BajaNomad

Questions about flying to Mexico

US 41 - 7-20-2024 at 05:41 PM

I've only ever drove to Mexico, but I'm thinking about flying to Monterrey sometime this year or next. I've only ever flown domestically, so here's my questions.

1) When I arrive at Indianapolis Int'l (I live in Indiana) will I need to do anything special? When I travel I always travel light and I only take a back pack. Wasn't sure if I might have to check in at the desk anyways though since it's an international flight.

2) When I arrive in Monterrey, I am assuming when I go through customs I will get my passport stamped (which will be my FMM) and the price of the FMM is included in my airline ticket. Is this correct?

3) I suppose the biggest question I have is that when I return to Monterrey Int'l how do I cancel the FMM? Is there an INM office before I go through airport security, after I go through airport security, or am I cancelling it at the airline check in desk?

All of this will be new to me and I'm just trying to get an understanding of it before I ultimately go. I'm sure it's pretty easy (probably even easier than driving in) as tens of thousands of Americans go through this every year. Thanks in advance for any responses.

[Edited on 7-21-2024 by US 41]

JZ - 7-20-2024 at 06:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by US 41  
I've only ever drove to Mexico, but I'm thinking about flying to Monterrey sometime this year or next. I've only ever flown domestically, so here's my questions.

1) When I arrive at Indianapolis Int'l (I live in Indiana) will I need to do anything special? When I travel I always travel light and I only take a back pack. Wasn't sure if I might have to check in at the desk anyways though since it's an international flight.

2) When I arrive in Monterrey, I am assuming when I go through customs I will get my passport stamped (which will be my FMM) and the price of the FMM is included in my airline ticket. Is this correct?

3) I suppose the biggest question I have is that when I return to Monterrey Int'l how do I cancel the FMM? Is there an INM office before I go through airport security, after I go through airport security, or am I cancelling it at the airline check in desk?

All of this will be new to me and I'm just trying to get an understanding of it before I ultimately go. I'm sure it's pretty easy (probably even easier than driving in) as tens of thousands of Americans go through this every year. Thanks in advance for any responses.

[Edited on 7-21-2024 by US 41]


1. Depends on the airport, some have kiosks that scan passports. Others you have to go to the counter. For MX flights sometimes they also want you to check in with your PP at the gate. You never see that when traveling to other countries.

2. Yes, you will get your PP stamped. Historically, you would also get the bottom part of the FMM stamped. There may be changes to this, at least in Baja.

Pro-tip: sit as close to the front of the plane as you can or you will be behind 200+ people at the immigration line. I do this at Loreto and can be at the La Mision hotel drinking a beer before the last passengers have gotten their luggage.

3. You use to turn the FMM into airline at the airport when you left. But this has changed in the last couple of years.




[Edited on 7-23-2024 by JZ]

BajaBlanca - 7-22-2024 at 11:04 AM

Do not lose any piece of paper they give you!

Your carry on goes on with you just as in a domestic flight. Avoid liquids, wear shoes that are easy to get off.

Have fun!

surabi - 7-22-2024 at 08:43 PM

You won't get anything to turn in when you leave, they just stamp passports now with entry and exit dates. You go to the INM desk at the airport when you leave and show them your boarding pass and they will put an exit stamp in your passport.