My Latin America review trip sure has some highs and lows. After enjoying the modern wonders of Delta’s Boeing 737-800, and soaking in the views from the Hilton Mexico City Airport, my next stop was the Aeromexico Lounge at Mexico City Airport.
I was looking forward to reviewing the SkyTeam carrier’s “flagship” lounge, though that didn’t work out quite the way I had hoped…
In this post:
Aeromexico employee tells me no photos allowed!
I’ve written in the past about the unglamorous reality of my review trips, including details of how I review lounges. Whenever possible, I visit airport lounges the moment they open, since I want to be able to photograph them well, while respecting the privacy of others. After all, I think I owe it to you guys to put in the effort.
Yesterday morning, I was looking forward to reviewing the Aeromexico Lounge at Mexico City Airport. The lounge opened at 5AM, so as I usually do, I was lined up outside the lounge by 4:30AM, so that I’d be the first one in there, and could get “clean” pictures.
All started out okay, as the lounge opened on schedule, and I immediately started snapping photos (for those curious, I’m simply using an iPhone). I took about a dozen pictures, and was then approached by an Aeromexico employee:
Aeromexico employee: “Is everything okay?”
Me: “Oh yes, it’s a nice lounge, I was just snapping a few pictures.”
Aeromexico employee: “Pictures in the lounge aren’t allowed.”
Me: “Really? I’m not taking pictures of any people, just of the lounge itself.”
Aeromexico employee: “Only pictures of yourself are allowed.”
Me: “I respect that, but why? Aeromexico doesn’t have a rule against taking pictures, as long as people aren’t in them.”
Aeromexico employee: “This is the lounge rule.”
I didn’t argue further, though I was somewhat tempted to continue photographing the lounge in selfie mode — here’s me with snack mix, and me with the espresso machine, and me in the toilet (okay, not that). That was a throwback to my 2012 Park Hyatt Shanghai stay.
Look, I can appreciate if the lounge attendants want to stop disruptive passengers, or those photographing others. But as longtime OMAAT readers know, I go great lengths to be respectful with my photography, and not violate the privacy of others. I mean, just look at all my airport lounge reviews.
My guess is that the agent was just making up what she was saying, but who knows, perhaps there is some lounge specific rule. Lots of airlines understandably have rules against photographing others, but very few have rules against pictures in general.
I also recognize that I’m probably pretty unique in terms of how I go about taking pictures in lounges, and how it could look different than what they’re used to. I basically take a bunch of pictures within the first two minutes, before the lounge fills up, and then that’s usually the extent of it.
Amazingly enough, the last time I was told not to take pictures in a lounge was back in 2016 at Baku Airport, prior to a Ukraine International Airlines business class flight to Kyiv. So I guess I should consider myself lucky that I haven’t dealt with this in the past eight years.
So, how was the Aeromexico Lounge Mexico City?
My photography experience aside, how was the Aeromexico Lounge Mexico City? I’m conflicted, as it exceeded my expectations in some ways, but also kind of wasn’t great.
On the plus side, the lounge is physically nice enough. The food selection was also better than I anticipated, with a solid selection of hot dishes. There was even barista coffee*. The lounge is also extremely well staffed, and there are lounge attendants who roam around and offer to bring you drinks, food, etc.* There’s also a spa, with paid treatments.
All that being said, OMG, this lounge is as packed as a Taylor Swift concert. It’s uncomfortably busy, with people everywhere. And this was within minutes of arriving in the lounge. The level of crowding really takes away from the experience, because they can’t keep up with the level of demand.
For example, I went to the bar to order a cappuccino. I was going to wait for it, but a server said that I should have a seat, and she would bring it to me (she saw where I was sitting). I waited 10 minutes, and there was no coffee. Another server was then asking those at the table next to me if they wanted anything to drink. So I asked him for a cappuccino, and he said he’d bring me one.
10 minutes later, there was still no drink. So then I asked the server again, and he apologized and said he’d bring it to me. 10 minutes later, there was still no cappuccino, and I gave up.
Anyway, I still intend to write a full review of the lounge, but it just won’t have as many pictures as usual…
Bottom line
I realize my travel is a little different than that of most, and the way I document my travels sometimes seems unusual to people. Despite that, I rarely run into issues. Yesterday was different, as I was told in the Aeromexico Lounge Mexico City that photos weren’t allowed, even if other people aren’t in them.
Hey, it’s not a huge deal, and if anything, I’m surprised it doesn’t happen more often, as I last had a similar issue in 2016, in Baku. So I apologize in advance that my review of the lounge will be a bit lackluster. I can tell you with certainty it won’t make my list of the world’s best first or business class lounges. 😉
So, anyone know if Aeromexico actually has some rule against lounge photography that I don’t know about, or was this employee just making stuff up?
I've been to 3 of the Aeroméxico lounges in Mexico city. All 3 are terrible and crowded. Operations wise I don't think they get it either. First world problems of course but when you're running an international business... Here's an example. I was flying first class. They lined us up by groups. There were only two others in my group. But we didn't board directly. Instead we boarded a bus to the plane. Well they...
I've been to 3 of the Aeroméxico lounges in Mexico city. All 3 are terrible and crowded. Operations wise I don't think they get it either. First world problems of course but when you're running an international business... Here's an example. I was flying first class. They lined us up by groups. There were only two others in my group. But we didn't board directly. Instead we boarded a bus to the plane. Well they herded everyone into the bus at the same time so what's the point of lining up by groups? Then when we boarded which was a free for all. The economy folks just ran up to 1st class to whatever seat they wanted. Though not really a big deal given this flights 1st class was one of those where they just block the middle seat. Nonetheless, the whole experience screams amateurs and the lounges are a reflection of that.
Did you ever think about doing some sketches?
