27 replies to this topic

[Miggiesmallz- TEXMEX]

I am planning a trip to DF this spring break. I’ve never been but have wanted to go for the longest time. I originally intended to go to Seattle for spring break, but a co worker suggested I wait until summer time since it’s the season when it does not rain in that region.

I’ve never flown out of TJ into Mexico. I’ve looked around on the net and made a few phone calls looking for good flights. So far Volaris seems to be the cheapest, but their flights only go to the Toluca airport, but they transport you on a bus to the Santa Fe District free of charge. I believe Toluca is about 45 minutes from DF. This is kind of nice as it offers me more of an opportunity to see things by ground during transport. Any other suggestions from you experienced travelers as far as airlines?
I am looking more for economy than comfort. But any suggestion is appreciated.

[BajaGringo]

When planning to travel I purchase most of my tickets after searching online. One of the few exceptions to that is when traveling within Mexico. I have found that the travel agencies have some of the best fares I have seen, especially when traveling to the major cities within Mexico. Go with any of the major airlines except Avolar. Those who travel frequently have changed the airline name from Avolar to Aesperar. (to wait) They rarely leave on time, never arrive on time and cancel many of their flights, leaving you standing at the airport trying to find another flight.

I have used the agency at Plaza Rio around the corner from Sanborns many times and they have found me some terrific fares to DF, Veracruz, Acapulco and Culiacan.

Good luck and have a great time!

[Miggiesmallz- TEXMEX]

Thanks BG, that is an excellent and obvious idea that hadn't come to my head yet. There a few travel agencies right around my neighborhood in Plaza Coronado. I will definitely check them out. And after searching on line, I now have an idea of how I am willing to spend.

[Chiquito]

We use Avolar for Tijuana to Uruapan as most lines don't have that direct flight. So far they've always been on time. YMMV.

[BajaGringo]

Either you are lucky or they have improved their service. Last year I was flying weekly out of Tijuana to DF, Durango, Monterey, Veracruz, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. I tried Avolar on several occasions and every single one was late in additon to 2 that they just cancelled with no warning. Frequent business passengers I talked with at different airports while waiting for one of their flights was where I first heard the nickname "aesperar". Obviously they must have some tainted history to have earned that name I heard repeated on more than one occasion. To be honest I have avoided the airline for several months. Glad you had a postivie experience Chiquito - was this recently?

[BajaGringo]

And what does YMMV mean? Never seen that one before...

[drchoi]

your miles may vary...

its like some one getting a deal while buying same goods, some ppl might get a better deal while others did not..

[BajaGringo]

If I was traveling purely for pleasure the late flights would not have been that big a deal but in a couple of cases it made me late for meetings and in one case I completely missed a conference where I was supposed to speak in Mexico City.

Quite embarrassing...

[Chiquito]

"- was this recently?"

Last month. Nice to meet you by the way.

[BajaGringo]

Last time I gave them a try was in October as I recall. Maybe they're getting their act together. This thread reminded me that they still haven't credited me back the fare for a flight they canceled to Durango last fall. Need to follow up on that.

It was very nice to meet you and your lovely wife as well. Look forward to seeing you both again soon and hopefully you can meet Cristina next time...

[TJDave]

Miggie...

Try Aviacsa: http://www.aviacsa.c...ones/Martes.cfm


They have decent prices (about $391USD RT taxes included)

Plus if you make your purchase on Tuesdays, they give a good discount (you can use the ticket anyday of the week, you just have to purchase it on Tuesday).

I have always had really good service from the travel agency a few doors west of Revolution on the same street Carl's Jr is on... the name escapes me right now...

[otayBill]

Is it cheaper to fly to central Mexico from Tijuana than San Diego or LA? I once flew to Mexico City from LAX for $260, including taxes.

[Chiquito]

Aviacsa is the line I have had problems with. Seven hours late once.

When we took Avolar, the tickets were about $100 cheaper (each) at the Tijuana Airport than the companies online price for the same flight.

[TJDave]

Aviacsa is the line I have had problems with. Seven hours late once.

When we took Avolar, the tickets were about $100 cheaper (each) at the Tijuana Airport than the companies online price for the same flight.

That's pretty late.... I have never had any troubles... YMMV.

[TJDave]

Is it cheaper to fly to central Mexico from Tijuana than San Diego or LA? I once flew to Mexico City from LAX for $260, including taxes.

I'm not sure about LAX... but it was more expensive for me to fly from SD to Acapulco by about $150 per ticket. Plus there were no direct flights at the time I purchased so I had a layover in Dallas. the usual 3 1/2 hour flight from TJ turned into a 7 hour day.

FWIW, by the time I would have paid for the taxi from my place to the border (and back on the return trip), then taxi from the border to TJ airport, plus my tourist visa (included in the price on the flight from SD)... it would have only been slightly cheaper to fly out of TJ... not worth the headache.

[drchoi]

good logic...

same goes with taking off from L.A. instead of S.D. if you live in SD...

also flying american owned / operated companies might give you as consumer if any mishalps happens.

[Chiquito]

Give you what?

[vagabundo]

I flew RT from TJ to Tuxtla-Gutierrez for only $251 a few weeks ago. The same flight now, purchasing 2-3 weeks before, costs almost $600!

YMMVGWIM

[Chiquito]

Was it right around New Years? There are some very low prices around then knowing that you will have to have a return flight that is much more expensive. Like we had about $69 to go Tijuana to Uruapan but $240 for the return flight.

[vagabundo]

Was it right around New Years? There are some very low prices around then knowing that you will have to have a return flight that is much more expensive. Like we had about $69 to go Tijuana to Uruapan but $240 for the return flight.

No, I flew there on 2/9 and returned on 2/16. Both flights were around the same price.