More Options for Mazatlán Flights?

While the American Airlines flight options to Mazatlán have remained more or less stable since we started traveling to Anglers Inn Lake El Salto and Lake Picachos, they’re far from ideal, and other carriers have been in and out of the space. Therefore we’re always looking for good news for our fellow traveling anglers. 

For a time, there were some unsupported rumors that Southwest was going to head to Mazatlán, but that never came to fruition. Now we’re hoping that one of the United States’ leading low-budget carriers will be able to enhance Mazatlán options for some of the currently lesser-served U.S. markets. Allegiant Air recently announced a partnership with Mexico’s Viva Aerobus to “link many new transborder cities.” The deal is still pending approval by regulators in both countries. 

Viva Aerobus already serves Mazatlán’s General Rafael Buelna International Airport. Their main hub is in Monterrey. More importantly, they appear to have direct flights between various points in Mexico and Chicago O’Hare, New York (JFK), Cincinnati, Las Vegas, San Antonio and Houston -- so even if they don’t end up having a direct flight from any of those US cities to Mazatlán (or Culiacan), they may offer some U.S. travelers less time-consuming routes to the lake. 

Don’t hold your breath, though. This deal isn’t expected to be consummated until early 2023. Then again, with bookings for many prime dates full, it’s not too soon to line up a trip for that seemingly faraway date. Still, more options are always a good thing and we’ll keep our fingers crossed.

If and when they do offer flights that’ll help you get to your personal best, be sure to check their luggage policies, especially if your bringing a rod tube. Allegiant currently allows you one free personal item, then charges for a carry-on and four up to four checked bags up to 40 lbs. and 80 linear inches each. They note that “Additional fees will be applied for sporting equipment, excess baggage, overweight and/or oversize checked bags.” With respect to fishing gear, that means “Fishing tackle box and fishing rod, so long as the rod is encased in a cylindrical fishing rod container suitable to Carrier for withstanding normal checked baggage handling without sustaining damage to the rod.” That seems like it’ll be subject to the whims of desk agent. The allowances on Viva Aerobus depend on the fare class you’ve purchased, but their sporting good policy is unclear. Under a tab entitled “Special equipment” they seem to imply that allowable sporting equipment “must be properly packed in rigid cases, not weigh more than 71 lbs., or exceed 126 linear inches.” That would seem to bode well for rod tubes, but your mileage may vary. Always be sure to bring a printout of the policy to the airport.