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We all know the feeling. The wheels touch down in Cancun, the cabin erupts in scattered applause, and you are officially on vacation. But before you can order that first margarita, you have to survive the final boss: Cancun International Airport customs and baggage claim.

I want to give a quick disclaimer right up front: This protocol does not work 100% of the time. If three massive international flights happen to land at the exact same minute due to weather delays, you are going to experience a wait.

However, following these five specific rules will always increase your speed, bypass the rookie bottlenecks, and get you out the sliding glass doors while the rest of your flight is still standing in line.

Here is my personal playbook I literally just used this week for an under-15-minute arrival.

1. Carry-On Only (The Non-Negotiable)

If you want to get out of the airport fast, you cannot check a bag. It is that simple.

Lately, we have been absolutely flooded with messages from readers who cleared customs in 10 minutes, only to stand at the baggage carousel for up to two hours waiting for their suitcase to drop.

And while the Governor recently announced this issue is going to be tackled, it hasn’t been fixed yet.

You are going to a tropical climate. You are going to be in swim trunks, sundresses, and flip-flops for 90% of your trip.

Roll your clothes, use packing cubes, and fit it all into a carry-on. Bypassing the baggage carousel is the single biggest time-saver you can execute.

2. Sit At The Front Of The Plane

Your strategy starts when you pick your seat months in advance.

Every row behind you represents up to six people who will be standing in front of you in the immigration line. If you are in Row 30, that is 180 people from your flight alone that you have to wait behind.

Pay the extra $20 to select a seat in the first 10 rows. When the doors open, get off the plane and walk with purpose. You do not need to sprint and sweat through your shirt, but this is not the time for a leisurely stroll.

3. Skip The Pre-Customs Bathroom

When you get off the plane and start walking down the long corridors toward immigration, you will pass a set of restrooms. You will see half of your flight peel off to use them.

Keep walking. Unless it is an absolute emergency, hold it. By skipping this bathroom, you instantly jump ahead of 40 to 50 people from your own flight.

Get to the e-gates, clear customs, and use the restrooms on the other side by the baggage claim. They are usually cleaner and completely empty.

4. Know How To Use The E-Gates

Cancun has rolled out automated biometric e-gates for US and Canadian citizens, which are incredibly fast—unless the person using them doesn’t know what they are doing. Don’t be the person holding up the line.

Here is the exact way to use them seamlessly:

• Prep in line: Take off your hat and sunglasses before you step up.
• The Scan: Place your passport face down on the glass scanner and press it completely flat. Hold it there until the screen explicitly tells you to remove it.
• The Stance: Step into the gate. Keep your carry-on bag either in front of you or directly behind you (if it hangs out to the side, it blocks the sensors and the doors won’t close).
• The Photo: Look directly at the camera and do not look away or fidget until the screen turns green and the doors open.

5. The “Shark Tank” Blindfold

Once you clear customs (and walk past the miserable people waiting for their checked bags), you have to navigate the infamous corridor leading to the exit doors.

This is the “Shark Tank.” It is lined with timeshare salespeople dressed to look like official airport staff or transportation coordinators. They will call out to you, ask where you are staying, and offer to “help you find your ride.”

Do not talk to anyone. Put your sunglasses on, look straight ahead, and walk directly outside to your pre-arranged private pickup. Any conversation you start in this hallway is designed to trap you and pitch you a timeshare, completely ruining your 15-minute arrival time.