Review: Aeromexico Business Class Boeing 737 MAX (MEX-MIA)

Review: Aeromexico Business Class Boeing 737 MAX (MEX-MIA)

FROM: MEX
TO: MIA
CABIN: Business
DATE: September 2024
REVIEW RATING:
BEN SAYS: Aeromexico's 737 MAX business class is pleasant, with a comfortable and modern cabin, great entertainment, reasonably priced Wi-Fi, and pretty tasty food. I'd fly with the airline again in a heartbeat.
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For the next segment of my two times to Latin America review trip, I flew Aeromexico’s Boeing 737 MAX 9 business class on the 2hr50min flight from Mexico City (MEX) to Miami (MIA). I’ve gotta say, this flight was a pleasant surprise, and exceeded my expectations.

I found Aeromexico’s 737 MAX business class to be a cut above its US counterparts operating similar routes, with a modern cabin, great entertainment, reasonably priced and fast Wi-Fi, good food, and solid amenities. I also appreciate the consistency of Aeromexico’s product, since all 737 MAXs have the same business class cabins, so you know exactly what you can expect.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting Aeromexico offers some amazing product on a global scale, but within North America, I think it’s a cut above what you’ll get on US carriers, and I’d gladly fly with the airline again.

How I booked my Aeromexico business class ticket

I booked my Aeromexico business class ticket using Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles. Specifically, I booked the following for 24,000 Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles plus $113.22 in taxes and fees:

9/21 AM412 Mexico City to Miami departing 7:10AM arriving 12:40PM

Flying Blue miles are are easy to come by, as the program is transfer partners with Amex Membership RewardsCapital OneChase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou. On top of that, Flying Blue often sells miles at a discount.

Aeromexico business class lounge & boarding

In the previous installment, I reviewed the Aeromexico Lounge at Mexico City Airport, which leaves a bit to be desired. My flight was departing from gate 73, roughly a five-minute walk from the lounge. Boarding was scheduled for 6:25AM, 45 minutes ahead of the scheduled 7:10AM departure.

Aeromexico departure gate Mexico City Airport

I want to give Aeromexico a shoutout for its straightforward boarding process — there are five zones, and each gate has five different lanes, which minimizes the confusion and chaos at the gate. Boarding started right on schedule, with Zone 1 (which included business class) being invited to board first.

Aeromexico departure gate Mexico City Airport

Aeromexico 737 MAX business class cabin & seats

I had a favorable impression from the moment I stepped onboard the Aeromexico 737 MAX, as the cabin felt fresh and modern. Aeromexico has 16 business class seats on all of its 737 MAXs (both the MAX 8s and MAX 9s), in a 2-2 configuration. The airline has the Collins Aerospace MiQ seat, which is among the most common types of premium seats you’ll find in service.

Aeromexico business class cabin 737 MAX
Aeromexico business class seats 737 MAX

Aeromexico’s business class seats have 38″ of pitch, which is roughly one more inch than you’ll find in first class on most US airlines.

Aeromexico business class seats 737 MAX

I assigned myself seat 3A, the window seat on the left side in the third row.

Aeromexico business class seat 737 MAX

Each seat has a personal entertainment screen, which is both quite large (13″) and high definition.

Aeromexico business class seat 737 MAX

You’ll also find a little foot rest on the back of each seat, which is something that I wish US airlines offered more consistently, as it can help with getting comfortable, and seems like a pretty inexpensive addition.

Aeromexico business class seat foot rest 737 MAX

Aeromexico’s business class seats have both AC and USB-A power outlets, located underneath the center armrests. That space can also double as a storage compartment, and it’s easy to access things thanks to the armrest raising and lowering.

Aeromexico business class seat storage 737 MAX
Aeromexico business class seat charging 737 MAX

The entertainment controller is also in this space, though I find it to be unnecessary, given that the monitor is touchscreen.

Aeromexico business class seat controller 737 MAX

The center console also has an area where you can place drinks, plus an extendable tray, if you want more space.

Aeromexico business class seat console 737 MAX

There’s also a small storage compartment on the front side of the center console, though it’s pretty shallow, and I also feel like you could easily forget placing something here.

Aeromexico business class seat storage 737 MAX

The tray table extends from the far armrest, and can be folded over in half, depending on whether you want to use the whole thing or not.