Yep, sounds like Aeromexico. Par for the course with them, nobody cares about anything but covering their butts.
No readers and bloggers can acknowledge that the six GCC states are the third world countries because they defy the definition of "third world". They are not "first world" countries because they are ruled by absolute monarchy families. By the way, Sri Lanka and Bhutan also defy the same definition as well. How about Singapore?
Here we go through life, travelling in the pointy end, hence amongst the very best customers.
The number of cross (=irritable), possibly power tripping airline staff we need to ignore/appease/obey is rather substantial.
Rather sad, this failure of selection, training and/or supervision.
At least it is generally consistent across airlines.
That doesn’t make it any better.
You should have replied: "Do you know who you're talking to"? :)
Or "Perhaps you don't know who I am... I'm doing advance work for an unplanned Taylor Swift concert. If you assist me I assure I'll provide you with very good tickets.
I'll bet when travelers aren't taking photos of themselves, and are instead taking photos of the furniture, it's more likely they are documenting uncleanliness, dirty dishes, etc. than documenting cleanliness.
I once got hassled in the Grand Cayman airport for taking a picture of the departure screen at the gate. The agent even called security on me. I showed him the picture I had taken and he apologized and backed off. Perhaps the agent was simply having a bad day.
That’s so unfortunate that you encountered the lounge with this policy, Ben. I really appreciate the efforts you go through to share with the readers unadulterated photos of lounges, aircraft’s, hotel rooms, etc., without the “influencer-standard” selfies with big-assed grins and thumbs-up signs.
I am a Mexican living in Boston who travels to MEX 7-8 times per year.
The Aeromexico lounge is dogshit. Enough said.
Have you tried to use your website in mobile, specifically reading the comments?
It's literally impossible now due to all the popover ads in mobile (I had to use an ad blocker here to post it).
Also, if you're using dark mode, the grey on blue links are unreadable.
Buy one of those cheap bluetooth remotes and move your phone towards the spot you want to photograph and press the remote. Nobody will ever imagine you are taking pictures.
I was once not allowed to take a picture of a McDonald's menu in Slovenia. No one was in the picture. I was taking a picture because they had Pistachio McFlurries and thought it was interesting.
I am pretty sure there is not a company wide policy not allowing pictures of a McDonald's menu. Some people just want to be difficult because they can.
I once wanted to take a pic of a STOP sign at a road junction because I thought it looked interesting. But then I couldn't take the pic because I realized the sign said 'STOP'. That sign was being deliberately difficult with me, because it could.
What's funny is that the Polaris lounge at SFO is so horrible and they don't even have an espresso machine. It's overcrowded and the food is substandard.. yet many US based bloggers keep praising it like it's great. This Aeromexico lounge seems to at least have an espresso machine. Even the third party lounge in India that you can access with Priority pass are far better than Polaris lounge.
It's an ok lounge at best, ofc im biased since I'm Mexican and grew up flying in n out of that lounge. But it definitely has its lows. Especially in the food department. But I will say I really love the grab and go drink section, something I wish more lounges had. Even with lounge access, I end up getting food during long layovers elsewhere at the terminal (I personally recommend Mayson Kayser).
As for...
It's an ok lounge at best, ofc im biased since I'm Mexican and grew up flying in n out of that lounge. But it definitely has its lows. Especially in the food department. But I will say I really love the grab and go drink section, something I wish more lounges had. Even with lounge access, I end up getting food during long layovers elsewhere at the terminal (I personally recommend Mayson Kayser).
As for the pictures policy, I've filmed and taken multiple photos in all 3 aeromexico lounges there, and NEVER once had an issue. This sounds like a lady just being in a. bad mood making up rules as they go.
This lounge is a pothole with too many people, and too many of those people watching TV on their phones and tablets with their speakers turned on for everyone to hear.
The end.
This lounge is always packed to the Extreme and later in the day expect it to be buried in garbage on all tables, chair and even much of the floor
But after all Mexico is a third World country, so is to expected :/
“But after all Mexico is a third World country, so is to expected”
Here, I’ll translate, because I speak TC.
“I’ve only ever travelled out of the USA to one country and that was to Mexico, and from that I know that all countries that are third world are all the same, and that is to be expected, because third world, and my one experience.”
@TravelinWilly
Seems like you're easily getting triggered whenever there's a slight criticism/insult of non-First World country.
Tell me if there's any country, besides the US, that is in the First World where "This lounge is always packed to the Extreme and later in the day expect it to be buried in garbage on all tables, chair and even much of the floor" happens.
@Mason - Galleries lounges
Why are people still using archaic terms like "third world" and "first world" when they (clearly) have no idea what those terms actually (and not colloquially) mean?
Switzerland it technically a third world country, whereas El Salvador is not; but would they know that?
The expression “third world country” doesn’t mean anything anymore since the Soviet Union is no longer around. It seems to mean, “This country is unpleasant and has a number of major inconveniences. The air is polluted. There is also a lot of poverty, and that’s tough to look at. I generally cannot drink the water.” You might want to just use the word “poorer” and desensitize people to the idea, since much of the world...
The expression “third world country” doesn’t mean anything anymore since the Soviet Union is no longer around. It seems to mean, “This country is unpleasant and has a number of major inconveniences. The air is polluted. There is also a lot of poverty, and that’s tough to look at. I generally cannot drink the water.” You might want to just use the word “poorer” and desensitize people to the idea, since much of the world is poor and experiences the same problems. Still, Mexico is now a middle-income country, so it’s hard to argue it’s poor relative to others.
It's Mexico. Nothing makes any real sense.
Sounds like regular service in that lounge. Everyone asks what you want until you want / need something. Then all the employees dissapear
"Only pictures of yourself are allowed.”
okay, i'll be taking some sharply-angled selfies...