Clear Services Available At Cancun Airport?

CLEAR is a membership-based program that uses biometric data to speed up airport security checks. It is currently available at over 55 airports across the US, including Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, and Newark. The service is free at stadiums and arenas, but there is a fee for using it at the airport. CLEAR costs $189 per year, but this can be reduced through various credit card and airline programs.

Cancun Airport is the tenth busiest airport in the world by international passengers

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is a major airport in Mexico, serving as the primary gateway to the Cancun Metropolitan Area, the Riviera Maya, and the Yucatán Peninsula. In 2021, it was the tenth busiest airport in the world in terms of international passengers, according to the Airports Council International. The airport saw over 13.2 million international passengers that year, a significant increase from its ranking of 61st in 2019.

Cancun's rise to become one of the leading international airports can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it is the main international airport in Mexico, even ahead of Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX). In 2021, Cancun accounted for 35% of all international passengers in Mexico, compared to 26.9% for Mexico City. This is due in part to its establishment as a major tourist destination since the 1970s, with investments in infrastructure, including the construction of the new Cancun International Airport.

The airport's location and Mexico's open borders policy during the COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in its increased traffic. Cancun has attracted international travellers seeking leisure destinations with open spaces and minimal travel restrictions. As a result, the airport has experienced a faster recovery in passenger numbers compared to other airports, finishing 2021 just 19.7% below its pre-pandemic traffic levels.

Cancun International Airport has four terminals, with Terminal 1 dedicated to charter or private flights and Terminals 2, 3, and 4 serving scheduled flights. The airport offers a range of amenities, including shops, duty-free areas, restaurants, and rental car services. It is easily accessible from major cities worldwide, with over 40 cities in the US and 20+ cities in Europe offering direct flights.

Cancun Airport advises passengers to arrive at least two hours before their flight

Cancun International Airport advises passengers to arrive at least two hours before their flight to ensure they don't miss their flight. This is particularly important as new security regulations mean everyone is screened and searched, and officers are not there to make the lines go faster.

The airport's website states that the two-hour rule is a request, and it is a benchmark that many travellers aim for, although some opt for three hours to be safe. This is especially true if you are checking in luggage, or if you need to get a COVID test. If you don't have your COVID tests, add 30-60 minutes to your arrival time. If you are flying nationally, you only need to be at the airport an hour before your flight if checking bags, or 35 minutes if you're not checking luggage.

It's also important to note that if you are not at the check-in 90 minutes before your scheduled departure, you will not be given tickets to pass through security. So, while you may arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, you should also factor in check-in times.

Cancun Airport also recommends that you pre-arrange your transportation to the airport to ensure an easier transition.

All carry-on bags are subject to security screenings

Cancun International Airport is one of the top ten airports in the world in terms of international passengers. As a result, it has implemented enhanced security measures, including mandatory security screenings for all carry-on bags. Here are some important things to know about the security screening process for carry-on luggage at Cancun Airport:

Screening Procedures for Carry-on Bags

All carry-on bags are screened for explosives and other dangerous items. This process involves placing your bag on an X-ray machine and may include additional measures such as manual inspections. Here are some specific items that may require special attention during screening:

• Electronics: You will be asked to remove electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles, from your carry-on bag. These devices should be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening, without anything placed on or under them.
• Food: Most food items, such as fruits, health bars, and sandwiches, can usually remain inside your carry-on bag. However, special instructions apply to liquids, gels, and aerosols, as well as baby food, breast milk, and medically necessary items.
• Powders: Powder-like substances over 12 oz (350 mL) should be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening and may require additional inspection.
• Liquids: Liquids in carry-on baggage are typically limited to containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, and they must fit comfortably into a single quart-sized bag.
• Batteries: Devices containing lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage. Spare lithium batteries must be in your carry-on, and lithium-ion batteries should be protected from short circuits.
• Sharp Objects: Any sharp objects in your carry-on should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Tips for a Smoother Screening Process

To facilitate the screening process and make your travel experience easier, consider the following recommendations:

• Planning and Packing: Know what items are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport. Planning and packing accordingly can streamline the screening process.
• Organization: Keep your carry-on bag organized and uncluttered. This helps TSA officers quickly and effectively screen your belongings.
• Powering Devices: Officers may ask you to power up electronic devices, including cell phones. Devices without power will not be permitted onboard.
• Declaration of Medically Necessary Items: If you are carrying medically necessary liquids, gels, or aerosols in reasonable quantities, declare them to security officers for inspection.
• Early Arrival: Cancun Airport recommends arriving at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time to allow for security screenings.

Remember, the security measures at Cancun Airport are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers. By following the guidelines and staying informed about the screening process, you can contribute to a smoother and more efficient travel experience for yourself and your fellow travelers.

All passengers may be subject to additional screening, including full-body pat-downs and manual inspections of hand-carried items

Cancun International Airport is one of the top ten airports in the world in terms of international passengers. As such, it has enhanced security measures in place, including the requirement for all passengers to arrive at least 2 hours before any international flight. All carry-on bags are subject to security screenings.

All passengers, regardless of age, may be subject to additional screening. This includes minors and unaccompanied minors. If you are selected at random or if circumstances require it, you will undergo secondary screening. This includes full-body pat-downs and manual inspections of all hand-carried items.

Full-body pat-downs are used to determine whether prohibited items or other threats to transportation security are concealed on the person. A pat-down may include an inspection of the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet. This includes head coverings and sensitive areas such as breasts, groin, and buttocks. You may be required to adjust your clothing during the pat-down. The officer will advise you of the procedure to help you anticipate any actions before you feel them.

The inspection of hand-carried items is part of the secondary screening process. Passengers are advised to check all luggage, including carry-on bags, to minimise the need for additional screenings and manual inspections. Mark all your pieces of luggage for easy identification.

It is important to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to catch your flight. Everyone is being screened and searched, and you will not get any special treatment if your flight is about to leave. These are the new security regulations, and officers are available to ensure everyone is screened, not to make the lines go faster.

Cancun Airport emphasises the importance of arriving early, stating that special treatment will not be given to those whose flight is about to leave

Cancun International Airport is ranked among the top ten airports in the world in terms of international passengers. It is a busy airport with many security protocols in place. The airport emphasises the importance of arriving early, recommending that passengers arrive at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure time for international flights. This is to allow for security screenings and additional checks, which are currently being enforced for all passengers, regardless of age.

The airport authorities have stated that special treatment will not be given to passengers whose flight is about to leave. This means that everyone must undergo the necessary screenings and searches, and there will be no exceptions made for those running late. These security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all travellers and must be adhered to. Therefore, it is crucial that travellers plan ahead and make the necessary arrangements to arrive at the airport early.

Passengers are advised to pre-arrange their transportation to the airport to ensure a smooth transition. It is also recommended that one person carries all the required documentation, including IDs, Tourist Cards, proof of citizenship, and boarding passes, to streamline the screening process. In addition to this, passengers are encouraged to check all their luggage, including carry-on bags, to reduce the need for additional screenings and manual inspections.

Cancun International Airport also provides helpful tips for a hassle-free departure. They suggest locating the airline counter, checking in, and obtaining boarding passes as soon as possible. Passengers should also be aware of any departure taxes that may need to be paid at the airport, depending on their destination. It is also important to keep the tourist card received upon entry, as loss of this card can result in fees.

Frequently asked questions