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Cross Border Xpress, as the private border crossing is known, is only available to passengers flying in and out of Tijuana International, which drastically cuts border-crossing times for air travelers and makes flying out of Mexico’s most northwestern city easier.
The Cross Border Xpress Bridge over the US-Mexico border fence.
BILL WECHTER / AFP / Getty
The terminal was not built as an alternative to San Diego International Airport to allow Americans to fly between two US cities. Rather, it is intended to provide travelers with more options when flying inland Mexico, including access to Mexico’s ultra-low-cost airlines, and ultimately save them the international aviation taxes that drive air fares up.
With Cross Border Xpress at Tijuana International Airport.
Thomas Pallini / Insider
But I wanted to test CBX to the max, so I booked a ticket from New York to Tijuana via Mexico City just to use the crossing. That’s how it went.
With Cross Border Xpress at Tijuana International Airport.
Thomas Pallini / Insider
My journey was easy: New York to Mexico City with Delta and Mexico City to Tijuana with Aeromexico. If I played my cards correctly, I wouldn’t have to take a step beyond the two airports within Mexico.
Fly Delta Air Lines from New York to Mexico City, Mexico.
Thomas Pallini / Insider
There are no direct flights from New York to Tijuana, and a layover in Mexico City was the most direct route I could reach with the fewest connections. The total travel time was estimated at just under 12 hours.
Fly Delta Air Lines from New York to Mexico City, Mexico.
Thomas Pallini / Insider
A non-stop flight to San Diego only takes about six and a half hours. But this was arguably the more interesting and fun option.
Fly Delta Air Lines from New York to Mexico City, Mexico.
Thomas Pallini / Insider
Even though San Diego was my final destination, I still needed my passport as I had to legally enter Mexico. To the airport staff, I was just an old traveler flying to Tijuana.
Fly Delta Air Lines from New York to Mexico City, Mexico.
Thomas Pallini / Insider
It’s hard to believe, however, that New York-Tijuana is a popular route as it’s likely cheaper to fly direct to San Diego and cross the border at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
The San Ysidro Port of Entry on the US-Mexico border.
Thomas Pallini / Insider
A Boeing 767-300ER, Delta’s workhorse for wide-body aircraft, brought us to Mexico City. It was a minor upgrade of the narrow-body Boeing 757 aircraft that flew on the New York-San Diego route.
Fly Delta Air Lines from New York to Mexico City, Mexico.
Thomas Pallini / Insider
To board, it was necessary to take a bus to a remote gate from the main terminal. Arguably one of the worst ways to get on a flight, it almost always results in a delay.
Flight with Aeromexico from Mexico City to Tijuana, Mexico.
Thomas Pallini / Insider
But I knew I was home free when I saw there was only one person in line for Global Entry.
With Cross Border Xpress at Tijuana International Airport.
Thomas Pallini / Insider
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