**Cancun Airport**

[rubytuesday]

HI~!! First time visitor to Mexico soon!! We are arriving in Cancun this week and spending 4 nights at the RIU.

Can anyone give me tips and info about the Cancun Airport? Is it bad? I am not looking forward to long lines in customs, or immigration? (Where ever you go after baggage pick up.) I have heard it's not bad in some forums, but I've also read that there's terrible lines and it's slow etc...

My last int'l trip was Costa Rica, and we stood in line for almost 2 hrs trying to get checked through.

Also, how is it for departures? I am going to get there "2 hours ahead of time" but not sure how security is checking in for flights going home either.

Any info is appreciated!! thanks.!!

[ToriB]

The only times there is ever a long wait is when it's Spring break and everyone arrives on a Friday or Sat. I have waiting maybe 40 min max at Immigration....max for Customs was 20 min and that line was suuuper long.

The longest wait when you leave is at the ticket counter. Security I have never had more then 10 ppl infront of me.

I think it comes down to timing and and at any time things can get thrown off.

[cheetah27]

We usually fly in on tues or weds and leave on tues or weds and we have never had long waits..Goes pretty fast. just beware of people trying to take your bags..not steal them but to pull them for you, for a tip. Sometimes they will take them without asking..Just say no thank you and keep walking.

[rodman4085]

Smile, and say, No Gracias.....come on folks...it's Mexico....or if your bags are a load, it's a cheap drag out to the transporters.....

[dioxide45]

We were there a few weeks ago and the wait time was about 20 mins in immigration. However, the customs line snaked around in the building and we waited about 40 mins to get through that. It isn't marked well and just understand that yes, you too are supposed to get in that big long line that is for customs. People seem to walk around aimlessly looking for the way out, the only way is through the line.

We didn't have many problems exiting the airport. Yes there were people there asking if you needed a ride, it was just as bad when we got out the doors to outside, but we found our transportation and were quickly on our way. No one tried to grab out luggage. I have gone through Bangalore India airport and people will have your luggage the second you lift it off the baggage carousel. You don't' stand a chance there, Cancun didn't even come close.

[gringoNparadise]

real easy airport as airports go ..coming and going is much faster than youre used to im sure. people will try to make a buck off of you use youre hotel transport and have fun! you should have a blast the riu is beautiful ,

[T.J.]

I live in Cancun but do a lot of traveling. If you are arriving on JetBlue, you don't come in at the International Terminal. A few charters also use the domestic terminal. Usually this is better than arriving on all other US carriers, which come in at the International Terminal.

No matter which one you arrive at, if you have carry on luggage only, it is a snap. My longest waits are at Baggage Claim.

In order, you do Immigration, Baggage Claim and Customs, so if you cut out Baggage Claim you are cutting out what is typically MY longest wait.

Also, since I know the airport cold, I try to get an aisle seat as close to the front of the plane as possible. Have your Immigration form properly filled out as they usually spot check these when you get off the plane, at the end of the jetway.

Then quickly locate the sign to Baggage Claim and walk as quickly as you can. Every person you pass is one less ahead of you in the line at Immigration. (The Baggage Claim signs take you first to Immigration.

If you have no checked baggage you can pass straight from Immigration to Customs. Otherwise you are at the mercy of the Baggage Claim Gods as the whole airplane could clear Immigration and get their bags before you get yours.

Pay attention when you get in the lines. If you have options, try to avoid lines with lots of kids, old duffers, people with lots of luggage, drunks, dopers, etc.

My record from walking off the plane to out the door of the terminal is 8 minutes. But the conditions were perfect. I have come back an gotten into a line that far exceeds the queing of Customs. What usually happens is that they don't scan your stuff, they just give you the green light red light until the lines thin.

I can tell you that I would rather go thru the process here in Cancun than anywhere I have traveled, EXCEPT those US airports that have the Global Entry Sytem. Best $100 I ever spent, and it is good for five years.

Good luck and don't sweat the small stuff. As you exit the terminal you can buy drinks immediately right and left of the door.