Use Aviacsa to Fly Around Mexico Cheaply
Nov 08 '01
The Bottom Line Aviacsa offers domestic flights within Mexico for less than AeroMexico, Mexicana, or any U.S. flag carrier. Try 'em! You'll like 'em!
Planning to spend some time in Mexico? Want to be able to get around cheaply without having to spend days in a car or bus? Consider Aviacsa for inexpensive domestic flights!
In my review of ways to get around in Mexico, I mentioned two airlines as being good options for cheap flights within the Republic: Aviacsa and Aero California. These are both still the cheapest options for the thrifty but impatient wanderer, and I'd like share some thoughts and experiences with Aviacsa.
Safety First!
Americans often worry about flying foreign airlines. They worry about whether the equipment and maintenance are up to the standards we expect from American flag carriers. These are often legitimate concerns, especially regarding maintenance -- maintaining aircraft is expensive.
About two years ago the Mexican airline pilots association criticized several low-cost Mexican carriers, including Aviacsa. Shortly after the warnings, one of the carriers, Taesa, was permanently grounded by the government after one of their large jets (I believe it was an MD-80) crashed outside Guadalajara. Lapses in maintenance were blamed for the crash. Passengers are right to worry...
I worry less about Aviacsa because in the wake of Taesa's tragedy, the other carriers seem to have cleaned up their act and government regulators seem to be watching them more closely. I also worry less about Aviacsa because the U.S. government permits them to operate within the U.S., which means that they have shown that they maintain aircraft to an acceptable international standard.
Aviacsa has also been updating their fleet. While they still operate several older Boeing 727s, they also have been purchasing newer 737s over the past year or so. (The new ones have smiles painted under the nose cone.) When I have flown Aviacsa from Houston into Mexico, the flights have always been on these newer aircraft -- I suspect the same is true for flights from Las Vegas. They seem to be using the older planes on routes like Mexico City to Guadalajara.
I'm generally confident in the safety of the entire airline industry, regardless of the flag on the plane's tail. I have never heard of a serious incident involving Aviacsa, and I feel comfortable and safe on all of their aircraft, including the older models.
Comfort and Service
Americans might be right about safety of foreign carriers not always being up to the level of domestic carriers, but when it comes to service and comfort, even the worst foreign flag carriers have an easy time beating American flag carriers.
Let's face it: American carriers generally suck -- they have terrible service, long lines for check-in, poor on-time performance, and likely as not, your baggage will end up at somebody else's garage sale. These things can happen on foreign carriers too, but in my experience, check-in is usually faster on foreign carriers, security is better, service is friendlier, the food is better, and the overall flying experience is better.
I've been very satisfied with the level of service and comfort aboard Aviacsa flights. The planes have generally been clean and looked well maintained. The interior of the 737s feels very similar to that of the 737s flown by Continental (similar blue and grey color scheme), except that the interior baggage compartments are a little smaller on Aviacsa.
On-time performance is excellent on most Mexican flag carriers, and Aviacsa is no exception. Aviacsa's on-time performance record is just under 90%, putting them in about the same league as AeroMexico and Mexicana. While you could still get a cancellation on Aviacsa, your chances of that happening are about half to 1/5 what they would be with a U.S. carrier. (Look at www.dot.gov/airconsumer -- the best U.S. airlines never get much over 80% on time). The worst I've ever experienced with Aviacsa was a 20 minute delay getting out of Houston, and the plane still landed on time.
As with most Latin American airlines, drinks are free and there is none of that stupid nickle-and-dime charging of $3-4 for a beer of margarita that all the U.S. carriers do -- even on domestic routes. This isn't a huge deal, but it might be enough to make me fly Aviacsa even when the fares are closer together.
Frequent Flyer
Aviacsa has the best frequent flyer program I've ever seen in any airline in any country. It's called AviacPass and it's simple: just save your tickets and reciepts. After 5 trips, you can get a free ticket on your most common itinerary. After 7, on most itineraries. After 8, on any itinerary including international flights or trips to Cancun.
No need to worry about accumulating and tracking miles. No complicated registration process. No partner specials to keep track of. No limited redemption opportunities. No blackouts. Just fly 5 times, then fly free.
Prices
I call myself the World's Cheapest Traveler and it's not an idle boast. I love getting a bargain, and that's why I fly Aviacsa. Fares between the United States and Mexico often run $100 or more cheaper than I can get on Continental or American. Within Mexico, the fares are almost invariably cheaper than AeroMexico and Mexicana.
With a 7-day advance purchase, I was quoted a price of $406 from Houston to Monterrey on Continental. I bought the ticket on Aviacsa for $266. The savings should buy me quite a bit of beer...
How to Buy Tickets
Most of the online travel sites don't know about Aviacsa. Some list the flights, but don't let you buy. Some list the flights as cancelled, whether they are or not. I've only once successfully purchased an Aviacsa ticket online, and that was through Travelocity.
Your travel agent down the street probably won't help you either. Many don't know Aviacsa exists, or don't want to book with them. Even in Houston, which is served by Aviacsa, only a couple of travel agents actually promote Aviacsa and seem eager to sell tickets. I'm not sure why this is the case. Perhaps Aviacsa doesn't pay good commissions, or perhaps travel agents don't trust them.
The best way to buy tickets on Aviacsa is directly through the airline.
In the United States, Aviacsa serves only Houston (Intercontinental, terminal IAB) and Las Vegas (McCarran, terminal 2). Ticketing offices are located in both cities, and you can book via telephone. In Houston, dial 713-266-6653. In Las Vegas, dial 702-261-3214. From everywhere else in the U.S., 1-888-528-4227.
In Mexico, you can buy tickets at the Aviacsa counter in almost every major airport and at ticketing offices in dozens of cities. Most travel agents in the Republic will also be happy to book you on Aviacsa. From anywhere in Mexico, call 1-800-711-6733.
Aviacsa on the Web
Aviacsa has a web site, but it's pretty rudimentary and a lot of features don't seem to work. (Good thing they're in the airline business and not the internet business!) The English language button doesn't work for me, and I can't get the Reservation feature to actually let me complete a transaction. On the other hand, you can use the site for general information. The site is www.aviacsa.com.mx.
Should You Fly Aviacsa?
I recommend Aviacsa to anyone looking for lower-cost alternatives to high-priced flights to or within Mexico. You sacrifice nothing in terms of comfort, but can gain big-time in terms of saving the travel budget! Thumbs up.
Recommended Reading:
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Getting Around in Mexico
http://www.epinions.com/content_1070899332
AeroMexico
http://www.epinions.com/trvl-review-3F5C-DCEDF5-380D36E8-prod1
Mexicana
http://www.epinions.com/trvl-review-7A7F-73641A7-3897C4BF-prod1
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