Forums > General > Traveling Mexico

chinagringo

Apr 26, 2011, 8:48 AM

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VivaAerobus ???'s

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Since we won't be making our typical drive SOB this year and I cannot believe the high airfares from ABQ to GDL, I am taking a hard look at alternative routes and options.

Last weekend, I ran across unbelievable low airfares from Juarez to Guadalajara on VivaAerobus. In fact, their r/t fare for two is 1/4th of what two r/t tickets would be from ABQ. Cannot say that I fully understand their website fare calculations or some of their other methods of doing business! After getting these fare quotes, I have been brought back down to earth by friend's comments and other research on the internet that seems to indicate they have reliability problems: ie. changing schedules with little or no notice or simply canceling flights.

Would enjoy any comments on this airline and the advisability of booking travel with them.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

(This post was edited by chinagringo on Apr 26, 2011, 9:35 AM)

Reefhound

Apr 26, 2011, 9:55 AM

Post #2 of 12 (6417 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] VivaAerobus ???'s

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I had some friends catch some super cheap flights from Austin to Cancun a few years ago (that route no longer available). That's my only "experience". Viva's model is super low fares at off peak times with increasing fares for more desired days.times and addon fees for just about everything. Well that's pretty normal now I guess but they were masters of the nickel and dime game long before the majors caught on.

I've checked on them from time to time and I can't say if their flight schedule changes much or not but their cities served (apart from the Austin experiment) seems to have been pretty consistent. It wouldn't surprise me if they don't cancel a flight if it's not full enough though. They don't have the margin to fly half empty planes. Another thing is they don't do transfers last I checked. Direct city to city only.

tashby

Apr 26, 2011, 10:20 AM

Post #3 of 12 (6408 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] VivaAerobus ???'s

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Yes, their website takes some getting used to, for sure. You don't REALLY know the full price until you get to the very, very bitter end, after having declined (or accepted) some of the additional services, etc. Even then you sometimes end up paying a stupid charge for something you don't want but cannot remove. So, before you fall in love with the fare, run the full gauntlet and take it to the extreme end where you're asked for your credit card number. That said....

I had also read the warnings about them on the internet, but they struck me as random and anecdotal. So I grabbed a really good fare and flew them last year from GDL to Veracruz City. No problems at all. Flight was on time coming and going, etc. Sitting inside that metal tube was like any other. I would guess the Juarez/GDL flight is pretty reliable. And any airline can cancel a flight, can't they? In other words, Flying VivaAerobus is just as miserable as any other airline.

How's that for an endorsement?

chinagringo

Apr 26, 2011, 11:52 AM

Post #4 of 12 (6387 views)

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Re: [tashby] VivaAerobus ???'s

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"So, before you fall in love with the fare, run the full gauntlet and take it to the extreme end where you're asked for your credit card number. That said....

That was certainly an educational/learning experience on how to nickel & dime!

The first thing that I noticed versus when I first tried this on Sunday is that the fare calculation had gone up (about $100 total) but then again, they had some crazy discount calculator going two days ago that appears to be gone now. As near as I could understand, it was taking the outside temperature of 36 degrees C and multiplying by 2 for a 72% discount. Even now, they are showing a fare of $18.27USD/person each way. But another mystery- a tax of $78.37/person each way. Then one gets to the mystery additional charges for everything from going to the front of the line for check in and boarding, to travel & medical insurance insurance, to ground transport, to excess baggage options, etc. By the time I got done with all those options, I was looking at another $100USD+. Given their reputation and the fact that I suspected that the additional $14USD for trip insurance was probably worthless, I was considering covering our butts with AMEX travel insurance. But then I find out we cannot do that because they do not accept AMEX!

