BajaNomad - Flights to Loreto

Flights to Loreto

Sparetimewanted - 6-24-2010 at 11:23 PM

I am trying to find a cheap flight from SD, LA or TJ around July 31 and returning a few days later. Can't find anything other than Alaska Air from LA for over $500. Anyone know of any other options?

Thanks

Air travel

tehag - 6-25-2010 at 05:09 AM

That is the only direct flight these days. There are other, somewhat more complicated connections. Try "Getting Here" on this site: http://loretoadventurenetwork.com

capt. mike - 6-25-2010 at 07:54 AM

1. aerocalafia
2. aero-servicios de guerro Negro
3. Rainbow air charter - LGB
4. Baja Airventures charter - SDM
5. ride hitch via BBP baja bush pilots forum.

how much CAN you spend??
ride share cheap when you can find one. charter very expensive unless you can fill the plane.
air taxis can be reasonable - 1. and 2. above only ones out of TJ.

katedogg - 6-25-2010 at 08:21 AM

We booked a flight on Volaris airlines from TJ to La Paz for just over $200/ person. We are then taking the bus from La Paz to Loreto for around $30. There is a shuttle from SD to TJ airport for around $20 with Volaris, so you don't have to worry about driving around TJ. It's a little more work (plus- we live north of LA, so we have to drive a bit first), but we are still paying HALF of what Alaska Airlines wanted for a direct LAX to Loreto.

I am infuriated with Alaska Airlines for their prices :mad:

What they are doing is so unethical. We have written letters, but I think more people need to boycott their flights for them to get the message.

Good luck!

Alan - 6-25-2010 at 08:47 AM

I agree. I have boycotted them in favor of Volaris

capt. mike - 6-25-2010 at 09:21 AM

"I am infuriated with Alaska Airlines for their prices What they are doing is so unethical"

ethics have nothing to do with biz and profit or loss.
if you don't make money you have no incentive to provide service.
price and demand elasticity dictates where you will make $$....or not.
you want it, the service, regardless of their ability to turn profit?
not a real world scenario - sorry, no offense.

ride a bus from LP to LOR? hell - i'd just as soon drive south from the border as do that.

katedogg - 6-25-2010 at 12:01 PM

Whatever you want to call it, more than doubling the cost of an 1 1/2 hr. flight is only hurting the tourism industry in Loreto, and therefore the economy there. Between crime stories, hurricanes, the Loreto Bay fiasco, and swine flu, the last thing this town (or any Baja town) needed was unaffordable flights.

I heard nothing but good things about these buses (no chickens!) I'll let you know. We wouldn't have to take one if I could afford the $581 (plus baggage fees) Alaska ticket per person.

vandenberg - 6-25-2010 at 01:00 PM

Tha Alaska fares are outrageous, I agree.
But Mike has a point about just driving down. It's a relative easy 2 day drive down from tinseltown to Loreto. And since you already spend a full day juggling the Volaris flight and all the connections, you really only gain 2 days total(one on each end) Driving seems the logical solution. And remember, seeing the beautiful sights and the savings. Besides having a vehicle at your disposal when here.

[Edited on 6-26-2010 by vandenberg]

Bob and Susan - 6-25-2010 at 01:09 PM

i make it to mulege in one day all the time

13 (easy) hours from the border to home

$100usa for gas

just "bite the bullet" for one day

bajario - 6-25-2010 at 07:02 PM

I make it to Loreto in 12 hours. I stop for gas twice and only use open air banos.

KAT54 - 6-25-2010 at 07:20 PM

What is the best price for airfair to Loreto?

Pompano - 6-25-2010 at 07:27 PM

Sorry Sparetimewanted,

But there is no cheap way to fly to Loreto. Driving yourself is easy and it opens up other options. Seeing the beautiful countryside, exploring new cafes/cantinas and other joys of the Baja Road. If you can spare 4 days (2 down-2 back) then do it.

I regulary make a 670 mile trip in 12-13 very easy driving hours. (San Diego to Coyote Bay..about 62 miles shy of the Loreto airport to the south)

Otherwise your choices will be to fly to Cabo or La Paz via San Diego or Tijuana..then rent a car or take public transport...AND..there's always the BUS from TJ!

Here's a short anecdote of why Air Alaska is pricing itself out of markets everywhere.

