TIME TO GO!
Lets talk about your flight and traveling to the Island
The information we provide are our experiences. Some things change so be prepared for slightly different experiences and do your own research especially on prices! Time of year makes a difference on travel costs.
AIRPORTS
COZUMEL (CZM) - EASIEST
There are two airports we use to get to Cozumel. There is an international airport on the Island of Cozumel (CZM) and is a very small and quiet airport with very little walking. Generally, your airplane will be the only airplane unloading and the time it takes getting through customs is very reasonable. This is the best way to travel to Cozumel. You will typically save about 3 hours of travel time over flying into Cancun (CUN). However, tickets to fly to this airport tends to be a little more expensive.
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-Most flights arrive between 1pm - 3pm EST
-Time in Customs is fairly quick.
-Airport shuttles on standby to take you to our Villa
-Travel time from airport to our Villa is 10 min.
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CANCUN (CUN) - CHEAPEST
The other airports we use to get to Cozumel is Cancun's (CUN). If you hear the term "bag drag" they are describing traveling through Cancun and traveling to Cozumel. Cancun is also international airport which is a smaller airport but much larger than Cozumel's (CZM) which means more people and more walking. Generally, your airplane will not be the only airplane unloading and the time it takes getting through customs takes longer. This is not the best way to travel to Cozumel but generally cheaper. You will typically add about 3 hours of travel time over flying into Cozumel (CZM). However, tickets to fly to this airport tends to be much cheaper and the larger airports like Chicago Ohare (ORD) are direct flights.
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-Most direct flights arrive between 9am - 11am EST
-Time in Customs takes about twice as long as Cozumel.
-Must get a cab or take the bus from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen
-Bus: travel time= 1.5hr and costs: $12 ea person
-Cab / shuttle: travel time= 45 min. and costs: $75-120 for group
-Must catch the ferry to the island which is 45min trip + wait time. Generally 1 - 1.5 hours. and costs $12 each.
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Do the math.. if there are only 2 people traveling this may not save enough money to justify flying here rather than to Cozumel. If you have a family this may save lots!
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Where to fly from..
Most airports large and small will fly to both Cozumel and Cancun. Many of the large airports (such as St. Louis, Chicago Ohare, and Chicago Midway) have direct flights to Cancun. Most flights to Cozumel will have lay overs. Depending on which company you fly with depends on the location of the layover.
-American is usually Dallas/Ft Worth or Houston.
-Delta/United is generally Atlanta
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Book at least a 1.5hr layover so you have time to catch your next flight. Some flights only go to Cozumel once a day. Flights to Cancun fly several times a day. If you miss your flight to Cozumel you can usually talk to the agent about flying to Cancun instead. That would save you from sleeping in the airport and loosing a whole day on the island.
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What not to bring to Mexico..
-Meat, Fruit, and Veggies. They have strict laws against bringing them into their country. They restrict most of these for disease purposes. Even over processed meat products sealed such as a Slim Jim will make their customs agents treat you like your trying to smuggle contraband into their country. Even if you read its ok.. from our experiences, I suggest you don't do it. Most other snacks such as chips, crackers, cookies, and such are ok to bring.
You are allowed sealed bottles of alcohol up to 2 liters per person without declaring it.
-Vapes Vapes are illegal to import into Mexico. They have had this in Federal court and have ruled it as ok to bring your personal vape into Mexico. However, they still go with the old law for tax purposes. If you "admit" you have one in your possession you will be fined. I have heard the fines are around $200-300 depending on how much money you have in your pocket (extortion). If you have one in your purse and you don't admit you have it.. and they search and find it then the fine is the same. They do sell them on the island in several shops.
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-Drones The law says that only citizens of Mexico can fly drones. That is because just like in the US they have to be registered. The drones that are under 250g are still legal for US citizens to fly. If you bring a drone of any size into Mexico you are subject to a import tax of 18% of the retail value of that drone.. again if you don't admit you have it and your search and they find it. The cost is the same..
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-Marijuana Marijuana is highly illegal in Mexico. It doesn't matter if you have a medical card or not. If you don't want to see the inside of a Mexican Jail.. don't try it!