.

American Airlines' Admirals Club lounge in Terminal 1 Hall H is a delightful place for a visit, offering all the comforts of the airline's other lounges. Only premium passengers, elite AAdvantage loyalty members and qualified passengers of partner airlines can access the lounge.

There is a United Airlines lounge next to American Airlines Admirals Club. While United Airlines' lounge is comfortable, Admirals Club is more extensive and upscale. I recommend the Admirals Club if you have elite status on both airlines.

There is also an American Express Centurion lounge in the domestic flights part of the terminal. It offers an elegant atmosphere and restaurant-style service.

Terminal 2 lounges

Most of the lounges in Terminal 2 are located on a mezzanine level. Aeromexico has two Premiere Lounges at Terminal 2, one for domestic and the other for international flights. There is also a Terraza Premiere Aeromexico Heineken lounge past security to the right, at the end of the hall, near gate B. It’s open to Aeromexico premium passengers, SkyTeam airline passengers and Priority Pass members.

They’re not extraordinary, but I’ve found the lounges to be a good place to spend a few hours. Manage your expectations for snacks, drinks and ambiance.

One of the better options is the Amex Centurion lounge on the Mezzanine level of Terminal 2. The service and comfort are superior. Personal platinum cardholders can order food from the menu and invite guests for free, though corporate cardholders must pay. There's no self-service in this lounge, which is a downside. It's an order-only establishment, but the staff is friendly.

Wi-Fi at Mexico City International Airport

MEX makes it easy to stay connected. There is free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the airport, as well as in the lounges.