Author: Gaute Gulliksen

  • Mexico City Airport (MEX) Travel Guide

    Mexico City Airport (MEX) Travel Guide

    I have often transited through Mexico City International Airport (MEX) over the years, and I want to share my personal experience. While I know others may have very different stories, I’ve grown to like the airport despite its quirks. It’s a place full of contrasts that reflects the energy of the city it serves.

    Getting to and from the Airport

    Two Airport Options: Mexico City now has two international airports: the original Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and the newer Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA, airport code: NLU), which opened in 2022. All cargo operations were relocated to Felipe Ángeles in July 2023, and several airlines now operate from both locations.

    Ground Transportation: The bus terminal connected to Terminal 1 at MEX serves as a convenient gateway throughout Mexico, with comfortable, high-quality buses departing regularly to major destinations. Primera Plus offers reliable service to Querétaro, though I prefer the direct flight when possible—the Panamerican Highway between Mexico City and Querétaro can be congested, making air travel both faster and more predictable.

    Between Terminals: The AirTrain provides quick, clean connections, but requires a valid boarding pass. This free service can save significant walking time, especially valuable when managing connections or heavy luggage.

    Metro Restrictions: Travelers planning to use Mexico City’s Metro should note that large or bulky luggage is prohibited. Pack light or arrange alternative transportation if you’re carrying substantial baggage.

    Official Airport Taxi Service: The official taxi services available outside the arrival gates at both terminals are safe, reliable, and reasonably priced. These authorized taxis are regulated by the airport and offer transparent, fixed pricing displayed at their counters. They’re an excellent option for travelers who want hassle-free, secure transportation without the need to negotiate fares or worry about safety.

    Transport Between MEX and AIFA (NLU): Currently, there is no direct shuttle service between the two airports. The airports are approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) apart, with travel time typically ranging from 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions. The official airport taxi service is likely your best option for transfers between MEX and AIFA, offering door-to-door service with professional, licensed drivers. While the journey takes time due to distance and traffic, it’s more convenient and secure than navigating public transport with luggage between the airports. If you need to transfer between MEX and AIFA using public transport, you’ll need to travel via Mexico City center using buses from operators like Futura, ADO, and ETN, but this requires separate journeys and can take several hours total. Plan accordingly if you have connecting flights at different airports.

    Navigating the Airport

    Mexico City Airport is expansive and frequently busy, which can test your patience during peak travel times. Here’s a useful tip: your energy often influences your experience. Arriving calm and positive typically leads to smoother interactions with staff, while stress or fatigue can make queues feel longer and service seem less accommodating.

    For Permanent Residents on International Departures: If you hold permanent residence in Mexico and are departing on an international flight, you must have your passport stamped by immigration before boarding. These immigration counters are located centrally in both terminals (which handle both domestic and international flights) but aren’t always clearly marked—allow extra time and ask staff for directions if needed.

    Shopping and Dining

    The airport offers extensive shopping and dining options, though prices generally exceed city rates. While duty-free shopping is well-stocked with appealing items, the “tax-free” pricing can be misleading—compare costs if you have time, as airport prices sometimes exceed regular retail.

    Food Options: Dining ranges from quick grab-and-go snacks to full sit-down restaurants, accommodating various schedules and preferences. Whether you need a quick coffee or a leisurely meal, you’ll find suitable options throughout both terminals.

    Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA – NLU)

    Airlines and Routes Several major airlines now operate from both airports. Volaris and VivaAerobus fly from both MEX (Terminal 1) and AIFA, while Aeroméxico operates primarily from MEX Terminal 2 but also has some routes at AIFA. Other airlines at AIFA include Mexicana de Aviación (which is based there), Magnicharters, Arajet, Conviasa, and Copa Airlines, with Qatar Airways planning future operations.

    Important: Always double-check which airport your flight departs from when booking, as airlines like Volaris and VivaAerobus operate from both locations.