I just bought a one-way plane fare from a far north airport to San Diego. 2 weeks ahead of time to get the best rates.
The three airlines to chose from were United, Delta, and Alaska. United and Delta were both in the $200-$300 range. Alaska? ...don't laugh... $1300.

MitchMan - 6-25-2010 at 08:53 PM

I live in Orange County and I am one of the most frugal guys you will ever meet. This is what I do. I drive to Oceanside from Orange county, about 50 miles in my Toyota Echo (I get 40 mpg, so the round trip from OC to Oceanside is about $7 or $8 USD in gas). I park at the Greyhound bus terminal there for the duration of my trip for free, usually 12 days. I take the Greyhound bus to the TJ airport, costs about $18 USD for the "round trip" bus ticket. Take a Volaris plane to La Paz ($35 USD one way to La Paz from TJ on a January 2010 promotion for trips during summer). To return, I buy a Volaris ticket about 2 to 3 months in advance and tickets from La Paz to TJ are about $85 to $95 USD if purchased at that time. Upon return to the TJ airport I hop on the Greyhound bus that takes me direct to Oceanside. DONE. No taxis, no parking fees, safe, secure and airconditioned all the way. I buy my bus tickets and Volaris tickets all online. I have timed it all and it is only a half hour to one hour longer in duration to take the bus versus driving to San Ysidro myself. I save a bunch. It's the only thing that makes sense to me. Using the above, I save $55 to $88 dollars on parking, and $27 USD on taxi fares to and from the border to the TJ airport, and about $300 to $400 USD on airline tickets compared to flying to La Paz from LAX. (Don't even talk to me about what I save in parking if I were to park at LAX.) Quite frankly, when I used to drive from OC all the way to San Ysidro before I started taking the bus, I enjoyed the drive much more than driving to LAX from OC. I hate driving into LA.

You might ask, "why don't you take the bus from Santa Ana instead of Oceanside?" Well, the bus ticket more than doubles in price and the bus ride gets too long because of the intermittant number of stops before getting to Oceanside. Also, Santa Ana is in the opposite direction to Oceanside from where I live in OC. It's all faster if I drive to Oceanside. Also, only costs me $7 round trip to Oceanside from OC in gas, but the Santa Ana bus ticket costs more than $15 more.

I save a ton of money in many other ways when I travel to baja and I eat better than anyone else I know. I love figuring out ways of saving money. It's my calling.

[Edited on 6-26-2010 by MitchMan]

Sparetimewanted - 6-25-2010 at 09:18 PM

Thanks everyone. I have done the Volaris-TJ to La Paz. But add a 6 hour bus ride back to Loreto and it doesn't leave much time. Unfortunately I don't have much time this trip, otherwise I would drive. I love that drive.

Bob and Susan - 6-26-2010 at 05:35 AM

mitch...lets do the math...

bus $18
volaris $35
taxi at la paz $20 (its a LONG walk and there is a UNION)
volaris return $95
bus $18

total $186 (maybe $166 with ride at airport in la paz)

TJ to la paz 950 miles
you house to border 50 miles
round trip 2000 miles

gas in mexico $2.40 a gallon

2000*40mpg=50 gallons needed

50 gallons * $2.40 a gallon = $120

fly $186
drive $120
savings $66

still cheaper for you to drive

capt. mike - 6-26-2010 at 07:01 AM

"I save a ton of money in many other ways when I travel to baja and I eat better than anyone else I know. I love figuring out ways of saving money. It's my calling."

well.....i'll bet you don't have any gold diggers chasing you!!

if i couldn't fly i'd do Bob's way - the other one has too many steps...i think transfers are a pain.

for me - one way - 3 hours in the air (to Mulege) plus a 1/2 hour stop enroute = approx. $210 gas, $110 more than driving from border but 9-10 hours faster! my time is worth more than $10 an hour even when i am on vaca! :cool:

mtgoat666 - 6-26-2010 at 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
TJ to la paz 950 miles
you house to border 50 miles
round trip 2000 miles

gas in mexico $2.40 a gallon

2000*40mpg=50 gallons needed

50 gallons * $2.40 a gallon = $120

you seem to forget that nomads drive full size trucks that don't get 40 mpg, so double or triple the gas cost :lol:

driving needs to includes cost of extra day or 2 off work (1 to 2 k lost wages), need to buy a hotel night each way, and need incl auto wear/tear cost of driving 2000 miles, plus auto insurance cost ($15/day while in mex)

