Mexico city airport consists of 2 terminals. Terminal 2 is used by mainly Aeromexico and skyteam partners. Terminal 1 is used by latam and all other airlines.
Having passed through both terminals on my way from San Francisco -> Mexico City -> Easter Island and return, terminal 1 is definitely busier and immigration queues can be ~1 hr long. In contrast, terminal 2 has hardly any queue after arriving from San Francisco on an Aeromexico flight.
Both terminals are not located adjacent to each other. Travelling from one to another involves taking the free airport train. But there is a need to show a same day boarding pass to security at the entrance of the station. The train has few seats and takes about 10 minutes to travel to the other terminal. The ride is nonetheless comfortable.
Another way is to take a paid bus shuttle, a red coloured bus between the terminals. In terminal 1, the stop is outside one of the arrival door. In terminal 2, it stops outside the last door of the entrance and a walk. The ticket costs under S$1.
There are airport hotels connected to both terminals for convenience. Prior to arriving, I have booked a stay at Izzzleep. It is not exactly a hotel, bur rather an accommodation consisting of capsule sleeping pods and shared bathrooms. This is my first time ever staying at a sleep pod and I was excited to try out the experience. In my opinion, it provides an easy sleep option, as its name suggests.
I believe it is currently the world's only sleeping capsules at an airport. Rates are cheap, ~S$50 per night, for an accommodation located within the airport terminal 1. It is kept clean and pristine at all times.
I stayed at Izzzleep twice. First time on my way to Santiago for two nights. Second time on my way to San Francisco for one day (I landed in Mexico City in the morning ~6am and departing at night ~8pm).
I stayed at Izzzleep twice. First time on my way to Santiago for two nights. Second time on my way to San Francisco for one day (I landed in Mexico City in the morning ~6am and departing at night ~8pm).
Walkway inside terminal 1 leading to the sleep pods. I followed the direction signs from the arrival hall to the venue.
Cool lighting.
Each sleep pod comes in the size of a single mattress covering the entire pod. There are sufficient power ports and usb outlet, light switches and even an overhead silent tv.
In december winter, the sleep pod gets cold in the night, even without turning the fan on. The memory foam mattress is not exactly comfortable as a bed, but did the job. Toilets, wash basins and bathrooms with shower amenities are ample, separate next to each other and kept very clean. There is never a queue for the bathroom or the toilet for the times I stayed there.
Upon check-in at the reception, I was given a key card to access the room, sleep pod and my private locker big enough for a medium sized suitcase. In the locker there is a clean towel and a pair of socks provided.
Shoes are not allowed in the room to maintain cleanliness. The sleep pods have minimal noise barrier so I can easily hear what is happening outside the pod even with the pod door closed.
The pods come in two decks. I took the lower deck on both times for ease of convenience. Taking the upper deck pod involves climbing a short ladder up and down.
Though Izzzleep does not provide meals, there are ample food options in the airport. There is a MacDonald's too. Seating area is shared among all the eateries and is always crowded.
In conclusion, Izzzleep provides a reasonably cheap and clean accommodation to spend the night at the airport. If I were to pass through Mexico City again, I will definitely consider the sleep capsules.
Japan is the other country that I know with sleep capsules and I'm keen to try them if and when I next visit Japan. Not sure when though !
