Cabo Airport Tsa Precheck: What You Need To Know

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is the commercial airport used when flying to Los Cabos to visit Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. While the airport does not have a dedicated TSA PreCheck line, its security procedures are similar to those of other international airports. Passengers are screened using advanced imaging technology or pat-down procedures, and carry-on bags are inspected for prohibited items. The airport emphasizes robust security protocols, including state-of-the-art screening technologies and highly trained security personnel, to ensure the safety and well-being of its passengers.

TSA PreCheck is not available at Cabo Airport

Unfortunately, TSA PreCheck is not available at Cabo Airport. While the airport does offer efficient security checks, with wait times ranging from 5 to 10 minutes, there is no dedicated TSA PreCheck lane.

Cabo Airport, officially known as Los Cabos International Airport and designated by the code SJD, is located in San Jose del Cabo and serves as the primary airport for those travelling to Cabo San Lucas. The airport is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its passengers and has implemented rigorous security protocols.

Upon arrival, passengers must go through immigration, where they present their passport and flight information to an officer. After receiving a stamp in their passport, they proceed to the baggage claim area. Passengers with checked luggage will then need to go through customs, where they submit a customs form and press a red button. If the light turns green, they are free to exit the airport, but if it turns red, their bags will be searched.

Security checks at SJD are thorough yet respectful, with trained security staff utilising advanced imaging technology to ensure passenger safety. Passengers may be randomly selected for advanced imaging technology screening, either at the main security terminal or during pre-boarding. This technology detects metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons or explosives, and passengers can choose this method or opt for a physical pat-down.

While TSA PreCheck may not be available at Cabo Airport, travellers can still benefit from efficient and secure processing when passing through security.

Cabo Airport security protocols

Cabo Airport, also known as Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), is located in San Jose del Cabo and is used for flights to Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. The airport has a strong commitment to security, employing a range of protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of its passengers.

Immigration and Customs

After deboarding the plane, passengers proceed to the immigration desks, where they present their passport and flight information to an officer. After receiving a stamp in their passport, passengers collect their luggage and proceed to customs. Here, they submit a customs form, which is provided during the flight, and press a button. If the light turns green, they are free to exit the airport. If the light turns red, their bags are searched by an agent.

Security Screening

Los Cabos International Airport utilises state-of-the-art screening technologies and highly trained security personnel to ensure the safety of its passengers. The airport employs advanced imaging technology that can detect both metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons or explosives. Passengers have the option to choose this imaging technology or opt for a physical pat-down.

Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before their scheduled departure time for international flights and 2 hours for domestic flights. The standard security wait times at the airport range from 5 to 10 minutes, but these durations can be influenced by factors such as the volume of departing flights and the time of day.

Other Security Protocols

The airport encourages passengers to be vigilant and report any suspicious individuals, vehicles, or activities within the airport premises. Unattended items, suspicious behaviour, unauthorised access, and unusual vehicles should be promptly reported to airport personnel or security. The airport has established a dedicated Airport Security Hotline (+52 624 146 5111) for security-related concerns.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is a US government programme that allows passengers to expedite security screening at certain airports. However, Cabo Airport does not have a dedicated TSA PreCheck line. While security procedures at Cabo Airport are similar to TSA PreCheck, with passengers not needing to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets, the benefits of TSA PreCheck do not extend to Cabo Airport.

Immigration procedures at Cabo Airport

Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is the airport used when flying to Los Cabos to visit Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Here are the immigration procedures to keep in mind when arriving at the airport:

