Complete Guide to Aeromexico Baggage Policy and Other Rules

Aeroméxico, Mexico’s national airline, is a major player in Latin American air travel. From its main base at Mexico City International Airport (MEX), it connects Mexico to various parts of the world. Its routes span the Americas, with key destinations like New York, Los Angeles, Bogotá, and Buenos Aires. Aeroméxico also flies to Europe, reaching cities such as Paris, Madrid, London, and Amsterdam, and even to Asia with flights to Tokyo. This makes it important for both business and leisure travelers interested in Mexico and beyond.

Aeroméxico’s story starts in 1934, when it took to the skies as “Aeronaves de México” on routes like Mexico City–Acapulco. The airline was nationalized in 1959, rebranded as “Aeroméxico” in 1972, and later privatized in 1988 after a major restructuring. It helped launch the “SkyTeam alliance” in 2000.

A big part of what makes Aeroméxico stand out is its dedication to offering a full-service experience. This is something you don’t see as often these days with so many low-cost airlines. As a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance, Aeroméxico gives its passengers great connectivity and loyalty benefits through its international partners. The airline is especially known for its friendly, professional service and its premium cabin, Clase Premier. This class offers a bit of luxury with seats that lie flat on long flights, fancy meals, and access to exclusive lounges. Its good track record for on-time arrivals and its unique Mexican hospitality, which sometimes includes complimentary tequila on board, give it a definite edge over many others.

This guide will help you understand everything about flying with Aeroméxico. We’ll go over the airline’s rules in detail so you’re well-prepared. We’ll cover details like checked and carry-on baggage allowances, and what to expect with in-flight meals. We’ll also explore policies for traveling with pets, handling cancellations, and getting special assistance. By the time you finish reading this, you’ll have all the information needed to make your trip with Aeroméxico as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Aeroméxico Checked Baggage Policy

Knowing the Aeroméxico baggage dimensions, weight limits, and the number of bags allowed is really key to a smooth check-in. The airline uses two different systems depending on where you’re flying.

Weight Concept

This rule mostly applies to flights within Central America and South America, except for Brazil. Here, the main thing that matters is the total weight of your checked bags, not how many bags you have.

Piece Concept

This is the more common policy and covers most Aeroméxico flights, including all trips to and from Mexico, the USA, Canada, the Caribbean, Brazil, Europe, and Asia. With this system, you have a specific number of bags allowed, and each bag has its own weight limit.

A Quick Note: The Basic Fare doesn’t include any checked bags. If you choose this fare, you’ll have to pay for any bags you want to check. Also, members of the Club Premier loyalty program (Gold, Platinum, Titanium) and SkyTeam Elite/Elite Plus members often get an extra baggage allowance, no matter their fare type.

Aeroméxico Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

For everyone’s safety, Aeroméxico strictly forbids certain items in checked luggage. If you pack these, they might be taken away, and you could face delays or legal issues.

• Explosives: Things like dynamite, fireworks, flares, gunpowder, and ammunition.
• Flammable Items: Lighter fluid, gasoline, paint thinners, aerosol cans (except for small personal care items), “strike-anywhere” matches, and flammable solids like magnesium.
• Gases: Compressed gas cylinders, including oxygen tanks (unless approved for medical use), propane, butane, and self-defense sprays like mace or pepper spray.
• Oxidizing Substances: Bleach, nitric acid, and chemical oxygen generators.
• Toxic and Infectious Substances: Poisons, arsenic, pesticides, and infectious biological materials.
• Radioactive Materials: Anything that gives off ionizing radiation.
• Corrosives: Acids, alkalis, mercury, and wet cell batteries.
• Magnetized Materials: Strong magnets that could interfere with the plane’s navigation.
• E-cigarettes and Vaping Devices: These, along with spare batteries, must be kept in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage, because of fire risks.

It’s also a really good idea not to pack valuables or essential items in your checked bags. Always keep these with you in your carry-on. This includes things like laptops, cameras, medications, cash, jewelry, important documents (like passports and IDs), and house or car keys.

