Lounge Options at Mexico City International Airport (MEX) for American Express Business Platinum Cardholders
If you hold an American Express Business Platinum Card with Priority Pass and are flying internationally on Aeromexico from Mexico City's Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), you have several lounge options to enhance your travel experience. Since Aeromexico operates international flights from Terminal 2, this guide will focus primarily on the lounges available in that terminal, while also providing information on notable options in Terminal 1 for those with extra time or a preference for exploring.
Terminal 2 Lounges
Terminal 2 offers a variety of lounges, catering to different needs and preferences. Here's a detailed look at your best options:
1. Aeromexico Salon Premier (International)
- Location: After security, on the left, up to the mezzanine level.
- Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
- Access: Priority Pass membership, Aeromexico business class passengers, and SkyTeam Elite Plus members.
- Amenities: This lounge offers a comfortable environment tailored for international travelers. While it provides a selection of food and drinks, be aware that it can become crowded, especially during peak hours. Spa services and an à la carte menu are available for an additional charge.
- Recommendation: This is the most convenient option if you're flying internationally on Aeromexico, as it's specifically designed for these passengers.
2. Terraza Premier Aeromexico by Heineken
- Location: After security, on the right side by Gate B.
- Hours: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Access: Priority Pass membership.
- Amenities: Another solid choice for Aeromexico passengers, this lounge offers a relaxed atmosphere with a focus on Heineken products. It's a good alternative if the Salon Premier is too crowded.
- Recommendation: A viable backup to the Salon Premier, especially if you prefer a potentially less crowded environment.
3. VIPort Lounge
- Location: After security, turn left, next to Gate 75.
- Hours: 24/7.
- Access: Priority Pass membership.
- Amenities: This lounge offers a maximum stay of 3 hours and includes complimentary massage chairs. Note that there's a limit of three alcoholic beverages per adult, and premium alcoholic drinks are available for an additional charge. All food and beverages must be consumed inside the lounge.
- Recommendation: A convenient option due to its 24/7 availability and proximity to the departure gates. It's a good choice for a quick rest before your flight.
4. American Express Centurion Lounge
- Location: Terminal 2.
- Access: American Express Platinum Card (including Business Platinum), a confirmed boarding pass for same-day travel, and a government-issued I.D.
- Amenities: This lounge offers a more upscale experience with amenities such as drinks, meals, showers, a spa, a children's area, computers, TV, and Wi-Fi. Two guests or immediate family have complimentary access.
- Note: While this lounge provides a luxurious environment, be aware that the Business Platinum Card does not provide complimentary access to the full food and drink menu. You would need to pay for items off the wider menu. Reviews suggest that the food offerings might not be as extensive as expected for a Centurion Lounge.
- Recommendation: Consider this option if you value a more premium lounge experience and are willing to pay for additional menu items. However, if complimentary food and drinks are a priority, the Priority Pass lounges might be more suitable.
Terminal 1 Lounges (For Consideration)
While your flight departs from Terminal 2, if you have ample time and are willing to navigate between terminals, Terminal 1 offers some highly regarded Priority Pass lounges:
1. The Grand Lounge Elite
- Location: Terminal 1.
- Hours: 24/7.
- Access: Priority Pass membership.
- Amenities: This lounge is consistently rated as one of the best Priority Pass lounges in MEX. It offers a good selection of food and drinks, a bar area, sleep booths, and a unique, pleasant decor.
- Recommendation: If you have time to travel to Terminal 1, this lounge is highly recommended for its excellent amenities and overall experience.
2. Terraza by The Grand Lounge Elite
- Location: Terminal 1.
- Access: Priority Pass membership.
- Recommendation: Similar to The Grand Lounge Elite, this lounge in Terminal 1 is a good option if you have extra time.
3. Lounge 19
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Location: Terminal 1.
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Access: Priority Pass membership.
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Recommendation: While accessible, this lounge is generally considered a less desirable option compared to The Grand Lounge Elite.
4. Avianca Lounge
- Location: Terminal 1.
- Access: Priority Pass membership.
- Amenities: This lounge offers basic amenities like TVs, newspapers, and snacks. However, it's not as highly rated as The Grand Lounge Elite in terms of comfort and atmosphere.
- Recommendation: This can be an option if you're already in Terminal 1, but it's not worth a special trip from Terminal 2.
Lounge Access Summary Table
Here's a table summarizing the lounge options and their key features:
| Lounge Name |
Terminal |
Access |
Hours |
Key Features |
| Aeromexico Salon Premier (International) |
2 |
Priority Pass, Business Class, SkyTeam Elite Plus |
6:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
Tailored for international travelers, spa and à la carte menu (extra charge) |
| Terraza Premier Aeromexico by Heineken |
2 |
Priority Pass |
5:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
Relaxed atmosphere, Heineken products |
| VIPort Lounge |
2 |
Priority Pass |
24/7 |
3-hour max stay, massage chairs, limited alcoholic drinks |
| American Express Centurion Lounge |
2 |
Amex Platinum/Business Platinum |
Varies |
Upscale amenities, paid food and drink menu |
| The Grand Lounge Elite |
1 |
Priority Pass |
24/7 |
Highly rated, good food and drinks, sleep booths |
| Terraza by The Grand Lounge Elite |
1 |
Priority Pass |
Varies |
Similar to The Grand Lounge Elite |
| Lounge 19 |
1 |
Priority Pass |
Varies |
Less desirable option |
| Avianca Lounge |
1 |
Priority Pass |
Varies |
Basic amenities, less comfortable |
Navigating Between Terminals
If you decide to visit a lounge in Terminal 1, you'll need to consider the time required to travel between terminals. The Aerotrén is a free automated train service that connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It operates from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM and takes approximately 5 minutes for the journey. However, you'll need to factor in walking time to and from the Aerotrén stations within each terminal, as well as potential waiting times. Allow at least 30-45 minutes for the round trip between terminals.
Final Recommendations
For Convenience:
- Aeromexico Salon Premier (International) in Terminal 2 is your most convenient option, being specifically designed for Aeromexico international passengers.
- Terraza Premier Aeromexico by Heineken in Terminal 2 serves as a good alternative if the Salon Premier is crowded.
- VIPort Lounge in Terminal 2 is a solid choice for a quick rest due to its 24/7 availability and proximity to the gates.
For a Premium Experience (with potential costs):
- American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal 2 offers a more luxurious setting with additional amenities but requires payment for most food and drink items.
For the Best Overall Lounge Experience (if time permits):
- The Grand Lounge Elite in Terminal 1 is highly recommended for its excellent amenities and overall experience, but requires travel between terminals.
Ultimately, the best lounge for you depends on your priorities: convenience, cost, amenities, and available time. If you prioritize convenience and are short on time, stick to the lounges in Terminal 2. If you have more time and value a superior lounge experience, consider making the trip to The Grand Lounge Elite in Terminal 1. Remember to check the Priority Pass app for the most up-to-date information on lounge access, hours, and amenities before your trip.