Information on Aeromexico Flights

Aeromexico is Mexico’s longest-running international airline, although it’s no longer the largest in terms of passengers carried. Together with its regional affiliate, Aeromexico Connect, the carrier links Mexico with the United States, Canada, Central and South America, Europe and Asia. It’s a popular choice for business and leisure travel.

Why fly Aeromexico?

Aeromexico is a satisfactory choice if you’re looking for a full-service airline with multiple classes of service and the opportunity to earn miles and status with the frequent flyer program of Aeromexico, Delta or another SkyTeam carrier.

I find inflight service aboard Aeromexico to be a slight step above that of most U.S. counterparts – most noticeably in the meal service (you’ll almost never get a free, warm meal in economy on U.S. carriers; on Aeromexico, it’s common).

Low-cost carriers in Mexico – namely, Volaris and Viva Aerobus – are often significantly cheaper than Aeromexico, to the point where I’ve eschewed my quest for frequent flyer miles several times, just to fly on one of the cheaper carriers for domestic travel within Mexico. For short flights, the comfort level isn’t that different. But I’m more likely to choose Aeromexico for longer and international flights, since then, amenities and included services are more important.

If you’re presented with the option of flying Aeromexico or another airline, weigh the cost difference against any added expenses that may pop up – especially with the low-cost carriers. With cheaper airlines, you’re more likely to pay for extras like a carry-on bag, seat selection and checked baggage, which can make Aeromexico a better deal in the long run.

Aeromexico aircraft

Aeromexico operates a fleet that includes Embraer 190 (for Aeromexico Connect flights), Boeing 737-800, 737 MAX, 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners. Even the smaller Embraer aircraft feature Clase Premier and AM Plus seating options, while the Dreamliners – the 787-8 and 787-9 – offer the most amenities and opportunities to upgrade your flying experience, with a first class that rivals other trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific carriers.

You’ll find seatback entertainment screens on just about every aircraft (other than the Embraer 190).

Flying in and out of the Aeromexico hub in Mexico City

Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City serves as the primary hub for Aeromexico and Aeromexico Connect. Flights operate out of Terminal 2, which is shared with SkyTeam partner Delta Air Lines as well as Copa Airlines and LATAM.

Terminal 2 is a modern facility with lots of decent features, but the airport tends to be overcrowded and check-in and security lines are often long and slow. I always try to arrive extra early when departing from that airport. Even with elite SkyTeam status, which gets me into a shorter line for the ticket counter, I’ve still sometimes had to spend quite a while waiting at the security check, where there is no priority line. Checking in via the Aeromexico app can save time if you’re flying out of this airport and don’t need to check luggage.

Making connections with Aeromexico

Most Aeromexico connections within Mexico connect through Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City. When possible, I try to avoid passing through that hub. If you see an option to connect somewhere else – including Felipe Angeles International Airport (sometimes referred to as Santa Lucia or AIFA), the new airport serving Mexico City that’s set outside of the city limits, that may be a more comfortable option for connections (but it’s not convenient If Mexico City is your final destination or point of origin). Felipe Angeles is a viable connecting option for a variety of domestic services, for example, when flying between Cancun and Guadalajara.

If you must connect at the Benito Juarez hub, avoid itineraries with short connection times. This is especially important if you’re arriving from the United States or another foreign country, since you’ll need to pass through customs and immigration in Mexico after landing. At Benito Juarez International Airport, the lines for immigration – as well as for the security screening that’s necessary before heading to your connecting gate – can be quite long. If you find yourself cutting it too close, advise an immigration officer after landing; they’ve very nicely taken me to the front when I’ve been in danger of missing a connecting flight.

Fare classes on Aeromexico

Aeromexico divides its seatings into two general categories: Main Cabin and Clase Premier. Within the Main Cabin are Basic, Classic and AM Plus Fares, while Clase Premier has Premier Light, Premier and Premier One seating. All fare classes except Basic have an option – for an extra fee – to add the ability to make unlimited changes to your reservation and also to reschedule without penalty. Otherwise, you’ll find restrictions on all classes.

