#passporttatted

Just about 15 hours have passed since we have been in this beautiful country and I already have so many special things to share, both calms and qualms. Beginning with Cancun International Airport. As a standard, I will always review airports on a scale of 1 - 10 in the following way: ♕ De-plane ♕ Hospitality ♕ Customs Functionality ♕ Baggage Claim ♕ Security Functionality ♕ Transportation (from airport) De-plane: 10 Halfway through our flight from MIA to CUN we were notified that the staff had forgotten the customs forms and that we would have to retrieve them when we land. While this was not an airport issue, general rule of thumb to always fill out the customs forms, if available, while still on the plane so as to save time when exiting the plane. The customs forms typically include basic information about you, where you are staying and what you have brought with you in terms of goods or money. The de-planing was great. Once personnel heard that we did not receive customs forms on the plane, they were quick to put a plan into action and handed us necessary forms as we deplaned with a smile. Hospitality: 7 As mentioned previously, there were many smiling faces that greeted us as we arrived, which was lovely. However, I believe another part of hospitality is to have personnel placed strategically in areas so as to avoid visitors going in the wrong directions. That said, there were many smiling faces, but all bunched in the same areas. And as soon as we deplaned and left the ramp, there was no one to be found. And several people that lacked common sense wandered down a lonely hallway. Also, I may be spoiled, but as you reach Jamaica, not only are you met with bright faces, and smiles, but you’re also greeted with a “WELCOME TO JAMAICA”, black, green and gold everywhere and more. Customs Functionality: 9 There were many lines available for customs, and this process went very smoothly. One #qualm is that they have divided the custom form into two double sided sheets, in contrast to many other countries that have one double sided sheet. And they ask similar questions. Requiring more time to fill out the forms, which may be taxing if you did not receive them on your flight, like us. Baggage Claim: 6 This is hard to judge solely because, what baggage claim is smooth? That said, the screens over each baggage area were not up to date on which carousel corresponded to what flight. And some personnel in the area that were asked had no idea where to direct travelers. However, when we did find the correct carousel, the bags were waiting for us, as oppose to us waiting. Security Functionality: 5 The line space for the security area is very small, leading lines out to the baggage area which make the area very claustrophobic and confusing. But, another HUGE #qualm was there declaration process. When you finally get to the front of the line, you are asked, “do you have any alcohol or cigarettes”, not goods equaling over X amount or food etc. like other places but solely alcohol and cigarettes. Regardless of your answer, yes or no, after you are asked to “press the button”. This felt like I was pressing a button to decide on my life. Basically the purpose of this button was to randomly choose travelers to have their bags searched. Red meant that you were to put your bags through a scanner and wait in line for it to be searched, and green meant that you could advance to the outside. Of course, I pressed the button and was randomly chosen to have my over packed bag, that requires me jumping on it to close it back, searched. I was a good sport, but was not too happy about this system. Someone could easily have something in their bag, that is prohibited and that they are bringing in the country, but if the odds are in their favor, they could enter the country with it. Fair warning. And should you travel to Cancun Airport, may the odds forever be in your favor. Transportation: 10 There were some awesome options for transportation into the center of Cancun where we are staying. The most economical is the ADO bus. It took us from CUN to downtown Cancun for 66 pesos which is equivalent to $3.67 USD, for a 30 minute drive. A follow up post will detail the ride. But overall, great ride.

Overall Score: 7.8