Marc - 6-26-2010 at 07:07 AM

Back in "91 I am sitting at the bar in the LA International terminal waiting for my flight to Loreto. Well I guess one or two JD's to many and not watching the departure board for the GATE CHANGE I missed the flight, but my diving gear didn't. I think it was Mexicana that put me up nearby and I did make it the next night. Well I shared a taxi to the Mision Hotel with a gal and......funny how things work out. :biggrin:

Pompano - 6-26-2010 at 07:47 AM

1991 - Spring

9 hours from Tecate to Coyote

Ninja motorcycle running pretty much flat out (where reasonable and safe)

670 miles

Just necessary stops, then pedal to the metal. Zoooommm...you don't get to look at much scenery and you soon look like Quasimoto, Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Used to race with neighbor Jake on his BMW. He was a better long distance rider than me. Jake did the Four Corners 4 times.

Would I recommend this mode of travel? Of course.

vandenberg - 6-26-2010 at 08:34 AM

Michman,
Your way of travel may save some money, but the lugging around of your stuff from one place to another, is, to me, a rather giant pain in the arse. :no:

Driving is the ticket, even if you have to shorten your stay a bit. :biggrin:

Frank - 6-26-2010 at 09:00 AM

Just drive down. It takes me just about to EL Rosario to start relaxing and getting rid of the rat race feeling.

30 days til Im southbound. Im even looking forward to the "stop" in Constitucion.

flyfishinPam - 6-26-2010 at 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc
Back in "91 I am sitting at the bar in the LA International terminal waiting for my flight to Loreto. Well I guess one or two JD's to many and not watching the departure board for the GATE CHANGE I missed the flight, but my diving gear didn't. I think it was Mexicana that put me up nearby and I did make it the next night. Well I shared a taxi to the Mision Hotel with a gal and......funny how things work out. :biggrin:

holy sheeit that was YOU? :lol:

Marc - 6-26-2010 at 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by flyfishinPam

Quote:

holy sheeit that was YOU? :lol:

YES, and I really would like my Rolex back! :cool:

It Cuts Both Ways

Bajahowodd - 6-26-2010 at 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by katedogg
Whatever you want to call it, more than doubling the cost of an 1 1/2 hr. flight is only hurting the tourism industry in Loreto, and therefore the economy there. Between crime stories, hurricanes, the Loreto Bay fiasco, and swine flu, the last thing this town (or any Baja town) needed was unaffordable flights.

I heard nothing but good things about these buses (no chickens!) I'll let you know. We wouldn't have to take one if I could afford the $581 (plus baggage fees) Alaska ticket per person.

Not long ago, if memory serves me, there were multiple airlines flying to Loreto. Unfortunately, in most cases, the flights were far from full. Given the spike in fuel prices a couple of years ago, all airlines took a different approach on capacity. In some respects, Loreto is fortunate to have even the level of service currently available. It may improve when the big Villa Group project gets built out at Ensenada Blanca. creating greater demand.

As many posters on this thread have noted, driving ain't so bad, unless you have major time constraints.

But, for anyone who has flown frequently over the last few decades (and I mean virtually anywhere), you have likely noticed that empty seats just don't exist anymore. If demand increases, flights will increase, and maybe to a lesser extent than in days gone by, prices will drop. Just take a look at seasonal fluctuations for flights to Cabo. Depending on the season, a flight from LAX to Cabo can be at or under $200 r/t or as high as $600 for the same stinkin' seat.

k-rico - 6-26-2010 at 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd

Quote:

Not long ago, if memory serves me, there were multiple airlines flying to Loreto.

Yes, for maybe a year. And for many years before that the airport sat there empty, closed, unused. Dead. A failed Fonatur development. The more things change.................

[Edited on 6-27-2010 by k-rico]

capt. mike - 6-27-2010 at 09:27 AM

"Buy American cars and trucks. Dogs rule!"

did you mean Dodges rule?? :lol:

Bob and jane - 6-27-2010 at 10:05 AM

Funny, I never remember the Loreto airport being closed, empty or unused. Ten years ago, and less, Aero California flew in every day. Most flights (at least when I was on the plane) were full. Small airlines flew to Mexico City and other mainland destinations almost daily. When Aero California was shut down, it was still possible to fly to Loreto. Then Loreto Bay started subsidizing flights and it got a bit crazy for awhile, but only certain days of the week. Now it's tough and expensive. It is definitely harder to fly here than it used to be. But the Loreto airport closed, empty and unused "for many years"? I don't think so.

