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martham

Sep 26, 2007, 2:21 PM

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Planning for a Four-Month Visit: Your Thoughts on Airlines?

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Hello everyone –

I am firming up plans to visit SMA next spring, coming down there at the end of January and staying between one and four months, depending on how things go. As mentioned in an earlier post, I am planning to come from Portland, Oregon, with my four-year-old son and two cats. I have visited SMA twice and other parts of Mexico several times, and speak a passable Spanish.

(1) What are your thoughts on the better flight for us: American or Continental?

American (connects through DFW). Upsides: almost $300 cheaper total travel, convenient layovers (2 hours). Downside: the flight back leaves at 7 in the morning – arrgggh!

Continental (connects through Houston). Upside: civilized hours of departure. Downsides: almost $300 more expensive total travel, a long layover (3 hours) on the way down (that much longer for the cats to endure) and a short layover (1 hour, 25 minutes) on the way back (a little riskier in case the first leg of the flight is late).

(2) Who knows of a reasonably priced hotel in Leon where we could stay comfortably with the cats? I think I will want to do this on the way in, so as to avoid making the cats endure yet another journey (the cab ride to SMA) on the day we fly. If we go American we will need to stay there also on the way back so as to catch that 7am flight.

(3) In SMA I am thinking of booking a room at Carmina Suites for one month. Anyone know about that place? Any tips on how to book to get the best room and/or rate?

(4) Any other advice you may want to share at this time?

I will need to confirm my flight by midnight Central Time Thursday (tomorrow). So prompt replies, either to the list or directly to me, will be most appreciated.

Thanks again for your advice thus far.

Martha Maroney

tutle

Sep 27, 2007, 3:39 AM

Post #2 of 3 (1882 views)

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Re: [martham] Planning for a Four-Month Visit: Your Thoughts on Airlines?

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I lived in Irapuato for 3 years and I can only comment on airlines and traveling with cats to BJX. I much preferred AA. It seemed more often than not, someone from the flight staff would personally check on them prior to the flight and get back to us on how they were doing. Also, when we cleared customs in Dallas, they would be waiting for us in first class. Never a problem. With the time you are traveling there should be no temperature problem on the tarmack. If it is so hot, they will not allow them to be loaded. Hope this helps.

jennifer rose

Sep 27, 2007, 4:00 PM

Post #3 of 3 (1862 views)

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Re: [martham] Planning for a Four-Month Visit: Your Thoughts on Airlines?

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I prefer Continental to American, but what is more important than the departure time or brand of airline are:

a. The aircraft used. Most of the time, CO flies an Embraer from BJX, and the capacity to transport a pet in either the cabin or as cargo may be limited.
b. Embargoes. During peak times, both airlines impose an embargo against excess/overweight baggage and animals.