How safe are flights inside Mexico?
Sep 15, 2000 | 4:04 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: T82
Programs: AA Gold, HH Gold
Posts: 2,845
How safe are flights inside Mexico?
My husband wants to take a cruise for his birthday, getting on in San Pedro and off in Acapulco. It isn't what I would choose, but it's his birthday and that's his wish.
He asked me to look into flights from ACA back to LAX. As far as I can tell from all the various searches I've done, there are NO nonstop flights from ACA to LAX. I guess not enough traffic. Everything seems to go through Mexico City or Guadalajara. When I told husband this, he said he absolutely didn't want to take an intra-Mexico flight. "Too dangerous," he says.
Have any of you done this and do you think their standards are as high (or low in some cases) as US safety standards?
He asked me to look into flights from ACA back to LAX. As far as I can tell from all the various searches I've done, there are NO nonstop flights from ACA to LAX. I guess not enough traffic. Everything seems to go through Mexico City or Guadalajara. When I told husband this, he said he absolutely didn't want to take an intra-Mexico flight. "Too dangerous," he says.
Have any of you done this and do you think their standards are as high (or low in some cases) as US safety standards?
Sep 15, 2000 | 4:50 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,218
Hi Nanook,
I used to take internal flights in Mexico all the time (1994-1998), although I've only flown Aeromexico and Mexicana. They fly modern jets, MD80s and 757s if I recall, on most of the main segments. I personally flew AM a lot because I manage to double dip miles on DL
I also felt that MX was a relatively second-rate carrier back then, its current *alliance membership notwithstanding.
I was never worried about safety on any of my Mexican flights, even after the peso devaluation there in December 1994 wrecked the economy. Within Latin America, the only airline that I would feel safer on, I think, is LanChile on domestic segments, but that is all relative. There are definitely certain airlines I wouldn't want to fly based on past records or my understanding of the local economy.
As an aside, with regard to one GDL-LAX flight I took on AM (or was it AA), I distinctly recall facing one of the L O N G E S T customs lines upon arrival. EVERY pax had their bags searched, so that may be the only unpleasant part of your return trip. GDL and MEX each have beautiful places to visit if you decide to spend an extra day or two there, and with some common sense, the cities are safe for tourists.
FA
I used to take internal flights in Mexico all the time (1994-1998), although I've only flown Aeromexico and Mexicana. They fly modern jets, MD80s and 757s if I recall, on most of the main segments. I personally flew AM a lot because I manage to double dip miles on DL
I also felt that MX was a relatively second-rate carrier back then, its current *alliance membership notwithstanding.I was never worried about safety on any of my Mexican flights, even after the peso devaluation there in December 1994 wrecked the economy. Within Latin America, the only airline that I would feel safer on, I think, is LanChile on domestic segments, but that is all relative. There are definitely certain airlines I wouldn't want to fly based on past records or my understanding of the local economy.
As an aside, with regard to one GDL-LAX flight I took on AM (or was it AA), I distinctly recall facing one of the L O N G E S T customs lines upon arrival. EVERY pax had their bags searched, so that may be the only unpleasant part of your return trip. GDL and MEX each have beautiful places to visit if you decide to spend an extra day or two there, and with some common sense, the cities are safe for tourists.
FA
Sep 15, 2000 | 8:18 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,351
Never even thought about the LONG customs lines! I am flying to Los Cabos in a few days time on MEX.
Aircraft is a 727 (groan!)
Am taking some UA 500 miler 1st class certs and will act dumb, flash a Star * Gold card and see how we go for upgrading!
Nanook I think MEX are a few light years ahead of many SOUTH American and many intra Asian carriers .. enjoy the holiday!
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~ Glen ~
Sep 16, 2000 | 5:54 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: 3A - most likey <> BKK <--> EZE; TACA 3A nobody, but GP million miler; Hilton Gold sometimes. Successfully divorced from CO PLAT.
Posts: 3,079
Nanook,
Relax, I used both Aeromexico and Mexicana to position for the LP run. All four segments I used on these carries used modern aircraft, were spotlessly clean, and the service was excellent - including meals.
In fact, I rate them right at the top - just under ACES!
Relax, I used both Aeromexico and Mexicana to position for the LP run. All four segments I used on these carries used modern aircraft, were spotlessly clean, and the service was excellent - including meals.
In fact, I rate them right at the top - just under ACES!