Basic

Aeromexico’s Basic category is similar to basic economy offered by other carriers. Both a carry-on and personal item are included with the fare – but note that there is a stricter weight limit for the carry-on than with other categories (and Aeromexico is more likely to actually weigh your carry-on than other airlines, in my experience). You’ll also pay extra for seat selection and checked bags and you won’t be able to make changes on the reservation.

Classic

Classic offers the benefits of Basic, plus standard seat assignment, earlier access to digital check-in and a 25% discount on checked baggage. Since I generally fly only with a carry-on but it’s fairly large, I generally find this to be the best deal.

AM Plus

In addition to Classic benefits, AM Plus allows one piece of checked baggage as well as seating with more legroom and priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling. If you have elite frequent flyer status with Aeromexico, Delta or another SkyTeam partner airline, you may be able to choose seats in this category at no additional cost.

Premier Light

This is the most economical of the Premier category. It includes two pieces of checked baggage, priority services, an upgraded menu and access to the airline’s Premier Lounges. Note, however, that this category – which is most often available on domestic Aeromexico flights within Mexico – doesn’t feature actual Clase Premier seating; it’s usually economy seating with the middle seat left empty.

Premier

Clase Premier offers the benefits of Premier Light, as well as a more comfortable place to sit. Seats may vary based on the aircraft type, but overall, I’ve found Clase Premier on the Boeing 737s to be comfortable and nicely designed, with extra legroom, footrests, handy storage compartments in the armrests and multiple charging outlets.

Premier One

This top-of-the-line category, Premier One is available only on Dreamliner flights. It features lie-flat seats, amenity kits and free inflight WiFi for a two-hour period.

How to upgrade on Aeromexico?

After you’ve booked your flight, Aeromexico may offer you the opportunity – via the Aeromexico app or website – to “bid” on upgrades to Clase Premier and first class, with the ability to choose how much money you’d like to bid (the website even shows an “offer strength” diagram, indicating the likelihood your offer will be accepted). This certainly isn’t a guaranteed way to move forward in the cabin, so if you’re really set on getting a better seat, try purchasing one.

Frequent flyer status can also help secure a better inflight experience. I’ve gotten upgraded multiple times to Clase Premier, thanks to my lowest-level elite status with Delta SkyMiles – so be sure to provide your frequent flyer number with affiliated carriers when you book a flight, especially if you have elite status.

Aeromexico Rewards

The recently rebranded Aeromexico Rewards is a frequent flyer program allows you to accrue points by flying Aeromexico and its affiliated partners, as well as through purchased made with an Aeromexico branded credit card.

Membership levels include Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titanium, with perks increasing as you move up. The first two levels also provide SkyTeam Elite status, while the higher ones provide SkyTeam Elite Plus status.

Unless you fly a lot to and within Mexico, it probably makes more sense – if you’re based in the US – to join Delta Air Lines SkyMiles and go for miles and status with that carrier when you fly Aeromexico. (Given recent changes to the Delta program, however, it may be worth comparing the requirements for reaching elite-level status in both SkyMiles and Aeromexico Rewards, and seeing how attainable each might be, given your travel and spending patterns.)

Aeromexico lounges

Salon Premier is the name of the branded lounges serving Aeromexico passengers. I’ve found them to be comfortable spaces with decent snacks and drinks included. There are two locations at Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport, plus locations at airports in Guadalajara, Merida and Monterrey. Aeromexico Rewards members with Platinum and Titanium status get free access, as well as travelers with higher-level elite frequent flyer status with SkyTeam partners.

Some fare classes also include free admission to the lounges. You can also buy a day pass if you’re flying in any class of service aboard Aeromexico or Aeromexico Connect, but several times I’ve found it impossible to do so in Mexico City, because the lounges were at capacity. You may want to research other lounge options with day passes available in the airports where you’re flying, just in case.

If you’re flying Aeromexico from a US airport in Clase Premier or with elite-level frequent flyer status with either Aeromexico or Delta, you may be able to visit a Delta SkyClub for free; check with the carrier when you arrive at the airport.

Branded credit cards

Aeromexico branded credit cards – available through Santander and American Express – provide perks including free luggage check, access to the Premier Lounge and priority services. You must be a Mexican citizen or resident to qualify.