Aeromexico business class seat tray table 737 MAX

If you do fold it over in half, it also doubles as an entertainment device holder, should you bring your own tablet.

Aeromexico business class seat tray table 737 MAX

As you’d expect on a 737 MAX, the overhead bins and console are modern. The bins are the new larger ones that can accommodate more bags, while the overhead console has individual reading lights and air nozzles.

Aeromexico 737 MAX overhead console

All-in-all, I was impressed by Aeromexico’s 737 MAX business class. It was a step up from American’s 737s, and it’s also a much more consistent product than you’ll find on Delta and United, which are all over the place with their interiors.

Aeromexico business class amenities

Waiting at each business class seat upon boarding was a basic pillow and blanket. I know this is nothing to get excited about, but I was thrilled to see this, since you just don’t typically get these on most US airlines anymore.

Aeromexico business class pillow & blanket

Toward the end of boarding, pre-departure drinks were served in proper glassware, with the choice of either water or orange juice. I selected the former.

Aeromexico business class pre-departure drink

Later on, after takeoff, headphones were distributed, in paper packaging. The headphones were pretty good for a short flight. However, note that Aeromexico has bluetooth audio on its 737 MAXs, so you might not actually need these.

Aeromexico business class headphones
Aeromexico business class headphones

While totally random, I found it interesting how Aeromexico had literature in the seat back pocket about human trafficking, and about how to spot the signs. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before on another airline, though maybe I just haven’t been paying attention.

Aeromexico business class human trafficking pamphlet

Aeromexico 737 MAX business class entertainment & Wi-Fi

Aeromexico’s 737 MAXs have large, high definition entertainment monitors in business class.

Aeromexico business class entertainment 737 MAX

The first thing to note is that they offer bluetooth audio, so you can connect your own headphones to the entertainment selection, rather than using the ones provided by the airline.

Aeromexico business class entertainment 737 MAX

The entertainment system had movies, TV shows, and music. I couldn’t quite figure out exactly how many there were of each option (due to the way things were organized), but the selection was extensive, and I think most people should have no trouble staying occupied throughout a flight.

Aeromexico business class entertainment 737 MAX
Aeromexico business class entertainment 737 MAX

As always, my favorite feature was the customizable map, which I always enjoy having on, when I have the option.

Aeromexico business class entertainment 737 MAX
Aeromexico business class entertainment 737 MAX
Aeromexico business class entertainment 737 MAX

Aeromexico also offers Viasat Wi-Fi on its 737 MAXs. The system offers free messaging, or you can buy Wi-Fi for a full flight for just $8, with no data caps. I found the speeds to be great — personally I’ll take this over Delta’s free (but often slow) Wi-Fi, or American’s Viasat Wi-Fi, which is almost always priced way higher.

Aeromexico Wi-Fi pricing 737 MAX
Aeromexico Wi-Fi pass 737 MAX

Aeromexico 737 MAX departure from Mexico City

The boarding process was efficient, despite the flight being full. Aeromexico has some very nice boarding music, which I enjoyed listening to while on the ground.

Boarding finished up at 7:05AM, at which point the main cabin door was closed, and the captain made his welcome aboard announcement. He informed us of our flight time of 2hr50min, and our cruising altitude of 37,000 feet. Shortly thereafter, the safety video was screened.

At 7:10AM we began our pushback, and then 10 minutes later, we began our taxi.

Pushing back Mexico City Airport

We had a very short taxi to the runway, and I particularly enjoyed the views of the parked Guardia Nacional 727s — three engines, swoon!

Taxiing Mexico City Airport

We also taxied past the Aeromexico hangar, where there were a bunch of Aeromexico Connect Embraer jets undergoing maintenance.

Taxiing Mexico City Airport

We had a bit of a queue, and then at 7:35AM we were cleared for takeoff on runway 5L.

Taxiing Mexico City Airport

We had a long takeoff roll, given Mexico City’s high altitude, but our climb out was then smooth and gradual.

Taking off Mexico City Airport
Taking off Mexico City Airport
Taking off Mexico City Airport
View enroute to Miami
Aeromexico business class entertainment 737 MAX

The seatbelt sign stayed on for around 20 minutes. Once it was turned off, the crew closed the curtains between cabins, and also between the cabin and the galley. I like how Aeromexico has proper curtains, unlike US carriers.

