Ruth Haines
TUA, or Airport Departure Fee, is a charge that Mexican airports apply to all passengers for the use of the terminal building facilities and services. The fee is included in the airline ticket and is calculated based on 35-60% of the trip's cost. The TUA is mandatory for most flights, with exceptions for children under two years old, people with disabilities, and connecting or return flights. The amount varies depending on the airport and the type of flight, with international flights typically costing more than domestic ones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Airport Use Fee |
| Other Names | Airport Departure Fee, Departure Tax |
| Applicability | Mandatory for all passengers on most flights |
| Exceptions | Children under two years old sitting on an adult's lap, people with disabilities (depending on the airline or airport) |
| Calculation Factors | Departure airport, flight type, exchange rate, distance travelled |
| Payment | Included in the ticket price or charged separately |
| Purpose | Funds airport maintenance and operations |
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What You'll Learn
TUA is a mandatory fee for most flights
The TUA, or the Airport Departure Fee, is a mandatory fee for most flights. It is a charge that covers the cost of using the airport's facilities and services. In other words, it is a fee for the use of the terminal building. This charge is typically included in the price of a plane ticket and is paid when purchasing the ticket. However, in some cases, it may be charged separately, often for international flights.
The TUA is determined by each airport and is based on factors such as the airport's policies, the type of flight (domestic or international), and the exchange rate. The further you travel, the higher the TUA amount tends to be. For example, at Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX), the TUA for domestic flights is $26.02, while for international flights, it is $49.41. These rates represent an increase of more than 6% for both domestic and international flights effective as of January 1, 2022.
While the TUA is a mandatory fee for most flights, there are some exceptions. Children under two years old who do not occupy a seat and travel on an adult's lap are exempt from the TUA. Additionally, people with disabilities may receive discounts or exemptions, depending on the airline or airport. For connecting or return flights, if the TUA is paid at a Mexican airport, it may not need to be paid again for the layover or return flight, depending on the airline and airport's policies.
It is important to note that the TUA is different from the tourism tax, which is a one-time tax typically paid by the airline on behalf of tourists and included in the airfare. The TUA, on the other hand, is a fee charged by the airport and is included in or added to the cost of the plane ticket. This fee helps fund airport maintenance and operations, covering essential services that ensure a smooth travel experience.
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The fee is included in the ticket price for some airlines
The TUA, or Airport Departure Fee, is a charge that Mexican airports apply to all passengers for the use of the terminal building facilities and services. This fee is included in the ticket price for some airlines.
The TUA is a mandatory fee for most flights, though there are some exceptions. For example, children under two years old who do not occupy a seat are exempt from the TUA. The TUA is typically included in the total ticket price, but there are cases where it is charged separately, often for international flights. The calculation of the TUA varies depending on the airport's policies and the type of flight (domestic or international). Each airport sets its own rate, and the TUA for international flights is generally higher than for domestic flights.
Some airlines, such as Viva Aerobus, allow passengers to pay the TUA separately after purchasing their ticket but before departure. It is recommended to check the exact TUA cost when purchasing your ticket, as amounts can vary based on the departure airport, flight type, and exchange rate.
The TUA funds airport maintenance and operations, covering essential services that contribute to a smooth travel experience, including infrastructure. By understanding the TUA and its inclusions in ticket prices, travellers can effectively plan their trips and be aware of any additional expenses.
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TUA is calculated based on factors like the airport and type of flight
TUA, or "Airport Use Fee", is a mandatory charge that must be paid by every passenger when purchasing a plane ticket. The calculation of TUA varies depending on the airport's policies and the type of flight being taken (domestic or international). Airports set and update their fees periodically, and the TUA may be included in the ticket price or charged separately.
Each airport sets its own rate, considering factors such as the type of flight and the departure airport. The TUA for international flights is typically higher than for domestic flights. The fee covers essential services that ensure a smooth travel experience, including infrastructure, maintenance, security, and airport services.
