Arriving/Departing the Cozumel Airport - A Guided Tour

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This thread has had a lot of updated info added since it was made a sticky. To make it easier for new users to find "the latest, greatest info", I have moved the most recent content to the beginning of the thread and deleted various updates.
 
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Just got back from Coz. Our biggest hassle was the immigration wait at the airport. We stood in line over 90 minutes just to get our passports stamped and we weren't at the end of the line. Since no one else has commented on this, I assume this is not typical??
 
Just got back from Coz. Our biggest hassle was the immigration wait at the airport. We stood in line over 90 minutes just to get our passports stamped and we weren't at the end of the line. Since no one else has commented on this, I assume this is not typical??

Gosh Steve, this is atypical for sure. The wait of course is longer for those who are at the end of the immigration queue line, but 90 min's is quite a long time. I have seen 2 or 3 immigration agents in the booths as well as floor representatives working in the line in the past who check the paperwork as you wait. Can you recall how many agents were there the day you arrived ? Also, was there another plane that had come in before you ? Since you were coming from Dallas and possibly on American Airlines, perhaps a Continental flight from Houston had arrived before you and had not made it through immigration at that point in time? Anyone else with this problem or input ?
 
Can you recall how many agents were there the day you arrived ? Also, was there another plane that had come in before you ? Since you were coming from Dallas and possibly on American Airlines, perhaps a Continental flight from Houston had arrived before you and had not made it through immigration at that point in time? Anyone else with this problem or input ?

There were three booths operating. There may well have been another flight before ours. I gather they have a faster system for processing all those cruise boat folks who just stay for a day.
 
Just an FYI..I arrived and did not want to pay a premium and wait for the sardine vans. After sitting for a long time it felt good to walk a bit. We walked out to the circle and turned right and were immediately picked up! 12 pesos for the two of us to BA..speaking spanish might have helped with the rate?

We were at the hotel an hour before the rest of the group but YMMV.
 
Just an FYI..I arrived and did not want to pay a premium and wait for the sardine vans. After sitting for a long time it felt good to walk a bit. We walked out to the circle and turned right and were immediately picked up! 12 pesos for the two of us to BA..speaking spanish might have helped with the rate?

We were at the hotel an hour before the rest of the group but YMMV.
A lot of folks do that. I drag too much luggage around.
 
Didn't see this, so does anyone have a good rule of thumb on when to leave for the airport to allow sufficient check-in time?

I will be taking a cab from the centro district.

Thanks,
Dan
 
I apologize for not seeing this post until now as it may to late your trip back. However, I will say as to the amount of time needed to return to the airport "all depends". First to consider is the mode of transport back to the airport. If you have an airport rental car you need to consider the drive time and return processing time. If you need to hail a cab consider that if you have any early flight or are leaving from a back street you may have a wait until an available cab comes by. There are more cabs out and about by afternoon. Either call for a cab, which incurs an extra fee or get out on the street with all luggage early. Increase the chance by going to a 4 way intersection. Another option if close enough is to walk out to Melgar and get a cab there. DH and I stay at Villa Escondida Avenida 10 between calle 3 and RS, across the street from LaChoza. We usually allot 30 min to acquire a cab. If staying at a southern location, prearranged transport, taxi or shuttle is probably the way to go. As far as check in at the airport it also depends on the time of day you arrive to the airport. If arriving at the two hour suggested pre-arrival time for international flights you should have no problem getting in a very short line and checking in. However at the one hour time mark be prepared for a very long line and very slow processing at the check-in counter and security inspection . Once you are through security it will only take a few minutes to get to your gate.
 