• Passport and Visa Requirements: Visitors from countries other than the USA require a passport and a 'Migration Form for Tourists, Transmigrants, Visiting Businesspersons, or Visiting Consultants', also known as a Tourist Card. This form can be obtained from travel agencies, airlines, or at the point of entry into Mexico. US citizens do not need a passport to enter Mexico and can use a birth certificate, voter registration card, or certificate of naturalization, along with valid photo identification. However, a valid passport is required to return to the US or Canada. It is recommended that all travellers have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Mexico.
• Customs Form: As your plane prepares for landing, flight attendants will distribute a customs form, which is required for entry into the country. Only one form is needed per family, and it asks basic questions such as the length of your stay and what you are travelling with. You will submit this form to the customs agent after collecting your luggage.
• Immigration Desks: After disembarking, you will proceed to the immigration desks. The line can sometimes be long, but it usually moves quickly. If you have temporary or permanent residency, you can use the citizen lane, which often has no line. Have your passport and flight information ready, as the officer will ask for these and may also inquire about your accommodation and length of stay.
• Baggage Claim: Once your passport is stamped, you will proceed through the glass doors to the baggage claim area. Luggage is usually available quickly, and airport staff may assist by removing bags from the carousel and piling them on the side.
• Currency Exchange: While waiting for your luggage, you can exchange currency at a desk near the carousel. You will need your passport to exchange money, and it is recommended to have some pesos for meals, tipping, and cash-only purchases.
• Animal Health Inspection: If you are travelling with pets, you will need to present their paperwork at the Animal Health Inspection office near the currency exchange desk. A vaccination record is typically sufficient, but it is advisable to check the airport's website for specific requirements.
• Customs Inspection: After collecting your luggage, you will get in line to submit your customs form to the agent. You will then press a red button, and a green light indicates that you can proceed, while a red light means your bags will be searched. It is recommended to remove new items from their original packaging to avoid issues.
• Transportation Services: After clearing customs, you will encounter various transportation service desks offering taxis, rental cars, and other options. It is advisable to agree on a price before taking a taxi. Alternatively, you can schedule private transportation through your hotel or a third-party company.

In summary, arriving passengers at Cabo Airport should be prepared to present the necessary travel documents, complete customs forms, undergo immigration checks, and navigate baggage claim and customs inspection. It is also important to have the required paperwork for any pets travelling with you.

Customs procedures at Cabo Airport

Cabo San Lucas Airport, also known as Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), is the commercial airport used when flying to Los Cabos to visit Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Immigration

After deboarding the plane, you will need to go to the immigration desks. Have your passport and flight information ready as the officer will ask you for both. They will also ask you questions about where you are staying and for how long. Once you get your passport stamped, you will head through the glass doors to the baggage claim area.

Baggage Claim

The airport staff will often put the bags in a pile on the side, which can cause a bit of a traffic jam. After getting your luggage from baggage claim, you will hand your customs form to the customs agent.

Customs Form

As the plane prepares for landing, the flight attendants will hand out a customs form, which you are required to fill out and submit to enter the country. Only one form is necessary per family, and it asks how long you are staying, what you are travelling with, and some other basic questions. Once you have your luggage, you will have to get in line to hand in your customs form. After the agent takes your form and tears off the portion they need, you will have to press a red button. If the light turns green, you are free to go. If the light turns red, you will need to put your bags through the scanner and have them searched by an agent.

Currency Exchange

While waiting for your luggage, you can visit the currency exchange desk just steps away from the carousel to convert your dollars to pesos. You will need your passport to exchange money.

Animal Health Inspection

Directly to the left of the currency exchange is the Animal Health Inspection office, where you will need to present paperwork for your pets if you are bringing them into Cabo.

Transportation

The last area before exiting the airport is the gauntlet of transportation and other service desks. As you walk through, you’ll be asked if you need a taxi, a rental car, etc. Taxis are almost always available. Just make sure you are clear about your destination and agree on a price before taking the ride.

TSA Pre-Check

TSA Pre-Check does not work in Cabo. However, security at SJD operates similarly to TSA pre-check in other airports where you don't need to take off your shoes or belt and sometimes not even your jacket, but there is no dedicated TSA pre-check line.

Transportation to and from Cabo Airport

By Car

There are a few options for travelling to and from Cabo Airport by car. You can take a taxi, with the journey from San Jose del Cabo taking around 20 minutes with no traffic, and from Cabo San Lucas taking around 35 minutes. You can also use a rideshare app like Uber, although be aware that due to recent rule changes, Ubers cannot pick up from directly outside the airport. Instead, you will need to walk down the sidewalk, past the gas station, and out of the airport to meet your driver.

By Shuttle

There are a number of private shuttle companies operating to and from Cabo Airport, including Cabo Airport Shuttle, Cabo Lindo Transport, and Cabo Shuttle Services. Shuttles can be booked in advance and offer comfortable, air-conditioned transportation for individuals or groups. Some companies also offer shared shuttle services, which are a more economical option.

By Bus

There is a public bus service operating between Cabo Airport and the surrounding area. However, it is worth noting that this service can be very crowded, and there may be long lines at the airport.

Other Options

If you are staying in a hotel, you may be able to arrange transportation through them. Some hotels offer a shuttle service to and from the airport, or can assist you in booking a private transfer. Alternatively, you can also book a private transfer through a third-party transportation company.

Frequently asked questions