Aeroméxico Extra Baggage Fee

If you need to bring more than the standard allowance, you’ll have to buy extra baggage. So, how much does Aeroméxico charge for extra baggage? The cost can differ quite a bit depending on your route, fare class, and whether you buy it online ahead of time or at the airport. Buying online is almost always cheaper.

Here’s a look at the approximate extra baggage fees. Prices can change, so always check the Aeroméxico website before you travel.

• Domestic Flights within Mexico:

  • First Bag (for Basic Fare): About $40-50 USD online, or $55-65 USD at the airport.
  • Second Bag: About $45-55 USD online, or $60-70 USD at the airport.
  • Third to Seventh Bag: About $130-150 USD per bag.

• Flights between Mexico and the USA/Canada:

  • First Bag (for Basic Fare): About $30-45 USD online, or $55-60 USD at the airport.
  • Second Bag: About $55-65 USD online, or $65-75 USD at the airport.
  • Third to Seventh Bag: About $180-200 USD per bag.

• Flights between Mexico and Europe:

  • First Bag (for Basic Fare): About $60-75 USD online, or $80-90 USD at the airport.
  • Second Bag: About $90-100 USD online, or $110-120 USD at the airport.
  • Third to Seventh Bag: About $220-250 USD per bag.

• Flights between Mexico and Asia (Japan):

  • Second Bag (for Classic Fare): Free.
  • Third to Seventh Bag: About $220-250 USD per bag.

• Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees:
  These fees are added on top of any extra piece fees and can apply if a bag is both too heavy and too big.

  • Overweight (Piece Concept):
    • 26-32 kg (56-70 lbs): About $90-100 USD per bag.
    • 33-45 kg (71-100 lbs): About $180-200 USD per bag. (Bags heavier than 45 kg aren’t allowed).
  • Overweight (Weight Concept): Fees are charged per kilogram over the limit and differ by route.
  • Oversized:
    • 159-203 cm (62.1-80 inches): About $140-150 USD per bag.
    • 204-294 cm (80.1-115 inches): A special handling fee applies; contact the airline. (Bags larger than 294 cm aren’t accepted).

These fees really show why it’s important to weigh and measure your bags at home before you go to avoid any expensive surprises at the airport.

Aeroméxico Carry-On Baggage Policy

Aeroméxico lets all passengers bring one standard carry-on bag and one personal item on board. However, the total weight allowed is different for each cabin class.

Aeroméxico Carry-On Baggage Additions

Besides your standard carry-on and personal item, Aeroméxico lets passengers bring a few other things on board without them counting towards your allowance. This is pretty handy for travelers.

• A coat, jacket, or blanket.
• An umbrella or walking stick.
• A camera (not in a large camera bag, which would count as a personal item).
• Reading material like a book or magazine.
• A duty-free shopping bag with airport purchases.
• Approved child seats if you’ve bought a seat for your infant.
• Mobility aids like crutches, walkers, or braces.
• A diaper bag for those traveling with a baby.

Aeroméxico Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

To follow international security rules, some items are limited or not allowed in carry-on bags.

As for liquids, the Aeroméxico liquid allowance uses the widely accepted 3-1-1 Rule:

• All liquids, gels, aerosols, and creams must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 ounces) or less.
• All these small containers need to fit easily into one clear, resealable plastic bag that’s about 1 quart or 1 liter in size.
• Each passenger can only have one of these bags, and you must take it out and show it for separate screening at security.
• Exceptions are made for medically necessary liquids, baby formula, and breast milk. However, you must tell security officers about these items.

Other items that are restricted or not allowed in the cabin include:

• Sharp Objects: Knives of any length, box cutters, razor blades (except for safety razors), and scissors with blades longer than 4 inches (10 cm).
• Sports Equipment: Baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, ski poles, and martial arts equipment.
• Tools: Drills, saws, crowbars, and other tools longer than 7 inches (18 cm).
• Self-Defense Items: Pepper spray, mace, and tasers are completely forbidden in the cabin.
• Firearms and Ammunition: Not allowed in the cabin at all.

