Flying Aeromexico

We flew a total of 4 different flights on Aeromexico coming and going and it's obvious that they have much higher standards in recruiting flight attendants in addition to their uniforms. Very nice! In addition, the level of service was much higher than that found on US airlines. Now if they could just come up with a better system of boarding. Big holdup at the gate with them weighing carry-ons and explaining to people that you couldn't have 3 a piece. Also a big traffic jam in the middle of the plane when they let a family (not small children and everyone with an overhead piece and a large personal bag) board out of order before those seated farther back, resulting in a big cluster f*ck taking 50 minutes to board.

The reason you explain is why we like flying with United. If you are a member of their air miles program and have the Global Pass and not flying First Class you normally load Group 2 no matter where you are sitting. When we flew home Feb. 7th from "Z", United used a Boeing 737- the front and rear doors were used to board. A ramp was used for the back door and since we were in the back half of the plane we boarded at the rear- what was nice we had all of our carry on tucked away before the rest of the boarding began. It really made the difference because of all the carry on the rest of the passengers brought on and trying to find space over head close to their seats.

We haven't flown AeroMexico for a number of years. When Mexicana went under we lost our tickets(2 sets of r/t for 2) on our first replacement flew the Red Eye out of O'Hare with AeroMexico. Everyone started lining up to board before the announcement for boarding- what a mess. They had just started the procedure of immigrations and customs when you got off the plane in MC. We were given no instruction. After going through immigrations and going into the next room we saw our luggage. We got our luggage and now what do we do with the suitcases after going through Customs. Someone told us to go right out the doors and take the elevator up and wasn't sure which room to drop them off at for the connecting flight. Well we got in 2 different lines in 2 different rooms before someone helped us to the correct room and drop off. As usual the flight to "Z" was not on the board till 10 minutes before boarding. We board and sit there- finally someone says we have to get off because of a mechanical problem. It was follow the leader to another gate. There was no announcement but saw passengers from the plane going behind the counter and down a walkway- of course everyone follows. We get to the bottom of the walkway and we catch a passenger mover to take us across the airplane parking area to let us board another plane- I think we were about 2 1/2 hrs late arriving at "Z". Our next flight in February (our 2nd r/t we had to replace)we were able to fly Continental out of Lexington for the same price out of Chicago- we have flying Continental/United ever since.

I flew Areomexico last year and it was an absolute blast. Pacifico was free and I have zero clue as to why as I didn't bother to ask. It was 30 people tops on the plane and mostly Mex Nationals. When we landed the entire plane broke into applause, I have no idea why but I joined in. As the wheels touched down there was a person in the aisle retuning from the bano. Best flight I ever recall being on.

Aeromexico has newer planes than US carriers, and newer flight attendants as well. Better cabin service, including free drinks. They usually have much more frequent service so if there is a problem- weather, mechanical, delay- they can get you on another flight much quicker than other carriers. Last year when I had to cut short a vacation and attend a meeting in NY, the equipment from MEX to JFK was a 787! Willing to overlook a delayed boarding experience for a more enjoyable 5 hour flight any day.

We flew Aeromexico through an Apple charter RT from O'Hare and could not have been happier. The personal entertainment system, lovely flight attendants, comfortable seats and on-time experience was a huge improvement over flying internationally with American. We've come to expect horrible awful flights and we were pleasantly surprised!