What the Cross Border Xpress Means for Mexico-Bound Travelers — and How It Works

Mark Chesnut, travelagewest.com
August 07, 2024 - Full Article

Travelage West— The idea of walking across the border into Mexico to board a flight may sound strange to the average traveler. But for those who have used Cross Border Xpress (CBX) — the service that connects Southern California with Tijuana International Airport by pedestrian bridge — it can open up lots of possibilities, according to some travel experts.

“I’d go through CBX over San Diego any day,” said Tania Swasbrook, cofounder of Vgari Lifestyle, a travel agency and Virtuoso member based in San Diego. “Tijuana has routes that just don’t exist from San Diego. There are different parts of Mexico that you can fly to."

Over the past few years, I’ve met multiple travelers and travel advisors who sing the praises of CBX. The most commonly mentioned selling points include cost savings, the availability of more flights to more Mexican destinations and the overall ease of the process.

Image Source: VisitCalifornia.com

Selling Cross Border Xpress to Clients

Vgari’s Tania Swasbrook is among the travel advisors who have personally used CBX for trips to Mexico and then sold clients on its advantages.

“I recommend it,” she said. “I do it myself often, and it’s super easy."

She admits that some clients have been skeptical when she has suggested that they try CBX.

“I’ve actually had to convince some of them — but then they’re obsessed,” she said. “I guide them through it. They get nervous, but then they get there and say, ‘This is it? It’s easy!’

The uniqueness of the concept is perhaps one reason why some travelers may be hesitant at first. 

Image Source: SAFR