Arriving at and Departing From the Cozumel Airport - A Guided Tour

[FONT=&amp]Step #1 – Arrival[/FONT]
Passengers disembark the plane via mobile passenger stairs moved out to the tarmac. Stairway assistance is available for those who require it. Passengers are then directed across the tarmac by airport representatives and into the waiting room at Immigration.* Here, passengers stand in queue until they are called to the desk by the Immigration agent. Two forms should have been provided to you on the plane and should be completed before getting in line. TIP: [Remember to pack a pen]

* #1 Immigration form: One per passenger, also known as an FMM (Multiple Immigration Form) or "tourist visa". The immigration agent will ask for your passport and FMM. He/she will review the information and hand your passport/FMM back to you. Do not lose your FMM, you will need this form to exit the country and if lost there is a fee to replace it. [TIP: Restroom in this area.]

#2 Customs Declaration: One given to each head of household. This form will be given to the representative at the Security screening after retrieving your luggage.

Step #2 – Baggage and Security Screening
After the immigration process your next stop will be baggage claim after which you will need to put all items through the baggage screening machine. There is no assistance provided *This area can become very congested with people waiting for their luggage and those who are in line for the security screening, just make sure you are in the correct line. The best area to wait for arriving luggage is closer to the windows [TIP: Restroom in this area]

[FONT=&amp]Step #3 – Red light ! Green light ![/FONT]
After baggage security screening your next step will be to play Red light Green light ! An airport representative will collect your Customs Declaration form (a long rectangular form completed by the head of household, not the FMM) and then will ask the head of household to push a button. * NOTE: If you have other family members listed on your Customs declaration, you must ALL BE PRESENT and accounted for at this point. If you get a Green light, you should be able to go on through the sliding doors ahead of you. If you get a Red light, *or if the security inspector merely questions an item or items, he/she may have you stop at the adjacent desk in order to have your luggage hand inspected. Do familiarize yourself with Custom regulations. * FYI: If a prohibited item is confiscated, such as beef jerky, fruit, etc, be prepared to provide your personal ID information and passport number.
* There are many websites with this information such as: U.S. Department of State, (search Travel->Travel Information->Mexico); Reviews of Hotels, Flights and Vacation Rentals - TripAdvisor (search for What You Can And Can’t Bring Into Cozumel) or just Google “Mexico Custom regulations”.

[FONT=&amp]Step #4 – The Magic Doors and Timeshare Land[/FONT]
Once your baggage is screened you will continue on through the magic sliding doors that enter into the last lobby area before you purchase your shuttle ticket (if needed) and exit to the shuttle van area. However, be aware, as soon as you go through the sliding doors, you WILL be approached by one or more timeshare salespeople. If you are truly interested in a timeshare presentation, this may be an opportunity for you, and of course, to each his or her own. However, if a timeshare is not in your plans, or you do not want to use up your precious vacation time at this moment, then by all means, you have the right to ignore the opportunity and head directly to the Ticket booth. Be prepared to put your hand up to the timeshare folks and give them a respectful yet firm “NO”! You don’t even need to make eye contact. Simply make them aware in a cordial yet direct way that you are not interested. HINT: If you need shuttle tickets and are traveling in a group, designate one person to buy the tickets for the group, and send everyone else DIRECTLY outside to wait with all of the luggage.

[FONT=&amp]Step #5 - Tickets Please !!!![/FONT]
The next paragraphs are directed to those who want/need to purchase shuttle van transportation, which is one of two official methods of transportation for tourists out of the airport.

