The lines at Immigration when we arrived on Feb 13 were the worst we have experienced in 25+ visits to Cancun and RM. The frustrating part was that only about 25% of the booths were staffed! I was pleased to read this article this morning. This is encouraging! Addition of immigration officers at Cancun Airport shorten wait times - Riviera Maya News
It all depends on when your flight arrives. We have seen it where the downstairs waiting area was so full you couldn't even get down the escalator, yet when we arrive in the early afternoon often there is very little line. We've been lucky most of the time, but I think a large part of that is due to arrival after lunch.
We noticed the same thing Feb 13th when we arrived as well. It felt like it took forever to get through immigration. I think our flight landed around 12:45 pm......
Glad to hear it will be getting better. We have only had two trips it was a problem. One thing I learned last time is there are these automated immigration machines on the far left. They are roped off, and you would assume they are for something special. I asked about 5 people if we could use them, and no one could understand my questions. Eventually I just waiting in the 1/4th shorter line, and we checked in using the machines no problem. This also eliminated even having to fill out the immigration forms. They print the slips you need for arrival and departure and then you see the agent.
Day of the week and arrival time definitely contribute. Last May was the longest wait I've ever experienced. A friend who arrived about 2 hours earlier breezed through in less than 15 minutes. In April I'm taking an earlier flight on a Wednesday. I halfway expect to find that they cut the lines down to 1 open lane if it's a slow day
Global entry is great when you come back to the states. Its worth it when your tired worn out from TTR and just want to get home.
We always get an early flight out of DFW, usually around 7 am, depending on the season. That has us being one of the first flights in to Cancun, and very short lines if any line at all, and then at the hotel before lunch. We have to remind ourselves of this when the alarm goes off at 3 am.
We flew through the line in June and December!! When all you want to do is climb in the USA Transfers van, have a cold beer handed to you and hit the Sexy Pool...seeing a long line is the worst! We’ve had great timing the last few trips, though!
