Airlines' Focus: More Mexico
 SFGate.com
Whether it's the euro's bullying, the security concerns involved in crossing the Atlantic or simple supply and demand, U.S. airlines are flying to Mexico in droves.
Delta Air Lines, the latest and most aggressive entry in the race, is on its way to tripling the number of U.S.-Mexico routes it offered just two years ago. This winter, Delta will add 11 new routes, including two to Central America, from its West Coast hub at Los Angeles International Airport. The airline says it is responding to growing demand in one of the largest travel markets for Hispanic customers. It also will boost connecting routes to LAX from San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, San Jose and Las Vegas.
Tickets are on sale now for the new routes, which will be inaugurated from Dec. 15 to March 8 and fly to La Paz, Acapulco, Loreto, Mazatlán, Culiacán, Manzanillo, Zacatecas, Hermosillo and Torreón, all in Mexico. Flights to Guatemala City and to Liberia, Costa Rica, begin Dec. 15. New service to Northern California airports and Las Vegas roll out between Dec. 15 and Feb. 1. Introductory one-way fares of $139 to $199 for Mexico, $199 to $239 for Central America and $49 to $59 for California and Las Vegas are available until Aug. 29.
As reported last week, Alaska Airlines will begin new seasonal nonstop flights between San Francisco and Cancún on Oct. 28, continuing through April. Alaska already was flying between SFO and Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo.
In recent months, Alaska has added nonstop routes to Mexico from Los Angeles, Seattle and Portland. The carrier also increased service between SFO and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and between Los Angeles and several Mexican cities.
Mexican airlines, too, are expanding service into the United States, although not yet into the Bay Area. Mexicana and Aeromexico have new routes between New York and Mexico City, while Click Mexicana, the low-fare airline, plans a Miami-Cancún flight. Mexico's newest airline, Avolar, also plans to serve several U.S. cities later this year.
AVIATION
Airline security rules allow some carry-ons
Restrictions on carry-on bags for flights starting or transiting through the United Kingdom have eased since a carry-on ban went into effect Aug. 10 in response to an alleged terrorist plot.
The rules may continue to fluctuate, but as of press time, passengers are allowed to carry aboard one bag no larger than an attaché case (approximately 17 by 13 by 6 inches). Handbags and purses are allowed, but must be packed inside the one carry-on. Computers, cell phones and iPods are permitted, but the ban on liquids remains. Passengers may buy beverages once they clear security, however, and carry them aboard.
Restrictions in the United States are slightly different. As of press time, the TSA is allowing up to 4 ounces of liquid nonprescription medicine but no beverages other than baby formula, even if purchased after clearing security. Electronic equipment is permitted and carry-on bags are allowed.
Check your airline's Web site or call before packing to learn the most current restrictions.
BUDGET TRAVEL
Reserve or review hostels via the Web
Looking for affordable lodgings around the world? Several online resources can help point the way:
-- Hostelworld, www.hostelworld.com, is a reservation service with detailed reviews and ratings of independent and HI hostels by backpackers. There's a 10 percent nonrefundable deposit; part of the $2 service charge is donated to UNICEF.
-- Hostelling International, www.hihostels.com, books reservations and lists all HI-affiliated hostels.
-- Europe's Famous Hostels, www.europefamoushostels.com, is a guide to some of - yes - Europe's most famous hostels. The "Reserve Now" page links to individual hostels' Web sites.
-- Hostels.com, www.hostels.com, is a booking service for more than 10,000 hostels. It requires a 10 percent deposit and charges a $2 service fee, both nonrefundable.
-- The Lonely Planet guidebook company's Thorn Tree, thorntree.lonelyplanet.com, is a free online forum organized by geographic region. Travelers can read, request and post reviews of specific hostels. |
Vallarta Weddings
Travel & Outdoors | August 2006 
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