Mexico

The Mexican aviation sector is one of the most dynamic in Latin America, serving as a strategic hub between the Americas and Europe. Air traffic is centralized through the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), alongside major tourism hubs such as Cancún and Guadalajara. Regulation is overseen by the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), which operates under the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT). Consumer protection standards are enforced by PROFECO (Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor), which holds the legal authority to mediate disputes between passengers and airlines.

• Passport: must be valid for the whole stay (some airlines ask for 6 months).
• Visas: many nationalities enter Mexico visa-free for tourism. Some that need a visa are exempt if they hold a valid visa from the US, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom or the Schengen Area; check the rule for your nationality with the Mexican consulate.
• Entry record (FMM): air passengers do not fill in a form before travelling: the entry record is digital and done at immigration. Be wary of sites that charge for the FMM.

Passenger rights in Mexico are governed by the Civil Aviation Law (Ley de Aviación Civil).

• Delays:
• 1 to 4 hours: The airline must provide discounts for future flights and/or food and beverages.
• Over 4 hours: This is considered a cancellation, and the corresponding compensations apply.
• Cancellations/Denied Boarding: The airline must offer:
• A refund of the ticket price + minimum compensation of 25%.
• Transport on the next available flight + food, communication, and hotel accommodation (if necessary).
• Transport on a later date with minimum compensation of 25%.
• Compensation: Indemnity payments must be settled within a maximum of 10 days following the claim, unless the passenger explicitly accepts vouchers as an alternative.

Under current legislation, airlines are required to allow the free transport of carry-on baggage, provided it does not exceed 10 kg (on domestic flights) and meets standard dimensions (typically 55x40x25 cm).

• Checked Baggage: Policies vary according to the chosen fare class. Airlines must clearly state the weight and dimensions included in the contract of carriage.
• Valuables: The carrier is liable for loss or damage to checked baggage, with liability limits calculated in UMAS (Unidad de Medida y Actualización).

The entry of dogs and cats is regulated by SENASICA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria):

• Health Certificate: Must be issued by an official or licensed veterinarian, dated no more than 15 days prior to arrival.
• Vaccination: Proof of valid rabies vaccination is mandatory.
• Inspection: Upon arrival in Mexico, pets undergo a free inspection by OISA personnel (Oficina de Inspección de Sanidad Agropecuaria). If the pet does not meet the requirements, the owner is responsible for the costs of quarantine or return to the country of origin.

• Leaving Mexico without the parents: Mexican minors, or minors resident in Mexico, who leave the country alone or with another adult, without either parent or the legal guardian, need the SAM form from the National Migration Institute (INM) or a notarised authorisation from the parents. Foreign tourist minors do not need the SAM, but the rules of their home country apply (for example, Brazil's travel authorisation).
• Babies: children under 2 can travel on an adult's lap; each airline sets the price.
• Assistance: many airlines give boarding priority to families with young children and look after unaccompanied minors through their own service, for a fee.

The General Law for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities guarantees:

• Priority: Priority service during check-in, security, and boarding.
• Equipment: Free transport of wheelchairs and mobility assistance.
• Special assistance: request assistance from the airline in advance; discounts for seniors depend on each airline's policy.

• Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC): https://www.gob.mx/afac
• Federal Consumer Protection Office (PROFECO): https://www.gob.mx/profeco
• National Health Service (SENASICA - Pets): https://www.gob.mx/senasica
• National Migration Institute (Entry Requirements): https://www.gob.mx/inm
• Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (Visas): https://www.gob.mx/sre