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Major news has just dropped that could potentially impact your next trip to Mexico.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) may be to blame if your flight south of the border is canceled.
Given notoriously high fares during the holidays, with many travelers taking vacation time to escape the winter chills (or awkward family gatherings), the U.S. government couldn’t have chosen a worse time to revoke certain airlines’ rights to fly across American skies.
If you thought you scored a great deal on an airline you may have never heard of before, you might be regretting the purchase.
DOT has banned 3 Mexico-based airlines, including flagship Aeromexico, from operating 13 flight routes.
While some may speculate this is just another round of political ping-pong, the reality is that many vacationers will be disappointed as the 13 canceled routes were destined for a renowned destination known for captivating culture and rich history.
Double Check Your Flight If You’re Visiting Mexico City
Believe it or not, Mexico City was once deemed a no-go zone riddled with crime. Those days are long gone, and it has since become a favorite city of ours here at Travel Off Path.
All types of travelers worldwide are flocking here to experience one of Latin America’s most magnificent cities.
Boasting Aztec wonders on the outskirts, vibrant streets always abuzz, and an endless sea of must-try taco stands in the city, there’s never a dull moment in CDMX.
In fact, it’s consistently one of the top-most visited destinations by U.S. travelers each year, with the likes of Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta.
So, what’s the hangup with Mexico City from DOT’s eyes?
Well, this is where aforementioned political ping-pong comes into play…
Without boring you with specifics, there seems to be a mix-up with contractual obligations. The finger-pointing is coming from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, who was quoted on the matter as saying, “Until Mexico stops the games and honors its commitments, we will continue to hold them accountable”.
In summary, DOT claims Mexico has ‘canceled and frozen U.S. carrier flights for three years without consequences’, yet their own airlines have continued to grow their network across the U.S.
So, how does this spat impact travelers?
For now, you could only be impacted if you booked a flight to Mexico City on one of these 3 Mexican airlines:
- Aeromexico
- Volaris
- Viva (also referred to as Viva Aerobus)
Which Specific Routes Are Currently Banned?
Any route connecting a U.S. city from NLU operated by a Mexican airline will be out of service until there’s a further update.
There are also 2 notable routes from MEX, meaning if you’re departing from any of the following 12 cities (13 total routes), your trip has been canceled:
- Austin (AUS) – only Viva
- Chicago (ORD) – only Viva
- Dallas (DFW) – only Viva
- Denver (DEN) – only Viva
- Houston (IAH) – both Aeromexico and Viva canceled
- Los Angeles (LAX) – only Viva
- McAllen (MFE) – only Aeromexico
- Miami (MIA) – only Viva
- New York (JFK) – only Viva
- Newark (EWR) – departing MEX, not NLU
- Orlando (MCO) – only Viva
- San Juan (SJU) – departing MEX, not NLU
Will Beach Vacations Be Impacted?
Unless you plan on swimming in Xochimilco’s canals (not advised!), the good news is there are no current plans to revoke flight access to Cancun, Cabo, or any other of Mexico’s gorgeous beach havens.
DOT has its scope 100% set on Mexico City. As NLU has already been dealt a heavy hand, Mexico City’s main hub Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) has been hamstrung from launching any new U.S. routes, but is allowed to operate most scheduled flights as planned.
The only other notable change is potentially banning “belly cargo” at MEX — but don’t worry, it only applies to airplanes, not anyone who overstuffed on carne asada (guilty as charged!).
What To Do If Your Flight Has Been Canceled
DOT is recommending that every affected traveler contact the airline directly. From personal experience, I pray to all the gods on your behalf if you’re trying to get ahold of Volaris — good luck!
Canceled flights are valid for a full refund. Check your passenger rights if you’re denied.
Since NLU is the only airport with actual banned routes, I can also speak from personal experience that MEX is more centrally located and better to hit the ground running with easy access to the subway.
If your chosen Mexican airline doesn’t offer the same route to MEX, there are plenty of flights from U.S. carriers that may be an option, such as United, American, and Delta.
However, don’t expect to score the same low fare you likely did on Viva or Volaris. You win some, you lose some!
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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