Guadalajara Airport

I used GDL back in January 2005 during my first trip into Mexico. I flew Mexicana Airlines and upon landing you are taken from the plane to the airport via a shuttle bus. The shuttle bus drops you off on the first level where you are immediately routed to the customs area. There are the typical long lines and wait as you are processed through customs. I was a little intimidated at first because my Spanish is lacking but the customs officer was efficient and spoke English. After you are processed you go to the "stoplight". There is an area where you are literally presented with a small red/green stop light sort of device and are instructed by the security personnel to press a button on the device. If it lights up green you are free to go. If it lights up red you are required to undergo further baggage search. My friend who is from Guadalajara told me about this before I went down there but seeing it really gave me a good chuckle. He also gave me a tip; give the button a good firm and long press. Usually nervous individuals will press the button quickly and so it is more likely light up red. This entire customs and "stop-light" area is probably no bigger than the average high school gym. Outside in the terminal lobby area there are plenty of kiosks and shops. There is also a "taxi booth" where you pay for your cab ride and someone will come out to help you hail a cab. Departing GDL I was very surprised and pleased with the abundance of space comfort and amenities in the international departures area. You can get anything from souveniers to CD's to clothes to food. There are also a couple of full service restaurants.

Guadalajara Airport is far from the city centre which means a long taxi ride and a bit of planning. The small terminal is poorly signposted so you might end up following the crowd hoping that everyone else is getting on the same plane as you. The staff are very helpful though so don't be intimidated.