#1 – Airport Shuttle Van to you destination - Purchasing Shuttle Van Tickets
Immediately after walking through the magic sliding glass door after the security check and Red Light/Green Light, make a beeline to the ticket booth which is located to your FAR DIAGONAL RIGHT. [FONT=&amp]TIP: [Restroom near ticket booth] [/FONT]
So, how do you know you are at the Ticket Booth and not a timeshare desk ? Once you are at the official ticket booth you will find a salesperson sitting inside the booth, behind a window. Tell her the name of your hotel/destination address and if you are paying in USD or Peso. She will tell you how much. Pay her and she will give you a simple paper ticket(s). The ticket transaction is brief and basic. She will not have any other business with you. She will not ask you your name, what your vacation plans or offer coupons, brochures or anything "Free" such as a car, jeep or tour.You do not need to sign any agreement. If this should happen you are at a Timeshare booth. If you find yourself in a Timeshare situation that you truly do not want, then simply walk away and head directly to the shuttle van ticket window to purchase your ticket. Again, a Direct and firm “No Thank you” should suffice Additional info*How do I arrange transportation to my hotel? - Cozumel Forum - TripAdvisor; After purchasing your tickets, your main goal at this point, is to GET OUTSIDE to the shuttle van area ! From the ticket booth, head to your left and the Exit door. However, in doing so, you will need to walk through the Timeshare area once again. Just remember to stop the offers just respond with a friendly yet firm “NO”. Also, on your way out to the shuttle vans you may be offered additional transportation assistance or questioned as to where you are staying...IGNORE IT ! These are ploys and practices used by the timeshare reps as a last ditch effort for a timeshare presentation. Some of these ploys sound very official, just be on your toes and if you must speak, provide a courteous yet firm "NO" !.

#2 Car Rental - Car rental booths are located in the departure lobby. If you rent a car, whether at the airport or in town, it is in general highly recommended that you have full insurance. Keep in mind that your credit card or home auto policy may/may not give you this coverage. Check with your insurance or credit card company before renting.

In addition, there are travelers who do walk off airport property and hail a cab as it is leaving or passing by the airport, however, taxi drivers, per taxi union policy, are technically prohibited to pick up and transport people who are waiting or hailing a cab immediately outside of the airport. Some people have no problem and are picked up quickly, however, there is a chance, and it does happen, where people will unsuccessfully wait for a taxi to stop. The only choice then would to be walk well out of the airport taxi boundaries or return to the airport to buy a shuttle ticket.

Also, note, travelers with pre-arranged transportation from the airport need only to walk directly outside to the shuttle van area after passing through the Magic Sliding glass door. The only assistance you will require is from the tour or hotel representative holding the card with your name or touring company logo. He or she will direct you to your shuttle van.

[FONT=&amp]Step #6 – Your Chariot awaits ![/FONT]
You have your shuttle ticket(s), and have walked back through the Timeshare area to the Exit door. Once outside you will see several diagonally parked white shuttle vans. Here, the drivers will ask you where you are going to, assign you a van, take your ticket and load your luggage. Most of the time the van does not leave until completely filled. This process may take 10 minuets or so. No worries…you’re on vacation!! However, before you leave double check that your luggage has been loaded and not left behind on the sidewalk or loaded onto another shuttle. Please note that if it is busy, the shuttle van will most likely be loaded to capacity and can be a tight ride. Hang in there, make the best of the situation and you will be on your way and arriving to your destination before you know it ! Your shuttle may make a few stops before getting to your destination, again, no worries, it will go quickly. However, before leaving each stop, take a look as to what pieces of luggage are being removed from the back of the van, and what is being carted away as drivers and passengers alike don’t always pay attention and on occasion there is a mix up. If you can’t easily see from where you are sitting, get out of the van and watch the process. TIP: [Make sure you have at least some sort of ID on your luggage that indicates your name and where you are staying on the island. Also, try to take note of the vehicle ID number and the drivers name so if something is left behind you may be able to track down your items]

