How Airlines in Mexico Have Changed During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the aviation industry around the world, and Mexico is no exception.

But not every airline has responded in the same way to current challenges, which makes it even more important for travelers and travel advisors to shop around before booking.

Mexico’s airline industry suffered a number of blows last year. First, Aeromexico filed for bankruptcy protection in the U.S., although it continued flying and adjusting flight schedules, and has launched new routes this year. A potentially far-reaching setback occurred in December, however, when Interjet — one of Mexico’s biggest discount carriers — suspended all operations, with the possibility of a relaunch uncertain.

Interjet’s shutdown is bad news for travelers, according to Ben Gritzewsky, the Merida, Mexico-based Mexico and Latin America travel director at Frosch.

Namely, he provided a specific example of the dangers of reduced competition.

“Interjet operated a nonstop [service] between Merida and Havana, which was normally sold out,” he said. “No-frills Viva Aerobus, surely one of the world’s worst airlines, has taken over the critical, short-distance route and quadrupled the fares.”

Viva Aerobus and other Mexican airlines continue to revise their approach to pandemic-era travel.

“The Mexican carriers’ response was similar to their U.S. and global counterparts, with regard to waiving fees and relaxing restrictions,” Gritzewsky said. “But the Mexican [airlines] are probably suffering more economically, since they’ve also had to slash routes and frequencies, and they were already troubled.”

Overall, however, Gritzewsky praised the response to public health concerns.

“Health and safety measures are taken seriously, and Mexican travelers, who are the vast majority [of people] currently traveling, are generally conscientious of hygiene, wearing masks, etc., and don’t make an issue about it,” he said. “Aeromexico claims they are committed to following the standards prescribed by leading organizations and boasts a platinum rating with the Airline Passengers Experience Association (APEX).”

What’s Changed
Aeromexico has perhaps garnered the most attention of any Mexican carrier for its array of pandemic-oriented initiatives. On Feb. 18, the company expanded its discounted COVID-19 testing program to include six medical laboratories in Mexico City and Monterrey. Customers flying Aeromexico and its partner, Delta Air Lines, have access to discounted PCR and rapid antigen COVID-19 tests, as well as a dedicated bilingual helpline; Club Premier members also get at-home service at no additional cost. Turnaround times are 24 hours for PCR tests and 30 minutes for rapid antigen tests.

Low-cost carrier Viva Aerobus also offers discounted testing through a partnership with Grupo Diagnostico Aries in four Mexican cities, and lists additional testing sites (albeit without discounts) located inside airport terminals in destinations including Guadalajara, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Mexico City, Monterrey and Puerto Vallarta.

Flexible flight change policies have proved especially appealing to passengers during the pandemic. Viva Aerobus has permanently eliminated change fees, while passengers flying Volaris through March 31, 2021, can change flights with no additional fees. Aeromexico, meanwhile, offers no-fee changes to flights booked on or after Jan. 11, 2021, on all fare classes except its Basic Fare.

Even with some favorable changes, Gritzewsky said conditions for travelers have worsened.

“The entire situation has made it less appealing to fly commercially in general, and U.S. carriers are not much better,” he said, noting that his company recently began selling private jet vacation packages for upscale U.S. travelers that include stays at a luxury hacienda in the state of Yucatan.

Southern California residents — and those who can travel through that region — should also consider another tactic for minimizing the modern-day hassles of pandemic travel, according to Chad Moore, luxury travel advisor at Protravel, a Global Travel Collection agency in San Diego.

“Interestingly enough, the recent changes are actually making me start to look at using the Mexican airlines even more, especially because I live in Southern California and have access to Tijuana International Airport [in Tijuana, Mexico],” he said. “The new rules about mandatory COVID-19 testing for all passengers flying to the U.S. do not apply to people crossing the border by foot. With CBX [Cross Border Xpress, a terminal serving southern San Diego] and the Tijuana airport basically as easy to access as the San Diego airport, it’s a great option for travelers flying out of Southern California, as Tijuana has nonstop service to most of the major tourist destinations.”

Still, Moore acknowledged that flying Mexican carriers may present other challenges.

When dealing with airlines, retain some flexibility or be prepared for changes, and research the alternatives, too.

“The U.S. airlines are more flexible and make it easy for clients to change their plans,” he said. “As my travelers rely on me for details, it really comes down to how advisors guide travelers and share options, so they can ultimately decide what is best for them personally, and what they’d like to do. As a trusted travel partner for my clients, my job is to protect my travelers on the downside, while giving them all of the upside in the world with their travels.”

Frosch’s Gritzewsky also aims to stay optimistic as he shares recommendations with travelers and other travel advisors. 

“My advice is to think positive and not be discouraged to sell and travel in Mexico,” he said. “When dealing with airlines, retain some flexibility or be prepared for changes, and research the alternatives, too. The private plane charter business is booming and surprisingly competitive. Also, keep in mind that Mexico’s national bus and highway systems are excellent and reach every corner of this infinitely fascinating country.”

The Details
Aeromexico
www.aeromexico.com

Viva Aerobus 
www.vivaaerobus.com 

Volaris 
www.volaris.com