    Location and Access AIFA is located further from central Mexico City than MEX, but it often offers cheaper flights and lower airport taxes. Consider this trade-off between cost savings and travel time to the city center when choosing between the two airports.

    Live Flight Information

    Online Departure/Arrival Boards Both airports have live flight status available online:

    Mexico City International Airport (MEX):

    Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU):

    These resources are especially useful during volcanic activity or weather delays to check real-time flight status.

    Potential Disruptions

    Volcanic Activity Popocatépetl volcano can impact air travel at Mexico City airport, sometimes causing flight cancellations and delays. This active volcano, located southeast of the city, occasionally produces ash clouds that force temporary airport closures for safety reasons. If you’re traveling during periods of increased volcanic activity, check your flight status regularly and consider flexible booking options.

    Service Issues and Complaints If you experience significant delays or service problems, know your rights as a passenger. Aeroméxico, in particular, has faced government criticism for being the subject of the majority of complaints over cancellations and delays. Keep documentation of any issues, as Mexico’s consumer protection agency (PROFECO) handles aviation service complaints and can help resolve disputes with airlines.ico’s consumer protection agency (PROFECO) handles aviation service complaints and can help resolve disputes with airlines.

    Don’t Miss

    One of MEX’s hidden pleasures is the spectacular view during night flight arrivals. The sprawling tapestry of city lights below creates an unforgettable vista that captures the true scale and vibrancy of Mexico City. It is a perfect reminder of this remarkable metropolis as you arrive or depart.

  • Lost Itinerant

    Lost Itinerant

    a quiet musing on elsewhere

    Tea. Again. I’ve already had one, maybe two. I’m not counting. I just know I want more. Some kind of habit, or maybe a ritual. Either way, the cup keeps refilling. It’s not about caffeine. It’s about motion. About doing something that feels like pause, but is really escape.

    I’ve always wanted to be elsewhere. Not in a dramatic, fleeing kind of way. Just not here. Not fixed. Not confined. From early on, I sensed I wasn’t quite made for the place I came from. Maybe it was the pull of other places. The promise of motion, of new textures, of difference. But more honestly, it may have been the push from where I was. A quiet discomfort. A sense of being surrounded by rules I hadn’t agreed to. By expectations that fit someone else better. Nothing was overtly wrong, but something was persistently off. Like walking around in clothes that never sat quite right. I didn’t yet know what I was searching for, but I knew I had to leave to even begin looking.

    As a kid, I felt homesick at home. Norway offered stillness, space, and the comfort of knowing where you are in the landscape. I’ve always valued that. I still do. The quiet. The silences. But even those silences couldn’t explain the feeling that I didn’t quite belong. That there were other textures of life waiting to be lived. Less conforming, messier, more immediate.

    And so life took me elsewhere.

    Africa came first which is impossible not to fall in love with. The colors, the pace, the people, the contradictions, the openness. Then Eastern Europe. Different, more measured, layered, and marked by history that lingers in people’s values. Later, Latin America. A region where emotion is visible. Where warmth is not hidden. Where presence is spoken, not just felt. Always welcoming.

    But this isn’t a story of drifting.

    Somewhere in all that movement, I found something anchoring. A family. One that travels with me becausse that is our life and nature. For us, movement is not detachment. It’s connection. Exploration is not escape, but how we grow. We share a life that allows us to understand each other across shifting environments. That kind of safety makes the world feel navigable. Even when the rest of it doesn’t quite understand.

    Because outside our little unit, returning is often harder than leaving.

    People ask, “So, how was it?”
    I try to answer. Politely. Briefly. But most answers aren’t welcome unless they fit into something familiar. The stories shrink. The meaning stays unspoken. I remember the blank eyes. Not unfriendly, just not tuned to the same frequency. So I stop explaining and the memoreis becomes decoration with travel with.

    However, you can’t always bring home what you’ve seen. Some things are meant to be lived, not translated. And when you’ve shifted inside but the place you return to hasn’t, you learn the quiet art of holding things alone.

