Accessing Aeromexico Salon Premier (Domestic) in Terminal 2 with Priority Pass for International Flights

Aeromexico - Salon Premier Ciudad de Mexico (Domestic) MEX Airport ...

When considering access to the Aeromexico Salon Premier (Domestic) lounge in Terminal 2 of Mexico City International Airport (MEX) while flying internationally, several factors come into play. These include the specific layout of Terminal 2, the access policies of the lounge, and the privileges granted by a Priority Pass membership.

Understanding Terminal 2 Lounge Access and Layout

Terminal 2 at Mexico City International Airport houses three distinct Aeromexico Salon Premier lounges:

Aeromexico Salon Premier Ciudad De Mexico (Domestic): Primarily intended for passengers on domestic flights.
Aeromexico Salon Premier Ciudad De Mexico (International): Specifically designated for passengers on international flights.
Aeromexico Terraza Premier by Heineken: An additional lounge option for international travelers, offering a more casual atmosphere.

These lounges are located airside, meaning they are situated after the security checkpoints. However, a crucial aspect of Terminal 2's design is the segregation of domestic and international departure areas. This separation is enforced both physically and procedurally, directing passengers to their respective areas after clearing security.

Priority Pass Membership and Lounge Access

Priority Pass membership typically grants access to a wide network of airport lounges globally, including the Aeromexico Salon Premier lounges in Terminal 2. However, the access is contingent on the type of flight (domestic or international) and the specific lounge's policies.

General Access Rules for Priority Pass Members

Flight Type: Members must be flying on a same-day Aeromexico or SkyTeam flight.
Lounge Type: Access is granted to the lounge corresponding to the flight type (domestic or international).
Membership Validity: The Priority Pass membership must be active and valid.

Specifics for International Flights

For international travelers holding a Priority Pass membership, access is intended for the Aeromexico Salon Premier Ciudad De Mexico (International) lounge. This lounge is located on the mezzanine level after clearing international security checks. Due to the physical separation of domestic and international areas within Terminal 2, accessing the domestic lounge while holding an international boarding pass is not feasible.

Key Restrictions: Physical and Procedural Limitations

The primary barrier to accessing the domestic lounge when flying internationally is the airport's layout and security protocol. Once passengers clear the international security checkpoint, they are directed to the international departures area, which is physically separated from the domestic departures area. This separation makes it impossible to access the domestic lounge from the international side.

Even with a Priority Pass membership, the domestic Salon Premier lounge is "only accessible for passengers flying on AeroMexico and SkyTeam codeshare flights" (source: prioritypass.com). This means that even with Priority Pass membership, you cannot access the domestic lounge if you're flying internationally on a non-SkyTeam airline.

Lounge Amenities and Offerings

Both the domestic and international Aeromexico Salon Premier lounges offer a range of amenities designed to enhance the travel experience. However, there are some differences between the two.

Aeromexico Salon Premier Ciudad De Mexico (Domestic)

Free Wi-Fi
Refreshments (snacks and drinks)
Alcoholic beverages
Spa room (services subject to payment)
Digital cards accepted
Television and newspapers/magazines
Non-smoking environment

Aeromexico Salon Premier Ciudad De Mexico (International)

Free Wi-Fi
Refreshments (snacks and drinks)
Alcoholic beverages
Flight information screens
Spa room (services subject to payment)
Showers
Newspapers and magazines
Digital cards accepted
Non-smoking environment

Key Difference: The international lounge includes showers and flight information screens, which are not available in the domestic lounge.

Are There Free Drinks?

Yes, both the domestic and international Aeromexico Salon Premier lounges offer complimentary drinks. This includes:

Soft drinks
House wine
Beer
Liquor

The availability of free alcoholic beverages is confirmed, and this includes alcoholic beverages, which are typically available in VIP lounges. However, the specific types of drinks offered may vary, and it is advisable to check with the lounge staff upon arrival.

While the lounges provide complimentary snacks and drinks, the food options are generally limited, particularly in the domestic lounge. Hot food is not always available, and snacks may be depleted quickly during busy periods.

Additional Access Policies and Considerations

Children

Children under the age of two are admitted free to both the domestic and international lounges.

Stay Duration

Priority Pass members are typically allowed to stay up to three hours before their departure.

Dress Code

A smart casual dress code is enforced in all lounges.

Operating Hours

Open daily from 06:00 - 00:00 (midnight)
Access is permitted up to three hours before departure
Hours may vary according to flight schedules

Overcrowding

Both lounges, especially the international one, can experience overcrowding during peak travel times. Priority Pass members may face restricted access due to space constraints during these periods.

Refurbishment

Starting February 10, 2025, the domestic lounge will undergo refurbishment works until further notice. This may impact access and the availability of certain amenities.

Guest Policy

Priority Pass members are typically allowed to bring guests, but this may incur additional fees or be subject to certain conditions. It is recommended to check the specific guest policy with the lounge staff or the Priority Pass website.

Boarding Pass Requirement

While not explicitly stated for the Aeromexico Salon Premier, many lounges require a boarding pass for same-day travel. It is advisable to have your boarding pass readily available.

Lounge Capacity

Access may be restricted if the lounge reaches full capacity. While Priority Pass members generally have priority over those paying at the door, entry is not guaranteed if the lounge is full.

Additional Services

Spa room services are available but subject to additional payment
A la carte menu items are available for purchase

Alternative Lounge Options in Terminal 2

If you are flying internationally and cannot access the domestic lounge, Terminal 2 offers alternative lounge options:

Aeromexico Salon Premier Ciudad De Mexico (International): This is the designated lounge for international travelers and provides a more comprehensive range of amenities compared to the domestic lounge.
Aeromexico Terraza Premier by Heineken: Another international lounge option known for its relaxed atmosphere and Heineken-branded experience.
Other Terminal 2 Lounges: Depending on your eligibility, you might consider lounges like the VIPort Lounge, American Express Centurion Club, or HSBC Premier Lounge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is not possible to access the Aeromexico Salon Premier Ciudad De Mexico (Domestic) lounge when flying internationally from Terminal 2 using a Priority Pass membership, unless you are flying on Aeromexico or a SkyTeam codeshare flight. This restriction is primarily due to the physical and procedural separation of domestic and international areas within the terminal, as well as specific airline restrictions for access to the domestic lounge. However, Priority Pass members flying internationally can access the Aeromexico Salon Premier Ciudad De Mexico (International) lounge, which offers a similar range of amenities, including complimentary drinks, with some additional features like showers and flight information screens.

While the lounges can be crowded and food options may be limited, they still provide a more comfortable and relaxing environment compared to the main terminal. International travelers should consider the international lounge as the most appropriate option for a pre-flight experience. To ensure a smooth experience, Priority Pass members should confirm the lounge's operating hours, have their boarding pass ready, check the guest policy if applicable, and manage their time effectively to avoid missing their flight.

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