While TUA is usually included in the ticket price, there are exceptions. For example, Viva Aerobus allows passengers to pay the TUA separately up to 24 hours before their flight. It is important to note that if the TUA is not paid, passengers will not be able to board their flight. To find the exact TUA cost, passengers can check with their airline or visit the official website of their departure airport.
Additionally, there may be exemptions or discounts for certain individuals, such as children under two years old who do not occupy a seat, and people with disabilities. For connecting or return flights, passengers may not need to pay the TUA again if the connection is considered part of the same itinerary. It is recommended to check with the airline before purchasing a ticket to confirm if any exemptions apply.
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The fee is used for airport maintenance and operations
The TUA, or 'Airport Use Fee', is a mandatory fee for most flights that is included in the total ticket price or charged separately, often for international flights. The TUA is used to fund airport maintenance and operations, covering essential services that ensure a smooth travel experience. This includes infrastructure, such as the facilities and services of the terminal building.
The TUA fee is determined by each airport and is based on factors such as the departure airport, flight type, and exchange rate. The calculation can vary, but it is typically based on a percentage of the cost of the trip, ranging from 35-60%. For example, as of January 1, 2022, the TUA at Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) increased by more than 6% for both domestic and international flights. The TUA for domestic flights increased from 24.50 USD to 26.02 USD, while the TUA for international flights increased from 46.52 USD to 49.41 USD.
While the TUA is a mandatory fee for most passengers, there are some exceptions. Children under two years old who do not occupy a seat are exempt from the TUA. Additionally, people with disabilities may receive discounts or exemptions, depending on the airline or airport. For connecting or return flights, passengers may not need to pay the TUA again if the airport and airline consider the connection part of the same itinerary.
It is important to note that the TUA is different from the tourism tax, which is a one-time tax typically paid by the airline and included in the airfare. The TUA, on the other hand, is a fee charged by the airport and included in the airline ticket, with the cost established by the airport operator and approved by the relevant ministry or authority.
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Mexican airports charge TUA for the use of terminal facilities and services
Mexican airports charge a TUA, or "Airport Use Fee", for the use of terminal facilities and services. This is a mandatory fee for most flights, covering essential services that ensure a smooth travel experience, including infrastructure and airport maintenance. The TUA is typically included in the total ticket price when purchasing a plane ticket, but there are some exceptions where it is charged separately, often for international flights.
The calculation of the TUA varies depending on the airport's policies and the type of flight (domestic or international). Each airport sets its own rates, with fees for international flights generally higher than for domestic flights. For example, the disclosed rates for 2024 at the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) are US$28.95 (MX$492.61) for domestic flights and US$54.96 (MX$949.26) for international flights.
While the TUA is generally a mandatory fee, there are some exemptions. Children under two years old who do not occupy a seat are exempt, as are certain diplomats, passengers in transit, and aeronautical technical personnel with valid licenses. In addition, people with disabilities may be eligible for discounts or exemptions depending on the airline or airport.
It is worth noting that the TUA amount can vary during the first seven days of the month due to pending updates from the airports. Therefore, it is recommended to check the exact TUA cost when purchasing your ticket to account for any potential variations. Additionally, for airlines such as Viva Aerobus, the TUA can be paid separately from the ticket purchase, but it must be done before departure.
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Frequently asked questions
TUA stands for the Airport Departure Fee, also known as the Airport Use Fee.
Yes, the TUA is a mandatory fee for most flights. However, there are some exceptions, such as for children under two years old who are seated on an adult's lap and do not occupy a separate seat.
The TUA calculation is based on 35-60% of the cost of the trip. The calculation varies depending on the airport's policies and the type of flight (domestic or international). Each airport sets its own rates, and the TUA for international flights is typically higher than for domestic flights.
In most cases, the TUA is automatically included when purchasing a plane ticket. However, some airlines or airports may charge the TUA separately, especially for international flights. It is recommended to check with your airline or the official website of your departure airport to determine the exact TUA cost.
The TUA is charged to passengers for the use of the airport's facilities and services of the terminal building. This fee helps fund airport maintenance, operations, and essential services that ensure a smooth travel experience.