    Still, I return to what grounds me: tea. A small ritual that bridges continents or perhaps just my mind. A moment to be still before moving again.

    Another cup.
    Another memory that doesn’t need to be told.
    Another day lived between places.

    Not lost.
    Just itinerant.

  • Transiting Through the U.S.

    Transiting Through the U.S.

    Why I Avoid Transiting Through the U.S. — And How I Navigate It When I Must

    Having traveled extensively, I’ve passed through dozens of international airports. While I’ve never had problems with U.S. immigration or customs officers, the process of transiting through the United States remains one of the most time-consuming and stressful parts of global air travel.

    The Real Issue: No True Transit in the U.S.

    Unlike most international hubs, the United States does not offer airside transit. Even if you’re just connecting on your way to another country, you must:

    • Clear full immigration and customs
    • Collect and re-check your baggage
    • Go through TSA security screening again

    This isn’t just inconvenient — it creates a lot of unnecessary stress. You’re rushing through unfamiliar terminals, watching the clock, hoping baggage shows up quickly, and often wondering if your layover is long enough. Personally, I plan at least three hours for any U.S. connection. It’s the only way to reduce the risk of missed flights.

    A Mixed Bag of Airport Experiences

    Some airports manage the process better than others. I’ve had relatively smooth experiences at:

    • JFK (New York)
    • DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth)
    • IAH (Houston)

    But others have been more chaotic and less friendly to connecting passengers:

    • LAX (Los Angeles) — Crowded and disorganized
    • ATL (Atlanta) — Overwhelming and fast-paced
    • ORD (Chicago O’Hare) — Weather-prone and complex
    • EWR (Newark) — Long lines, unclear signage
    • MIA (Miami) — Slow baggage handling and confusing layout

    Despite these differences, the underlying issue is systemic — no matter where you land in the U.S., you have to enter the country.

    Not Just the U.S.: Other Countries with Transit Challenges

    While the U.S. is the most prominent example, it’s not alone. A few other countries also lack efficient airside transit or require you to enter the country even for short layovers.

    Here’s a comparison of some of the most commonly reported transit pain points around the world:

    International Transit Comparison Chart

    CountryAirside Transit Available?Transit Visa Required?Baggage Recheck?Notes / Concerns
    🇺🇸 United StatesNoYes (unless VWP)YesMust enter country; 4+ hrs recommended for transit
    🇿🇦 South AfricaInconsistentSometimesOftenSecurity risks (theft, data), unclear rules
    🇮🇳 IndiaLimited by terminalOftenLikelyTerminal changes common, poor signage
    🇷🇺 RussiaRestrictedOftenLikelyAirside transit limited, complex rules
    🇨🇳 ChinaSome airportsNot always*SometimesRules vary by city and airline; sudden changes
    🇸🇦 Saudi ArabiaDepends on airlineUnless flying SaudiOften96-hour visa-free only with Saudi airlines
    🇳🇬 NigeriaUnreliableOftenLikelyPoor infrastructure, reports of forced entry
    🇪🇬 EgyptUnclearSometimesLikelyCairo especially chaotic and confusing

    * China offers visa-free transit for select nationalities, but policies vary by city and change frequently.

    My infomration may be a bit out of date so feel free to correct me and/or add information.

    Final Thoughts

    The U.S. is not the only place where transit can be complicated, but it stands out for requiring all transit passengers to enter the country, regardless of itinerary. That adds time, hassle, and stress — not just for travelers like me, but also for the people working in these airports, who are under constant pressure to manage the flow.

    When I can, I book routes that avoid U.S. transit entirely. But when I can’t, I plan generously and manage my expectations.

  • Cross-National Work

    Cross-National Work

    Unlocking Your Strengths in Cross-National Work

    Globalization wasn’t really designed as a playground for personal growth, but to serve capital. Trade treaties, offshore labor, and transnational mergers rarely prioritized human connection. Yet amid this architecture of profit, individuals are still asked to collaborate across borders, make decisions together, and deliver results in teams shaped by wildly different cultural expectations.