Aeroméxico Food Policy

Flying with a full-service airline like Aeroméxico usually means you can look forward to complimentary food and drinks. The Aeroméxico food menu and what’s offered varies a lot depending on how long your flight is and which cabin class you’re in, allowing for a customized dining experience.

On short domestic flights within Mexico and some shorter international routes (like to Central America), passengers in all classes generally get a free snack and drink service. This usually includes things like packaged peanuts, cookies, or snack mixes, along with a choice of soft drinks, juices, water, and coffee.

For medium-haul flights, such as to most places in the United States, Canada, and northern South America, the service is better. Passengers in the Main Cabin (Turista) get a free meal. This could be a hot breakfast sandwich on morning flights or a choice of two hot lunch/dinner meals, like pasta with tomato sauce or chicken with rice and vegetables. These meals usually come with a side salad, a bread roll, and a small dessert.

On long international flights to Europe, Asia, and southern South America, the dining is more extensive. Main Cabin passengers can expect two meal services: a full hot dinner or lunch shortly after takeoff and a lighter meal, like a hot breakfast or a substantial snack box, before landing.

In Clase Premier, dining is a real highlight. On long flights, passengers enjoy a multi-course gourmet meal created by well-known chefs. The experience starts with premium wines, spirits, and appetizers, followed by a choice of several fancy main courses served on proper dinnerware with metal cutlery. The meal ends with a selection of fine cheeses, delicious desserts, and premium coffee or liqueurs.

If you have specific dietary needs, Aeroméxico provides a wide range of special meals. These include options for vegetarians (both vegan and lacto-ovo), diabetics, those with gluten intolerance, kosher, Muslim, and meals for children. These special meals are free but must be requested at least 24 hours before the flight (48 hours for kosher meals) by contacting the airline’s call center or managing your booking online. Something I always do is order my special meal right after booking, just to be sure.

While the standard free meals are quite filling, Aeroméxico doesn’t currently offer a broad “buy-on-board” program for extra hot meals in Economy. The focus remains on the complimentary service provided.

Aeroméxico Pet Policy

Aeroméxico knows that pets are family and offers ways for them to travel with you, either in the cabin or as checked baggage. The rules are strict for the animal’s safety and comfort, as well as for passengers, so careful planning is essential.

Pets in Cabin (On Board):
This is available for small dogs and cats on most flights. However, it’s not allowed on flights to the United Kingdom or on certain types of planes.

• Cost: The fee is about $125-$140 USD for domestic flights and around $160-$175 USD for international flights, each way.
• Animal and Carrier Limits: The total weight of your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 9 kg (20 lbs). The carrier should be no larger than 40 x 30 x 20 cm (16 x 12 x 8 inches) and should be soft-sided so it can fit under the seat in front of you. The pet needs to be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside.
• Required Documents: You’ll need a valid health certificate from a licensed vet, issued within 5 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination, and any other documents required by your destination country.
• Registration: You must book your pet in advance by calling Aeroméxico’s call center. There’s a limit of six pets allowed in the cabin per flight, and you can’t book this service online, which is a bit of a hassle, frankly.

Pets as Checked Baggage (In Hold):
For larger animals that are too heavy for the cabin, traveling in the cargo hold (which has controlled temperature and pressure) is an option.

• Cost: Fees are much higher, ranging from $250-$450 USD each way, depending on the route and the animal’s size.
• Animal and Carrier Limits: The total weight of the pet and its IATA-approved hard-sided kennel can be up to 45 kg (100 lbs). The kennel must be strong, well-ventilated, and big enough for the animal to stand, turn, and lie down naturally.
• Breed Restrictions: It’s important to know that Aeroméxico does not allow brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats as checked baggage. This is because they have a higher risk of breathing problems during flights. This includes breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, and Persian cats.
• Required Documents: The same documents are needed as for cabin pets: current health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination.
• Registration: Just like with cabin pets, you must call the airline well in advance to reserve a space for your animal in the hold. It’s suggested to get to the airport at least three hours before your flight to complete the check-in process.

