I hope it is not a Taesa reincarnation. I flew Taesa back in 1993 from Mex to Lrd. On take off from Mex the pilot did not set the flaps properly and on rotation he almost stalled the plane. It vibrated violently and made all sorts of noises. He figured it out and we finally got a positive climb rate. On landing he landed to fast and did not flare properly. We hit the runway so hard that we bounced, overhead compartments opened up, and stuff fell on some of the passengers. No one was injured. I was surprised that the landing gear and tires held. It was an old 727 which was a very durable plane. These planes are even certified for dirt fields, so may be that is what saved us.

When we got off the plane by stairs, I noticed that the pilot looked to be about 18 or 19 years old. Of course Taesa ended up getting their charter pulled by the Mexican government for excessive safety violations. Notwithstanding the scary experience, I remember that the in flight service was good, with a hot meal in coach and free stiff free pour drinks. The alcohol was needed for the nerves. However, that was the last time I flew Taesa, and even though I do not get miles, the only carrier I am comfortable with in Mexico is Mexicana. Aeromexico has had some recent accidents. A couple of months ago the same pilot in the Reyanosa crash ran off the runway in Monterrey.

I was happy about Azteca coming to LRD and being able to get miles, but I have not flown them yet.

Usually I fly CO through Houston, but their rates to Mexico are always expensive. I need to got to ZIH leaving 3-1 and returning 3-3. Co fare was $1,069, Mexicana from Nuevo Laredo is only $344.