    This tension defines modern cross-national work with individuals navigating complex cultural terrain within systems that weren’t built for nuance. And yet, this is exactly where we must find meaningful transformation. When individuals bring self-awareness, humility, and communication skills into cross-border settings, they don’t just keep projects running. They carve out small but powerful spaces where understanding, equity, and trust can take root. This often happens in spite of the system, not because of it. After all, there are rarely enough time and resources to make it happen

    When you work across borders, your unique strengths become essential tools. Maybe you’re a great listener who can pick up on subtle cultural cues, or perhaps you’re skilled at bridging communication gaps between diverse teams. Perhaps your openness to learning from others allows you to navigate unfamiliar environments with confidence.

    By recognizing and developing these personal strengths, you can turn cross-national work into an opportunity for growth. It’s about embracing curiosity, building trust despite differences, and using your skills to create connections that go beyond geographical boundaries. In doing so, you not only contribute to your team’s success but also expand your own horizons, both professionally and personally.

    Cross-National Strengths vs. Potential Pitfalls

    StrengthsPotential Problems
    Cultural Curiosity: Openness to learning about different customs and perspectives.Cultural Assumptions: Ignoring differences or relying on stereotypes can lead to misunderstandings and offense.
    Active Listening: Tuning in to verbal and non-verbal cues to fully understand others.Miscommunication: Poor listening can cause misinterpretation, frustration, and errors.
    Adaptable Communication: Adjusting style to fit cultural preferences and contexts.Rigid Communication: Insisting on one style (e.g., directness) can create conflict or disengagement.
    Building Trust: Being reliable, transparent, and consistent to foster confidence.Lack of Trust: Inconsistency or lack of follow-through erodes relationships and cooperation.
    Humility and Learning Mindset: Embracing mistakes as growth opportunities.Defensiveness: Refusing to acknowledge errors or differences can stall collaboration and damage morale.

    The Importance of a Common Strategy: Making It Stick and Grow

    While individual strengths are essential, cross-national work thrives when these efforts are aligned under a shared strategy. Developing a common strategy means agreeing on goals, communication norms, decision-making processes, and conflict resolution approaches that respect the cultural diversity of the team.

    To make this strategy stick and fester:

    • Involve Everyone in the Process: Build the strategy collaboratively so all voices are heard and ownership is shared. This increases commitment and relevance across cultures.
    • Document and Communicate Clearly: Ensure the strategy is accessible and easy to understand, using language that resonates with all team members. Reinforce it regularly in meetings and updates.
    • Embed Rituals and Practices: Use recurring check-ins, cultural sharing sessions, and feedback loops to keep the strategy alive and evolving.
    • Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize moments when the strategy has helped overcome challenges or built trust. Positive reinforcement encourages continued adherence.
    • Adapt Over Time: Be ready to revisit and revise the strategy as the team grows, learns, and encounters new contexts or challenges.

    When individuals bring their strengths together within a living, breathing common strategy, cross-national teams can move beyond managing differences to truly leveraging diversity as a source of innovation, resilience, and success.

    Thoughts and Takeaways

    Cross-national work is rich with opportunity, but it demands intentional effort and time from individuals and teams alike. By cultivating personal strengths like cultural curiosity, active listening, and adaptability, and by aligning those strengths within a shared, evolving strategy, professionals can build trust, bridge differences, and drive meaningful collaboration.

    Key takeaways to thrive in cross-national work:

    • Embrace curiosity and ask questions instead of assumptions.
    • Listen actively to both spoken words and unspoken cues.
    • Adapt your communication style to fit different cultural contexts.
    • Build trust through consistency and transparency.
    • Approach mistakes with humility and a learning mindset.
    • Develop a shared strategy collaboratively and keep it alive through ongoing communication and adaptation.

    With these practices, cross-national work becomes not only manageable but a powerful driver of personal growth and organizational success. Just be aware that it does take time.

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