Aeromexico 737 MAX business class cabin

One thing worth mentioning about the flight is that there was one business class passenger seated a couple of rows from me who snored at probably the loudest volume I’ve ever heard, for the entirety of the flight. Even with headphones on, I could hear him. He put any crying baby I’ve ever heard to shame.

Aeromexico business class meal & service

Breakfast was served on this Aeromexico flight, given the early morning departure. Service was slow to get started after takeoff. On many airlines, you’ll get a round of drinks and then you’ll get the meal, but that wasn’t the case on Aeromexico. Instead, around an hour after takeoff, the flight attendant appeared in the cabin with a cart, containing both food and drinks.

The two breakfast options were described as an omelet or waffles. I selected the former, and I must say, it was significantly above average for an omelet on a North American airline.

The omelet was actually tasty, and had goat cheese, as well as a mild hot sauce. It was served with a side of greek yogurt, a croissant, and fresh fruit. I had a coffee to drink, and as far as airplane drip coffee goes, I found it to be surprisingly tasty.

Aeromexico business class breakfast

The flight attendant passed through the cabin several times with the cart, either to clear trays, or to offer drink refills. Once she completed that, she passed through the cabin with a snack basket, which had several options, both sweet and savory.

Aeromexico business class snack

All-in-all, I thought it was a pretty good meal for such a short flight. As far as service quality goes, the flight attendant was friendly, though the service flow definitely felt a bit assembly line-esque. I think it would be nice if Aeromexico offered a round of drinks before the meal, but that’s not a huge deal.

Aeromexico 737 MAX business class lavatory

There was a dedicated business class lavatory at the front of the plane. As is standard on the 737 MAX, it was claustrophobically small, and in particular, the sink was tiny. At least the lavatory was clean.

Aeromexico business class lavatory 737 MAX
Aeromexico business class lavatory 737 MAX
Aeromexico business class lavatory soap 737 MAX

Aeromexico 737 MAX arrival in Miami

At around 11:55AM Miami time, the captain announced that we’d shortly be descending, and would be landing in around 30 minutes. Around five minutes later we began our descent, and at this point we made landfall on the west coast of Florida, just south of Marco Island.

View approaching Miami Airport

We couldn’t have had a much more direct approach. We had a steep descent over the Everglades, and had a straight in approach into the east, for runway 9.

View approaching Miami Airport
View approaching Miami Airport
View approaching Miami Airport

We touched down in Miami at 12:25PM.

Landing Miami Airport

From there we had a roughly 10-minute taxi — my eyes were drawn to the gorgeous Boliviana de Aviacion A330, which would be the next part of my adventure, after a couple of days of rest at home.

Taxiing Miami Airport

We pulled into our gate at 12:35PM, around five minutes ahead of schedule.

Taxiing Miami Airport

Bottom line

Aeromexico’s Boeing 737 MAX business class is a lovely experience, at least compared to what you’ll find on most US airlines. The airline has comfortable seats, great entertainment (with bluetooth audio), fast and reasonably priced Wi-Fi, and tasty food.

I don’t want to suggest that Aeromexico is some amazing airline in short haul markets, but on balance, I’d select the carrier over American, Delta, or United, and that’s to be commended.

What’s your take on Aeromexico’s 737 MAX business class?

Conversations (13)
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  1. Neal Z Guest

    I find AM's short haul business class to be quite good. I routinely fly it between LAX-MEX, which is about 30-45 minutes longer than the MEX-MIA flight. Between LAX and MEX, most of the flights are on the 737-MAX9, but there is one flight daily on their 787-9. Obviously, the 787-9, with the lay-flat seats and 1-2-1 configuration up front is a superior experience, but even on the 737 MAX, it blows away the US-based...

    I find AM's short haul business class to be quite good. I routinely fly it between LAX-MEX, which is about 30-45 minutes longer than the MEX-MIA flight. Between LAX and MEX, most of the flights are on the 737-MAX9, but there is one flight daily on their 787-9. Obviously, the 787-9, with the lay-flat seats and 1-2-1 configuration up front is a superior experience, but even on the 737 MAX, it blows away the US-based carriers as far as comfort, service, and quality of the food. And not only is there more pitch on the AM 737-MAX, it also reclines a bit further than UA or DL, which makes it even more comfy.

