Getting Baggage Through GDL

What’s it like trying to get through GDL baggage pick-up, customs and security with a big load of stuff from the US which, in addition to carry-on, would include a good sized roller bag AND duffel bag, and also at least one 18”X18”X24” fifty pound box of personal effects, EACH for two people? Any tips to make it as easy as possible?

Once we get to the public concourse, I figure there will be plenty of offers to help, and Luis Miramontes will be able to give us a hand loading his van to take us to our new home. (Thanks webboard advisors for the Miramontes tip!)

For our year-long—at least—sojourn in Ajijic, my recently retired wife and I are flying into GDL in two weeks with much more checked luggage than we’ve ever brought through customs (always before at PV), and we’re thinking about adding more. Our curbside check-in at Seattle’s airport makes it relatively easy, and Alaska Airline’s additional baggage charges are less than a third what it costs to have our boxes shipped by DHL.

We’re looking for info to help us answer the question, “Is the extra hassle worth the savings?”

The agents at the airport are accustomed to checking in folks returning from the USA with huge amounts of purchases, especially around the holidays. You should have no problems at all. Just smile and answer all questions honestly.

Thanks, RV, for the encouraging words!