Other Aeroméxico Services & Policies

Beyond baggage and pets, understanding the airline’s main operational policies can save you time, money, and stress.

Aeroméxico Cancellation Policy

Aeroméxico’s rules for canceling or changing flights depend directly on the type of fare you bought.

• 24-Hour Rule: For flights to or from the United States, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s rule applies. You can cancel your booking without a fee and get a full refund if you book your ticket at least seven days before the flight and cancel within 24 hours of purchasing it.
• Basic Fare: This is the most restrictive fare. Tickets are usually non-refundable and cannot be changed. If you miss your flight, the ticket’s value is lost.
• Classic (Main Cabin) and AM Plus Fares: These tickets are generally non-refundable, but they can be changed for a fee plus any difference in fare. The change fee varies by route but can be anywhere from $75 to over $300. If you cancel, you might get a travel credit or voucher for future use, minus a cancellation fee.
• Clase Premier and Flexible Fares: These premium tickets offer the most freedom. They are often fully refundable (sometimes with a small processing fee) and allow changes without a fee, although you’ll still have to pay the difference if the new fare is higher.

It’s really important to read the fare rules carefully when you book to know the exact conditions for your ticket.

Aeroméxico Wheelchair Assistance

Aeroméxico is committed to making travel safe and dignified for all passengers, including those with limited mobility. Wheelchair assistance is a free service provided by the airline.

• Booking the Service: The best way to ensure assistance is ready for you is to request it when you book your flight online or through a travel agent. You can also add a request later by calling the Aeroméxico contact center, ideally at least 48 hours before your departure.
• Types of Assistance: The airline offers different levels of help based on the passenger’s needs:
  • WCHR (R for Ramp): The passenger can use stairs and move around the cabin but needs a wheelchair for long distances in the terminal.
  • WCHS (S for Steps): The passenger cannot use stairs but can get to and from their seat in the cabin on their own.
  • WCHC (C for Cabin Seat): The passenger cannot move at all and needs assistance from the terminal entrance to their aircraft seat and back.
• At the Airport: When you arrive, tell an Aeroméxico agent at the check-in counter. They’ll arrange for someone to provide a wheelchair and help you through security, to the gate, and during boarding. When you land, staff will meet you at the plane and help you to the baggage claim or a designated meeting spot.
• Personal Wheelchairs: Passengers can bring their own manual or battery-powered wheelchairs. Manual wheelchairs can be checked at the ticket counter or the gate. Battery-powered wheelchairs need special handling because of battery rules, so you must contact the airline ahead of time to give details about the battery type (spillable, non-spillable, or lithium-ion).

Tips for Passengers

While guides like this give you a good overview, airline policies do change. For the most up-to-date and correct information for your specific flight, the official Aeroméxico website is always the best source. Fees, baggage allowances, and even rules for specific routes can change, so a quick look at the “Travel Information” section on their site a few days before your trip is a smart final step.

Once you arrive, the last thing you want is to be weighed down by your luggage, especially if you have a long layover or a late hotel check-in. A great way to solve this is by using an international luggage storage service like Qeepl. With locations in hotels, shops, and cafes in major cities worldwide, you can easily find a place to leave your bags near the airport or downtown. This lets you explore Mexico City’s historic Zócalo, visit a museum, or enjoy some authentic tacos without hauling a heavy suitcase.

To make your trip even smoother, think about a few other travel tips. Join Aeroméxico’s Club Premier loyalty program to start earning points for flights and upgrades. Always check in online 24-48 hours before your flight to save time at the airport and pick your seat. Lastly, bring a portable power bank for your devices, as USB ports can be different on each plane, and remember to stay hydrated, especially on long flights.