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Delays and cancellations at airports seem to be the norm these days, but typically these are either caused by weather conditions or the airlines themselves.
A newer system at Cancun Airport, though, is the latest culprit in affecting air travel for its visitors, causing tourists to miss their flights.
For an airport that has more than 500 arriving and departing flights every day, it’s inevitable that some unlucky tourists will miss their flights.
What’s Changed At Cancun Airport?
What may seem like a minor change in the system used to notify passengers about their flights is causing a major impact.
While each flight used to be announced over a loudspeaker when it was time to board the plane, this practice has been discontinued.
You have probably heard the announcements in airports across the U.S. — “Attention all passengers on the flight to XYZ destination, this is your final boarding call…“
Well, Cancun airport doesn’t use this system anymore.
Instead, passengers departing from Cancun International Airport now have to pay attention to the boards listing the flights to stay informed regarding their flights and departure times.
@morales06e #missedflight ✈️#cancunairport ♬ Oh No – Kreepa
Why The Change Was Made
According to airport officials, this change was made in order to minimize confusion.
They claim that because there are so many flights coming in every day, the constant announcements cause confusion and can be annoying for passengers waiting for their flights.
So far though, the lack of announcements seems to be causing more problems than the overwhelming number of flight announcements were.
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@_justcandace EVERYDAY!!! Atp I dont even feel bad anymore. Because how you the only one that didn’t hear the boarding announcements???🤔🤣🤣 Not my flight not my problem, go to gate 28 to rebook maam😅 #flightcrew #gateagent #gateagentlife #flightattendant #traveltiktok #traveltips #airportproblems #fyp #mainlineairlines #austinbergstrominternationalairport #austintx #austintxtiktok ♬ Aint nobody told me nothing – Kendria Bland
Airport Warning Regarding The Change
While Cancun Airport no longer announces flights over a loudspeaker, they do announce the change.
That announcement reads, “For your convenience, flights are not advertised in the voice system; check the boarding time and departure door on the screens.”
This announcement is read in both English and Spanish so that all passengers are aware of the change.
@herclueless I should probably stop buying myself flowers #missaflight#missedflightslay#airportfashion#latetotheairport#shoppingaddict#buymyselfflowers#stupidpeople ♬ Flowers – Miley Cyrus
What One Tourist Has To Say
Some tourists have already been affected by the lack of flight announcements, missing their departing flights to return home.
One tourist discussed how the changes affect tourists by forcing them to constantly pay attention to the flight boards in order to not miss their flights.
That tourist stated that they “are used to being called, perhaps as there are so many flights here that bother users, but we believe that more than benefit it harms, because then people no longer see the screens or it is difficult to decipher the flights and schedules.”
Response From Airlines
While there has not been much response yet from airlines, one airline did comment on the recent change.
A representative from Volaris doesn’t see the change as a bad thing and points to the fact that passengers should already know their flight times.
That Volaris employee commented that “Since tourists have their ticket either physical or electronic they know at the time they have to board, so as not to miss their flight,” and that when the announcements were being made “it was very complicated, because there are so many flights.”
How Cancun Tourists Can Avoid Missing Their Flight
The first step to avoid missing your Cancun flight is to get to the airport early.
It’s recommended that international tourists arrive at least three hours before departure, and sometimes even more if it’s really busy or delays are expected.
The second thing to do is double-check your boarding pass for the boarding time, not just the departure time, because the doors actually close about 15 minutes before departure time.
And finally, be sure to pay attention to the flight boards or flight information display system screens because all the information you need will be on these boards.
Departing From Cancun Airport
Flying can be chaotic and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be.
As long as you arrive at Cancun Airport with plenty of time and you know where to find the information you need, you shouldn’t have any issues.
Just remember not to expect to hear those announcements and pay attention to the flight boards so you can avoid a stressful situation at the end of your relaxing Cancun vacation.
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Pyrategyrl
Friday 8th of September 2023
HA! Only not so much…
Love how the ‘air industry’ and this article seems to cloak this change as being based on it being too confusing for the ‘listeners/passengers’. IF it was reported that it’s confusing (and embarrassing) because of and for the Cancún Aeropuerto itself, this article might bear a closer facsimile to truth.
Undoubtedly, the officials at the Cancún Aeropuerto might need to step to the plate of accountability on this matter due to what is quite likely, the lack of organization/planning/communication and the ensuing confusion on the operational side of the aeropuerto. It is more plausible that the decision to cease making boarding announcements is simply this - they aren’t clear on what plane will land at what gate and when they think they do know, someone calling the shots, throws another curve ball and switches things up.
Sadly, passenger vigilance will need to prevail.
Wayne
Thursday 7th of September 2023
For as long as I can remember they don't assign boarding gates until one hour before departure but the major airlines most likely use the same gates so it's not a big deal! Pay attention to the Flight boards and one hour should be plenty of time to get to your gate.
Yahdinah
Tuesday 5th of September 2023
I was in Cancun July 28th to the 31st! I couldn't check into my departing flight the next day. I arrived at the airport 9:00 am My flight was at 12: 45. So yes you would think that I had time to distress and get to my gate. I spent 5 hours standing in line before I was processed to security with many others. The lines were so huge it was ridiculous so many passengers were missing their flights! The airline customer service and employees were absolutely clueless. They were herding us like cattle by the time I got through all the nonsense! My flight was delayed a couple of times, I had to keep looking at the board so I wouldn't miss my flight. They change the area of the flight several times. I was running around the airport like a chicken with my head cut off and I am a very good solo traveler. I will never return to Cancun getting out of there was ridiculous and very stressful. Definitely not worth my sanity. Note! The staff are rude/unresponsive.
Ruben
Tuesday 5th of September 2023
Didn't know that airports should babysit passengers,,,everybody claims to be a traveler expert, well,, people should know then they have to pay attention to the screen despite of the PA.
DD
Tuesday 5th of September 2023
Person accountability, situational awareness?? It's about time! 👏👏👏