Given all of this education, I am beginning to think that I will be looking at other options. I was planning for our trip to be an educational experience but feel that maybe we don't need an education from this airline.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

chinagringo

Apr 26, 2011, 12:28 PM

Post #5 of 12 (6375 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] VivaAerobus ???'s

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From my research, they have a total of 13 planes and only one of those is certified or licensed to fly into the US. It looks like after they ended the Austin experiment, they went on to use that plane for flights to/from Las Vegas. They are currently showing Houston as a future route. From their map, it looks like all Houston flights will go to Monterrey and then other flights will be booked out of there since they do not allow booking connecting flights on one ticket. One way to get around having to provide compensation if a connecting flight is missed.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Vichil

Apr 26, 2011, 12:42 PM

Post #6 of 12 (6368 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] VivaAerobus ???'s

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The compasation for missed connections do not apply on International flights. Two years AA changed my flight from Paris to Guadalajara via Houston or dallas I forget and booked me on another flight that arrived after ny connecting flight departure. They refused to reimburse me, refused to pay for the room I would have to take , did absolutely nothing for me, so do not expect great service from regular airlines on International flights either....I ended up flying Paris Dallas Mexico and they refused to pay for a Mexico Guadalajara flight although it was my contract with them.

chinagringo

Apr 26, 2011, 12:55 PM

Post #7 of 12 (6365 views)

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Re: [Vichil] VivaAerobus ???'s

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There is no question that what one used to take for granted on both domestic and international flights doesn't exist anymore! Our best (flight time wise) option out of ABQ is to take the dreaded US AIR (formerly America Worst) and Kathy has enough air miles with them for a free r/t ticket. Ironically her miles were all hard earned by having to tolerate either canceled flights or flights that were late on probably 75 to 80% of her flights. Back in the good old days, we used to fly r/t out of Portland, OR for under $300 on America Worst but we usually experienced late flights on our return. Even back then, one had to throw a fit to get them to do anything about missed connections.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

tashby

Apr 26, 2011, 1:44 PM

Post #8 of 12 (6354 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] VivaAerobus ???'s

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Just so we're clear.....I would fly VivaAerobus again. I remember I saved substantially on the above flight, maybe around $1500 MXP roundtrip, versus flying Mexicana. And the flight times were decent. I'll be going to Mexico City in a couple months, and will probably fly. I'll price VA with the others. They won't be my first choice, but if the times and price make sense, I'll fly them.

The most annoying thing I found was that there was no way to find out prior to leaving for the airport if the incoming flight was on time. Maybe you can get that info now, but not then.

Mexberry

Apr 26, 2011, 6:50 PM

Post #9 of 12 (6297 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] VivaAerobus ???'s

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My understanding is that the airline is a partnership that includes Ryanair of European discount fares fame and a Mexican intercity autobus operator, with the goal of offering fares that are competitive with intercity bus travel. I would suggest using the facilities at the airport , otherwise be prepared to pay on board, or cross your legs !
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Good luck!
Mexberry.

Moisheh

Apr 27, 2011, 7:03 AM

Post #10 of 12 (6258 views)

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Re: [Mexberry] VivaAerobus ???'s

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A horrible company that would never survive NOB due to their almost illegal practices. If you pay with a US credit card there is a huge fee for EACH ticket. 300 pesos I think. Forget using a normal size suitcase as they only allow what I would call a large rollerborder. Customer service SUCKS.

sioux4noff

May 1, 2011, 7:55 PM

Post #11 of 12 (6112 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] VivaAerobus ???'s

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We took the Puerto Vallarta - Austin TX flight when it was offered. The taxes they charged appeared to be double of what any other airline charged. The ticket prices were still less than the alternative airlines.
At the time, it was like another poster said, you won't know your real price until you get to the page where you actually pay.

chinagringo

May 2, 2011, 7:19 AM

Post #12 of 12 (6083 views)

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Re: [Mexberry] VivaAerobus ???'s

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I want to thank everyone for their comments and observations! After digesting these comments and conducting additional research, we have decided not to go this route for the following reasons:
1) We don't care for the idea of traveling in and out of Juarez when leaving and returning.
2) This airlines appears to be a bit flaky for our liking.
3) Since we have a limited number of days to accomplish this trip, we are unwilling to give away some of those days should the airline decide to cancel flights or simply change the flight schedule.
4) While the posted fares appear to be attractive, when one gets to the bottom line there doesn't appear to be adequate justification to save a few bucks.
5) Don't like the fact that we cannot use AMEX and depend on their trip insurance.

Definitely was an interesting learning experience!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM