Sacramento International Airport (SMF) for years had been “international” in name only. But last summer Mexicana Airlines inaugurated non-stop service to Guadalajara with continuing service to Mexico City. La Cochinita’s family reunion and baptism of our newest niece in Mexico City last weekend provided a perfect opportunity to try this new service. Historically we’ve flown UA to MEX via SFO or LAX.

MX-963 SMF-GDL-MEX (20-Feb-2003)
We arrived at the old terminal building at SMF approximately 90 minutes before the scheduled 8:30 a.m. departure. Mexicana has its own counter but staff is supplemented by folks from Frontier Airlines. A single quick-moving line, regardless of FF status or whatever, snaked through the terminal. At the head of the line was a podium where a CSR checked ID and verified itineraries. Passengers in coach were then directed to one check-in line while Star Gold (me!) and Clase Ejecutiva passengers went into another queue. We were directed to the *G check-in counter where a friendly Frontier agent worked on our check-in. My son and I were on one PNR and La Cochinita was on another as she is staying an extra few days in MEX. Little did we know at the time, but this would prove to be significant upon our return.

We had brought along a baby swing (boxed) for our niece that we wanted to check as luggage. Not a problem, but we were advised that it would be a good idea to have the box shrink-wrapped. Cost was five dollars and was immediately handled behind the counter. All checked luggage was sealed with plastic Mexicana numbered ties and the bag tags were stamped as “cleared” by the TSA. No priority tags were offered for *G and I forgot to ask so I don’t know if MX even offers them.

Upstairs security was quick, at least for my son and I. I had warned my wife that she had better send her boots through the machine, but she forgot and set off the alarm. A friendly but thorough TSA agent professionally handled her secondary inspection.

Boarding commenced right at 8:00 a.m. Clase Ejecutiva and *G passengers were invited to board our Airbus-319 named “Mexicali”. A selection of Mexican newspapers and USA Today were offered on the jetway to each passenger.

The flight looked to be approximately 75% full. We settled into 7ABC; Mexicana definitely does not have MRTC or Premier seating. My sister-in-law had the exit row 10A seat and offered to switch with me, but our 7-year-old son insisted that he had to sit next to his daddy. So I stayed where I was in 7C.

We pushed back on time and soon we were heading southeast for the three hour flight to GDL. All of the PA announcements were prerecorded in Spanish and English. There were no announcements or comments from the flight deck and, in fact, we never saw the flight crew. Just after takeoff the flight attendants distributed the Mexican Immigration Forms (Tourist Cards) and Mexican Customs Forms.

The businesslike flight attendants then passed out headsets; the movie Sweet Home Alabama was shown en route plus there were music channels available. Breakfast choices were scrambled eggs or apple pancakes. We all had the pancakes, which came with fresh fruit and a roll. The pancakes were actually pretty good. One beverage cart service was given (sodas come from plastic two liter bottles…no full cans here) and then the flight attendants disappeared to the back of the plane para chismosear (to gossip with each other).

Upon arrival to Guadalajara’s International Airport, which frankly looked as if it has seen better days, we parked on the tarmac and deplaned down airstairs to a waiting bus. The bus drove us the 50 yards to the terminal building where we cleared Mexican Immigration. Those of us in transit to Mexico City were given a transit card and directed to the transit lounge. There we found a duty free shop and a small snack stand (which will happily accept US dollars). We used the clean restrooms, bought some sodas and bottled water, and waited the 40 minutes or so before the continuation of our flight began boarding. We were bussed back out to the same aircraft and took our same seats. The passengers originating in GDL were then brought out to the plane and soon we were in the air for the 45 minute flight to MEX. Beverages and lunch (ham & cheese croissant sandwich, chips, fruit) helped pass the time.

After a bumpy approach we landed to the southwest at Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX). Since we had cleared immigration in Guadalajara, the flight was now a domestic one and we pulled in to the national terminal. After a long walk we found baggage claim where free carts were available. Our luggage quickly came out. A portable customs station was set up next to baggage claim and those of us coming from Sacramento were invited to play Red Light Green Light. We got the green light. My wife’s youngest sister and brother-in-law were waiting for us and after a quick ATM run to get some pesos (US$1 = apx.11 pesos) we soon headed off into the maelstorm known as Mexico City.

(continued below!)

[This message has been edited by El Cochinito (edited 02-28-2003).]