Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)

Common Complaints

• Aggressive Transportation Solicitors ("Shark Tank"): Upon exiting customs, travelers are often met with a gauntlet of persistent timeshare salespeople and aggressive taxi hawkers, making for a chaotic and stressful arrival experience if transportation isn't pre-booked.
• Long Baggage Claim and Customs Waits: Despite immigration improvements, waits for checked luggage can be 20-30 minutes or more, and travelers then face an additional customs check with a "red light/green light" system. Some travelers have reported disrespectful customs staff.
• Lack of Comfort for Overnight Stays: The airport is generally not recommended for sleeping overnight as international departures close, and the domestic arrivals area (Terminal 1) is described as loud, bright, lacking sufficient seating, and often without accessible electrical outlets for charging devices.
• High Prices and Limited Seating for Amenities: Food and retail services can be expensive, and during busy periods, there's often insufficient seating in public areas, leading to long lines for food and restrooms. There are no 24-hour dining options.
• Expensive and Unregulated Local Transportation: Official airport taxis are considered notoriously expensive, and Uber is still not permitted for airport pickups/drop-offs, leading to issues with "pirate taxis" and high costs for getting to/from the airport, especially to Cabo San Lucas.

Overall, SJD Airport has made strides in certain areas like immigration processing, contributing to a smoother initial arrival for many. However, travelers are strongly advised to pre-book airport transportation to bypass the "shark tank" and to be prepared for potential long waits at baggage claim and customs, particularly during peak travel times. Planning for high costs for on-site food and transportation, and avoiding overnight stays, will help ensure a more positive experience.