That's My Story

BAJA AIRSPACE

Originally published in Western Outdoor News week of January 15, 2006

Photo: Aero Mexico, Alaska Air, Delta Airlines and other airlines have filled in the vacuum left by the grounding of Aero California last year with the competition providing more flights and more affordable travel for the 2007 season.

Well, we’re on our annual fishing/outdoor trade show tour now. It will take us pretty much all over the Western U.S. and at the time you’re probably reading this, we will have finished shows in Las Vegas, NV and San Mateo CA.

This week we’re here at the Califorina State Fairgrounds for the International Sportsmen’s Expo in Sacramento CA. If you’re in the area between January 18-21, stop over at the WON booth to renew your subscription and then c’mon over to our booth to say howdy. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be in Denver, Portland, Long Beach, Salt Lake City and Anchorage.

As I’ve done in the past, I’ll pass on tidbits of information I hear from some of the other Baja vendors about what’s new and exciting in their neck of Baja or stuff I see from tackle manufacturers that will be of interest to you Baja anglers. If you’re planning a trip to the Baja this year, it’s certainly not too early to make your plans or reservations. The most popular boats, hotels and dates fill up quickly now that the holidays are done and folks can think clearly without visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads and can envision margaritas and dancing dorado instead.

There are certainly more choices in airfare this year. Baja travel was thrown into a tizzy last year when Aero California was grounded for alleged safety violations, but the void appears to have been filled with new flights by Delta, Alaska and Aero Mexico/Aero Litoral. There are also rumors that Frontier and Jet Blue might also have flights.

Believe it or not, Aero California still insists that they will be flying internationally again and are now saying they will have “word by February.” (yea, right!) Anyway, they do offer flights from Tijuana now as well as two airlines that I am hearing raves about. Interjet and Avolar are two brand new Mexican airlines that came online last season and are expanding their services into the U.S.

One thing we are noticing is that competition is forcing prices to square up a bit. Last year, when Aero California was grounded, the remaining airlines seemed to show no mercy on Baja travelers and ticket prices skyrocketed. This year, we’re seeing many prices begin to fall in line with some exceptional discount rates depending on your flights and dates.

On the downside, there are some logistic differences. The airlines are more restrictive on weight limits for check-in luggage. I think the days when we could pack a suitcase, an ice chest and they allowed your rod tubes free are gone.

My suggestion is not to pack your own tube. Instead, if there are several of you fishing, put as much into one tube as you can. If packed correctly end-to-end with care, you’ll be amazed how many rods you can fit into a commercial tube or home-made PVC tube. If that’s not possible, I’ve duct taped several tubes together and it counted as one piece of luggage as long as it was under the weight and size restrictions allowance.

Finally, a lot of folks discovered that it was actually pretty easy to cross the border and fly out of Tijuana. I think many folks were quite surprised. For one, there’s little or no security inspection because flying from Tijuana to other Mexican destinations is a domestic not an international flight.

However, keep in mind, that you can’t bring as much luggage on a domestic flight as an international flight. So, if you plan to check in your suitcase, ice chest and rods, it’s gonna cost you a surcharge. If you also plan to bring back 50 pounds of tuna filets on the flight home, you’d better have your credit card ready as well. That’s the trade off.

Lastly, don’t forget that this year, you MUST have a passport to fly so don’t wait until the last minute to apply. Here’s a link if you need it: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

That’s my story. If you ever want to reach me, my e-mail is riplipboy@aol.com.