Sky Talk

AA implements holiday restrictions on Latin bags

American Airlines and American Eagle are implementing their annual baggage restrictions for travel to and from certain cities in Latin America, Mexico, and Caribbean. Baggage will be limited to two checked items and one carry-on, and checked boxes are prohibited. The restictions will be in place Dec. 1-Jan. 10.

"American and American Eagle's intent is to provide the best customer service possible and to consider the needs of all passengers," said Peter Dolara, senior vice president-Miami, the Caribbean and Latin America. "There are limits on the amount of baggage that can be carried in the cabin and cargo areas based on the size of the aircraft."

The rules apply to: Barranquilla, Cali, and Medellin, Colombia; Maracaibo, Venezuela; La Paz and Santa Cruz, Bolivia; Quito, Ecuador; San Salvador; San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Kingston, Jamaica; Port-au-Prince, Haiti; Puerto Plata, Santiago, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and Guadalajara and Mexico City, Mexico. The rules also apply to American Eagle flights to and from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

"Excess, oversize, and overweight baggage will not be accepted for flights to the destinations covered by the bag embargo," American said.

Checked bags will be limited to 50 pounds apiece, and 62 linear inches (add the length, width, and height). The carry-on is limited to 40 pounds and 45 linear inches. "In addition, one personal item such as a purse or briefcase is allowed. Sports equipment, such as golf bags, bikes and surfboards, may be checked as part of the total checked-bag allowance, although additional charges may apply."

-- Scott

Frontier continues to move into Mexico

The Associated Press reports that Frontier Airlines continues to expand into Mexican resort cities, using an assortment of planes, including regional jets.

-- Scott

American puts Mexico, Caribbean on sale

American Airlines says it's cut fares to Mexico and the Caribbean for the fall. One sample fare: D/FW-Puerto Vallarta (pictured left) for as low as $218 roundtrip. Tickets must be purchased no later than July 17, for travel Sept. 4-Dec. 11. Blackouts: Nov. 16-27.

-- Scott

Continental plays catch-up to AA

Continental Airlines' long-term strategy is bearing fruit, a report in the Houston Chronicle says. But the airline is still playing catchup to American Airlines in Latin America.

-- Scott

Battle over Mazatlán?

I spoke with Cliff Van Leuven, vice president of customer service for Frontier Airlines, about his carrier's new D/FW to Mazatlán Thursday during a party at the gate before the inaugural flight. He called the route "a gem" and said he was stunned that there was non nonstop service from the Metroplex to the Mexican resort city. Saturday's flight is already sold out, he said.

But there's no guarantee that Frontier will keep its newfound monopoly on the Mazatlán route. American Airlines doesn't often let other carriers dominate successful routes from its hub airport, and the airline has been expanding its D/FW service to Mexico for several years, on both its mainline and American Eagle. AA watchers are well aware of how the airline stomped AirTran when that carrier began flying nonstops to Los Angeles a few years ago. Is Frontier ready for a battle with American?

Van Leuven said he has no illusions, and pointed out that Frontier has been fighting with United at its Denver hub for years.

"We're confident we can withstand any competitive challenge," he said.

Vuelos baratos

Frontier Airlines is launching its first flight from D/FW to Mazatlán today, and in traditional airport style the inagural passengers will be treated to Mexican food from Blue Mesa, Cantina Laredo and Bennigans (Bennigans? Isn't that Irish?) at the gate. They will also be greeted by a delegation that includes the Consul General of Mexico in Dallas, who is a native of Mazatlán.

Frontier, a Denver-based discount airline, will be flying between the two cities three times a week. The route is part of Frontier's expansion into Mexico, where it now serves eight cities.

- Trebor

Águila Americano

American Eagle continues its expansion into Mexico. The regional affiliate of American Airlines has been steadily increasing its flights south of the border for several years. The latest is a weekly flight from Miami to Cozumel, which is the eighth Mexican destination for the carrier. Passengers will ride on 64-seat ATR72 turbo-prop airplanes. Airline officials say the flight is being added because of heavy demand.

- Trebor