How to Get Through Cancún Airport Without Losing Your Patience (or Your Luggage)

What to Expect When You Land

When you step off the plane in Cancún, the heat and humidity hit almost immediately. There are typically no jet bridges; instead, you may walk down stairs or take a bus to the terminal. For travellers with mobility issues, this can be a hurdle - ask the airline ahead of time for a lift vehicle or assistance so you’re not struggling on arrival.

Immigration: The First Hurdle

Cancún’s immigration lines can be long - sometimes over an hour during peak travel seasons. In order to be eligible to use the E-gates, the traveller must be of 18 years of age and have a valid passport with a biometric symbol. If you use the E-gate, the kiosk will print a ticket with a QR code, which you must scan to receive the digit version of your tourist card or FMM document. It is imperative that you keep this ticket with your passport, should you be asked to provide it at the time of your departure.

• What you need: Passport valid for at least six months, completed immigration form (often digital now via the Visitax (https://www.visitax.gob.mx/sitio/) or FMM process), and proof of your return or onward ticket.

• Tips to speed up: Sit near the front of the plane if possible, and have your documents ready before you land.

• For travellers with disabilities: You can request to be directed to a priority lane. Airport staff are generally accommodating, but you may need to clearly state your needs.

Baggage Claim: Keep Your Eyes on Your Belongings

The baggage area can feel chaotic. Multiple flights often arrive within minutes of each other, meaning crowded carousels. Be prepared to wait, especially during Peak season.

• Tip: Have a brightly coloured luggage strap or tag to spot your bag quickly. Add an air tag to your luggage to see where it is located.

• For travellers with disabilities: If you can’t easily lift your luggage, ask for assistance - porters are available for a small tip (cash in pesos is best).

  
  

Customs: The Infamous “Red or Green Light”

Cancún still uses the random inspection button system:

• Press a button - green means you pass, red means your bags are inspected.

• This is purely random; don’t panic if you get red. Just be honest and patient.

• Note: Smoking and vaping are banned in public areas in Mexico. It is considered illegal to bring vapes into Mexico. While some have managed to enter under the radar with their vapes, travellers risk confiscation and potential fines.

• For travellers with disabilities, staff will often make the process smoother if you communicate any physical limitations.

Navigating the “Shark Tank” of Timeshare Sales

Once you leave customs, you’ll enter a large hall full of people trying to sell tours, taxis, or timeshares. Respectfully smile and decline to interact with these transportation sales people. Often, these official-looking transportation personnel use shady tactics to get you to book with them.

• Hardship: Many first-time visitors mistake these sellers for official transport staff. They are not.

• Tip: Ignore the offers, smile politely, and keep walking. Your actual transfer (if booked ahead) will be waiting outside the building. Confirm before you leave.

• Also if you need to go between terminals - There is a free shuttle

  
  

Transportation: Taxis, Transfers, and Accessibility

Taxis from the airport can be expensive and sometimes unregulated. They are well known to scam the tourists. I recommend not to use them. There is no direct shuttle service from Cancun International Airport to Playa Del Carmen. However, the ADO bus company provides service to 2 Playa Del Carmen stations with frequent routes. You can purchase tickets online or at the kiosks outside of Terminals 3 and 4 for around $255MXN (about £10 / $12USD) one-way. The departures are from T2, T3, and T4, just ask the ADO staff at the kiosks for directions to your bus. Generally the trip to Playa Del Carmen takes 1 hour on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus.

• Best option: Pre-book a transfer with a reputable company before you fly. (Ask me for recommendations).

• For travellers with disabilities: Request an accessible van in advance. Wheelchair-friendly transport exists but is limited - booking early is essential.

• Warning: Don’t accept rides from anyone offering “special deals” inside the terminal.

  
  

Renting a Car

Renting a car in Mexico can be a mixed experience. Many travellers do it regularly without issues, while others run into problems - most often over insurance requirements. Most rental companies require separate liability insurance beyond what your credit card might cover.

For full, hassle-free protection that’s recognised in Mexico, it’s strongly recommended to purchase this insurance directly through the rental agency. Having coverage accepted locally means that, in the event of an accident or emergency, a knowledgeable Mexican agent can assist you promptly, ensuring you’re supported and compliant with local regulations.

Extra Tips for Travellers With Disabilities

1. Pre-arrange airport assistance with your airline - they can escort you through security, immigration and baggage claim.

2. Accessible bathrooms are available but can be limited in number. Ask staff for the nearest one if you can’t locate it quickly.

3. If you use mobility aids, label them clearly and consider carrying basic repair tools or spares (small screws, Allen key).

4. Cancún airport can be noisy and overwhelming - noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs can help travellers with sensory sensitivities.

   
   

Understanding Vistax - A requirement if visiting Quintana Roo

Visitax is a mandatory tourism tax for all foreign visitors to the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, home to popular destinations like Cancún, Playa Del Carmen, Cozumel, Isla Holbox, Bacalar, and the Riviera Maya. The fee is $271 MXN (around £11 / $14USD) and applies to travellers aged 15 and older.

While some visitors skip payment - intentionally or not - it is linked to your passport record. This means that failing to pay could lead to being denied entry to Mexico on a future trip, at the discretion of immigration officials.

You can pay Visitax before arriving, during your stay, or before departing from Cancún airport. Once paid, you’ll receive a QR code as proof, which airport staff may request before your flight.

To avoid scams, pay only through the official Mexican government website. Any other site claiming to process Visitax is not authorised and often overcharges. You can also pay safely at official kiosks located inside the airport prior to departure.

Final Word: Patience Is Your Best Travel Tool

Cancún airport is the gateway to some of the most beautiful beaches and attractions in the world, but it’s also an obstacle course of queues, sales pitches, and logistical quirks. Plan ahead, know what’s coming, and don’t be shy about requesting help if you need it. The sooner you clear the airport, the sooner your vacation truly begins.