[FONT=&amp]Step #7 –Vacation !!! But.....[/FONT]
Congratulations, you have made it to your destination. Enjoy your time and your well deserved break from reality. Unfortunately, for most travelers you will have to return home. If you do not have pre-arranged transportation back to the airport, just get a taxi and off you will go. Taxi transportation back to the airport is charged as any other taxi fare, one price, per cab, not per person. To clarify: Shuttle Vans/Rental cars are the only official transportation out of the airport, but taxis are permitted to take you back to the airport. You may want to ask your hotel desk clerk ahead of time what the fare should be to the airport. Your taxi will take you directly to the airport departure curb. Before the cab leaves, double check that you have all of your luggage and personal items. Go inside, find your airline departure desk and check in. Do give yourself plenty of time to hire a taxi, get to the airport and to check in. As time gets closer to your flight the check in and security lines can get long. Make sure that you have your passport and FMM form which was given to you at Immigration upon your arrival. The Head of Household will also be required to complete a "Declaration of Money for Departing Passengers" form. In accordance to Mexican law, American dollars or securities in excess of $10,000.00 that is in a passengers possession upon departing Mexico must be declared. Also at this time, do take a look at the prohibited carry on item sign that is posted at the start of the check in line either being held by airline representative or at the check in counter desk. Be aware that some items you were able to carry with you TO Cozumel, may not be allowed in carry on luggage FROM Cozumel. (i.e.: blunt tip scissors or tools of any length as well as dive weights and certain batteries as mentioned below)* Also note that this is an everchanging list so be sure to look at the list every time you fly out of Cozumel. Make sure prohibited carry-on items are packed properly and securely in checked luggage for your return flight before check in. After you are checked in, you will then go through a standard security line. Only 1 quart plastic bags are allowed for your 3 oz carry-on liquids. A larger plastic bag will not be accepted. * If you need a 1 quart bag, first ask if anyone in the line has an extra. If not, the Value Drugstore in the departure lobby sells them for $1.00 USD per bag. The store faces the boarding gates and shares Sunglass Island's back wall. Security will hold aside the "3-1-1 items while you acquire a bag. After you are through the security check move on to the gate area. There are only a few departure gates so you will be able to easily find where to go to wait for your flight. In the departure lobby area you will find restrooms, two venues for food and beverages, as well as a few stores for last minute shopping including a duty free shop. Once your flight is called, you will be called by rows to get in line. However, before exiting the gate area, you and your luggage may be directed for additional security screening. If you purchased any liquor in the duty free shop you will pick it up at the exit door. Note: Just remember that if you have a Domestic flight upon returning to the USA/your connecting airport, you will be required to put the bottle(s) in your checked luggage or it will be confiscated according to TSA policy. From the inspection stations, you will exit the door in front of you and walk out on to the tarmac and up the stairway to your plane.

FYI ALERT 6/12/2012 According to ddeborahdelamar, a resident of Cozumel, Volunteer & a member of the Consejo (Board of Directors) of Cruz Roja (Cozumel Red Cross) and a frequent Scubaboard contributor
At the departure security screening, they are confiscating loose batteries found in carryons -- used or new in sealed packs doesn't matter. Batteries installed in cameras, phones, laptops, and other electronic devices are OK. Any drinks purchased in the airport for consumption on the plane should be placed in carryons before boarding, or these, too, may be confiscated. United & US Airways are strictest about enforcing this, which I believe is a Cozumel airport policy only. Drinks in cups (coffee, beer, etc.) are not allowed beyond the boarding lanes -- this holds for all carriers. There is no smoking room or lounge inside Cozumel's airport. Passengers are allowed to leave the departure area to smoke. To exit, walk the roped-off aisle closest to the windows adjacent to the x-ray area and open the glass door that leads to the ticketing area. Passport and boarding pass are required for re-entry.

[FONT=&amp]If anyone has additional information, corrections or questions, please do not hesitate to PM me. [/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Sincerely, Sue

*Additional/corrected information credit: Karibelle, budaman, ddeborahdelamar, Sharkygill, Ron Lee, mstevens[/FONT] , Qnape
LAST UPDATE 3/25/2013
 
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Updates:

Our airport is new & improved: They moved the restrooms in the departure area! The restrooms are now at the eastern end of the waiting area. The entrance is past Cinco Soles' display window; next to the printed ties/scarves/tunics/purses/jewlery place.

Re carry-on restrictions at departure:
- Items must be 100ml (3.4oz) or less, in original packaging. You can't put 100ml of something in a container than will hold more. They will confiscate.
- Only 1 plastic 3-1-1 bag per passenger
- Do not pack souvenir candles in your carry on. Or any type of tool (to be on the safe side), including key rings that are or have tools.
- Solid deoderant is considered a 3-1-1 item.
- For goodness sake, pack the vanilla in your checked bag!!!
 
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