  2. FLLFLYER Guest

    The Guardia Nacional three-holers look like ex NWA livery.

    1. Jr Guest

      I'll take AA's omelette over AM's flavorless omelete any day of the week.

  3. Wingslover Guest

    “ I found it interesting how Aeromexico had literature in the seat back pocket about human trafficking, and about how to spot the signs.”

    A few months ago on a Malaysia flight between KL and Jakarta, a video on how to spot the signs of human trafficking was played before take off

  4. DC Guest

    Looks much better than the flight you took out to MEX- I'd definitely prefer this experience to your ATL-MEX leg and would choose this option. However, I also would be curious as to how consistent this experience is across other routes from US to Mexico or vice versa, as @FNT "double D" says.

    1. Andrew from Yucatan Guest

      I live in Merida (MID), Mexico, and often fly in Aeromexico.
      I recently flew to Puerto Vallarta (PVR), the experience is very similar to what Ben describes, it the best of only two options we have for domestic travel.
      I will be going to LAX in May, and Aeromexico its the best options vs AA, UA, even when I am Executive Platinum with AA. For the segment from LAX-MEX, its operate by a...

      I live in Merida (MID), Mexico, and often fly in Aeromexico.
      I recently flew to Puerto Vallarta (PVR), the experience is very similar to what Ben describes, it the best of only two options we have for domestic travel.
      I will be going to LAX in May, and Aeromexico its the best options vs AA, UA, even when I am Executive Platinum with AA. For the segment from LAX-MEX, its operate by a B787-8, much better business class that any options, You get a transatlantic experience in a regional flight.

  5. f15x28 Member

    That Guardia Nacional Boeing 727 looks really spiffy. Really well-designed livery.

  6. FNT Delta Diamond Guest

    Aeromexico has immense potential but their business-class is wildly inconsistent. Yes, the 737 Max product is nice but they also fly European-style blocked middle seats on routes and then they also fly the regional jet on LONG hours like Detroit to Mexico City or Monterey. Some of the other aircraft lack outlets, wifi, etc.

    As for the service, you said: "Service was slow to get started after takeoff. On many airlines, you’ll get a round...

    Aeromexico has immense potential but their business-class is wildly inconsistent. Yes, the 737 Max product is nice but they also fly European-style blocked middle seats on routes and then they also fly the regional jet on LONG hours like Detroit to Mexico City or Monterey. Some of the other aircraft lack outlets, wifi, etc.

    As for the service, you said: "Service was slow to get started after takeoff. On many airlines, you’ll get a round of drinks and then you’ll get the meal, but that wasn’t the case on Aeromexico. Instead, around an hour after takeoff, the flight attendant appeared in the cabin with a cart, containing both food and drinks."

    This is typical Aeromexico. For whatever reason, the cabin crew are not trained to take food and drink orders on the ground or even just after take-off. They wait until the meals are ready.

    And sometimes getting a refill is difficult because the crew hides behind the curtain in the galley.

    1. FNT Delta Diamond Guest

      LONG ROUTES, not long hours *

    2. Mark Guest

      The Euro-business is exclusively on domestic routes and marketed clearly as Premiere Light. The ERJs are on long routes but have a regular domestic first cabin.

  7. Sel, D. Guest

    Looks like maybe they cater better from MEX. Recently did evening flight SFO-GDL, and while I enjoyed the footrests, the food was an embarrassing sandwich on stale bread in a box.

    1. Timtamtrak Diamond

      The reality is since it was an evening flight, they may well have catered that ‘sad box’ from MEX or GDL - where ever the plane came from in Mexico. It is generally cheaper for airlines to round-trip cater flights out of hubs that already have catering set up as a large operation. This doesn’t preclude them from serving a hot meal, but it means your food is even sadder as it’s sat under dry ice or on a chiller for many more hours than it already would have.

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Mark Guest

The Euro-business is exclusively on domestic routes and marketed clearly as Premiere Light. The ERJs are on long routes but have a regular domestic first cabin.

1
Frank Guest

This is way better than flying AA.

1
f15x28 Member

That Guardia Nacional Boeing 727 looks really spiffy. Really well-designed livery.

1
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