Seat-back entertainment screens were found at every seat, a rarity on most US airlines, and alcohol was complimentary.
But the aircraft seemed quite out of date and filled with tired-looking and worn seats.
Aeromexico is the flag carrier of Mexico and one of the country’s largest airlines.
Americans may relate to Aeromexico as the Delta Air Lines of Mexico as the two are very closely linked.
Delta owns 49% of Aeromexico and the two are also linked through the SkyTeam airline alliance. Travelers can book tickets on either airline through each other’s website for international itineraries.
And just like Delta, Aeromexico is facing stiff competition from ultra-low-cost carriers offering cheap and unbundled fares on routes across Mexico. Rivals include airlines like Volaris and VivaAerobus that are rapidly growing in Mexico and beyond.
On a recent trip to the US West Coast, I took a Mexican detour and flew Aeromexico from Mexico City to Tijuana. Here’s what it was like.
My Aeromexico journey started at Mexico City International Airport, where I’d arrived from New York on a Delta Air Lines flight. I had a two-hour connection at the airport and got my first glimpse at Aeromexico’s operation.
The check-in desk for Aeromexico, as the largest airline in Mexico City’s Terminal 2, was not hard to find. There was even a dedicated check-in area for elite status holders, including those with elite status on Delta such as myself.
And just like in the US, airline staff are separated from passengers by plexiglass partitions. Unlike the US, however, most staff wore face shields in addition to face masks.
Self-serve kiosks were also available and I stopped by one to see if there were any better seats for the three and a half hour flight.
It was looking to be a full flight and I wasn’t hopeful I’d be moving from my window seat in the back of the plane. I was, however, put on the upgrade list to first class thanks to my Delta elite status.
