AEROMEXICO was NOT what I EXPECTED!

Two very different business class experiences on one itinerary

I flew AeroMexico on back-to-back services with two distinct business class offerings: an 8.5 hour São Paulo to Mexico City sector on a 787-9, followed the next morning by a much shorter Mexico City to Las Vegas hop on a 737 MAX 9. The contrast was striking—one felt like a true long-haul business class suite, the other a sensible short-haul premium cabin that gets the basics right.

Booking quirks, check-in and lounge access

I had two separate tickets for this journey. That turned out to be important: AeroMexico would not check my bag through between the two bookings, which meant a 20-plus minute delay at Mexico City collecting and rechecking luggage. Check-in, security and immigration at São Paulo were quick—about 15 minutes combined.

The lounge used before departure was the LATAM lounge. It’s a decent space with a bar and various food options. The cooked eggs were spot-on; the sandwiches less so. If you fly AeroMexico in business, expect lounge access but also be prepared for variability depending on the airport and whether partner lounges are being upgraded.

787-9 business: the seat that won me over

The long-haul product on the 787-9 is impressive. The seat is well padded, converts to a fully flat bed with a simple control, and comes with thoughtful touches: a mattress topper, duvet, pillow, headphones and an amenities kit waiting in the storage area. It is one of the best business class seats I’ve encountered on a widebody for comfort and sleep.

Lighting controls include an overhead option, a small reading light mounted over the shoulder, and mood lighting for the suite accessible via the touch panel. The remote doubles as the crew call and overhead light button. Little things like that make the cabin experience more relaxing.

Practical seating notes

• Avoid 1J on this layout—galley noise can be a problem.
• Seat padding and mattress combine to create very comfortable sleep; I rate the mattress among the best in business class short of true first class mattresses.
• Self-serve area behind the cabin with spirits, bubbly and a tea and coffee maker makes for a handy refresh station.

Dining and snacks worth mentioning

Food on the 787-9 was a highlight. Breakfast served onboard was stronger than the lounge offering; a quiche scored about 6.8 out of 10 and a strawberry mousse was a welcome touch. The crew ran a generous self-serve snack selection during the flight—one of the most varied buffets I have seen, complete with chocolate-covered strawberries. That small extra made a big difference.

Ninety minutes out from São Paulo I had a pre-ordered chicken main via the app—simple, solid and easily a 7.5 out of 10. Dessert arrived with an apology for being a little frozen, but dipping the berries in the creamy sauce helped. Service was friendly and responsive throughout.

Peeking into economy

I took a walk to the back to see economy and was pleasantly surprised. Many seats were empty, and the extra space made the long sector more bearable if you need to travel down there. That said, the full business cabin amenities are the differentiator.

Arrival, overnight and practical tips for Mexico City

Baggage took about 24 minutes to appear on the belt—par for the course there. For overnight stays near the airport a Courtyard by Marriott has an office near gate 4 that will organise a shuttle. It’s often easier and cheaper than rideshare or local taxis. Note that Mexico City is busy with infrastructure work ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, so allow extra ground time for transfers if you are travelling then.

MEX to LAS on a 737 MAX 9: clever, compact business

The short-haul business cabin on the 737 MAX 9 is a different proposition: front-row seats in business (I scored 1A) have bulkhead-mounted screens, while rows 2–4 use seat-back screens. There is in-seat power, a USB socket, a remote for the IFE and a handy drink holder between the pair of seats.

This aircraft is narrower and has less space than the 787; there’s no lie-flat option, which is sensible for a flight of about 3 hours 20 minutes. Expect a small pillow and blanket on the seat and basic complimentary Wi-Fi. Business passengers on the long-haul leg received an unlimited Wi-Fi voucher—generous for streaming—but on the short sector the free Wi-Fi was basic.

Technology and comfort notes

• Bluetooth IFE: Supported—connect your own headphones for convenience.
• Headphones: Provided, but not as premium as those on the long-haul flight.
• Washrooms: On this flight there was one toilet for 16 business passengers, and two toilets for 165 economy passengers—reasonable, but keep it in mind for full flights.

Overall verdict on AeroMexico

Both flights performed well in their respective contexts. The widebody long-haul business class felt like a proper international business product: excellent seat, a standout mattress, generous snacks and strong catering. The short-haul product was a tidy, efficient premium cabin offering the essentials with a few thoughtful extras like Bluetooth IFE and bulkhead screens.

Crew were consistently great across both flights, which lifts the experience beyond the hardware. Food impressed overall, and the seat comfort on the 787-9 is a definite reason to consider AeroMexico for long-haul travel.

Las Vegas arrival and a suite with a view

Immigration at Las Vegas was smooth and quiet; the agent I dealt with was warm and efficient. A 20-minute drive delivered me to the Palazzo at the Venetian where the room was a true suite—separate lounge area, a spacious bathroom with double sinks, and a view over turn 12. It made for an excellent base for the next 10 nights.

Practical tip on drinks: sourcing alcohol from a retailer such as Total Wines can be much cheaper than buying at a big hotel. For example, a 1.75 liter bottle of Southern Comfort can be around $28, whereas the same spirit served in a hotel bar is far more expensive.

Quick practical tips before you fly AeroMexico

• When booking separate tickets: Expect to collect and recheck luggage if they are not combined.
• Seat choice on 787-9: Avoid galley-adjacent seats like 1J if you want quiet.
• Long-haul perks: Look out for amenities kits and mattress toppers even on daytime long-haul flights—AeroMexico provides them more often than many airlines.
• Short-haul expectations: The MAX 9 business cabin is comfortable but compact; it is designed to be efficient rather than luxurious.

Frequently asked questions

Can I check my luggage through if I book two separate AeroMexico tickets?

Not usually. If the bookings are separate and not linked in the airline system, you should plan to collect your baggage at the first arrival airport and recheck it for the subsequent flight. Allow at least 20–30 minutes for this process.

How comfortable is AeroMexico business class on the 787-9?

Very comfortable. The seat converts to a fully flat bed, the mattress topper is excellent for long-haul sleep, and the cabin offers thoughtful lighting and storage. In-cabin catering and snack options are also strong.

Is the 737 MAX 9 business cabin worth paying for?

Yes for short flights. It offers bulkhead screens in the front row, in-seat power, and better space than economy. For a 3 to 4 hour flight, a lie-flat seat would be unnecessary; the MAX 9 premium product focuses on comfort and convenience.

How does AeroMexico handle Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi offerings vary by route. On long-haul business you may receive generous vouchers for streaming. Shorter sectors commonly provide basic complimentary Wi-Fi. Check the specific flight for details.

Are AeroMexico food and snacks any good?

Food is one of AeroMexico’s strengths. Expect solid plated meals on long sectors, a wide and unusual self-serve snack selection, and generally attentive service from the crew.