BillP - 6-27-2010 at 11:03 AM

Back in the early-mid '90's when I flew in a coupla times, the flight times were horrible, you arrived about 9pm, 10 pm by the time you got to the hotel, then had to fly out early in the morn. An advertised 4 day 3night deal was really 3 night 2 day deal.

Just curious, whatever happened to Alfredo, his panga operation and his restaurant?

k-rico - 6-27-2010 at 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and jane
Funny, I never remember the Loreto airport being closed, empty or unused. ........ I don't think so.

Really? Then I'm wrong, I apologize. I knew the Fonatur development didn't pan out like planned and never saw any activity at the airport when driving by. I guess it was lightly used, like many small town airports.

MitchMan - 6-27-2010 at 11:45 AM

Hi you all. Not to debate the issue, but either driving or taking a Greyhound bus, or flying from LAX to Baja are all legitimate and moral ways to get to Baja. I have driven the trip several times and loved the experience each time. I look forward to the next trip where I have no choice but to drive for some logistical reason. In fact, if you haven’t driven it, I think you aught to, at least once.

Having said that, to compare the costs of driving versus the way I described above by driving from Orange County, CA to Oceanside, taking a Greyhound bus from there to the TJ Airport, then taking a Volaris flight from TJ to La Paz, then doing the same in reverse to get back to OC, Calif, I believe, cost wise and time wise is a savings compared to driving. Note that driving it will require at least one night and most likely two nights of hotel/motel in Baja – on both the driving to and return from La Paz and the added cost of eating out during the trip. You have to eat those days anyway, but I save money by cooking at my place in La Paz instead of eating out. Also, there is the cost of auto insurance for the trip.

Mtgoat666 makes a valid point about most people who drive the trip don’t get 40mpg like I do on my 2000 Toyota Echo.

Bob and Susan make a valid point/observation about including the taxi fare from the La Paz airport to the house as a cost of my travel approach. The taxi fares have increased to $300 pesos per person (robbery). But, I have solved that problem. I got a referral from a friend to an in-town (La Paz Centro) taxi driver who charges me only $150 pesos per taxi trip without charging a per person amount. Part of my advantage with my taxi driver is that I only live 3 KM from the airport.

When you include the cost of 2 nights of hotel/motel (and I always stay in a place that is around $30 USD per night and I always have to stay two nights in a hotel/motel on each leg of the trip), when you add the cost of auto insurance for the entire duration of the trip, and when you factor in most other people’s gas mileage instead of using my 40 mpg, plus the cost of eating out for the two to four days of the total trip. Also, let’s not forget the Cuota toll fees which is about $18 USD and then take away the cost of taxis to and from the La Paz airport, I think the cost of driving is definitely more than my Greyhound bus/Volaris flight approach.

Capt. Mike, what would be your cost for your flying your own plane (which is what I am assuming is implied in your post) if you were to calculate and apportion ALL COSTS relating to owning and using your own plane on a per trip basis and what would that do to your per hour cost? Man, what a concept. I’d fly myself for sure if I had my own plane. How many of you out there have your own plane?

Vandenberg makes a point about having to lug your stuff around for those that have a lot of stuff to lug around. Since I have my own place in La Paz, I have my stuff there already. I usually make the trip with a carryon and only sometimes do I have to check in a small bag of stuff. But, heck, it’s on rollers and I usually put the carryon on top of the small bag with that has the rollers. The only distance that you have to lug the stuff, using my approach, is from the car to the Greyhound bus… approx 200 feet. From one bus to the next bus (usually one bus transfer only) about 30 feet, then at the TJ airport about another 150 feet to check in, then once in La Paz, about 80 feet to the curb and taxi. I don’t know, but I am able to do that easily and I have a bad back. But, if you don’t have a place of your own in Baja, then, yeah, that could mean some heavy lugging if you are not able to travel lean.

BTW, if you don't have a place in Baja and do not have a car there, then driving to Baja would be the way to go (if and only if time is not a problem) simply because of all the money you would save on car rental once in Baja.

[Edited on 6-27-2010 by MitchMan]

MitchMan - 6-27-2010 at 11:58 AM

BillP, if you are talking about Alfredo Ramirez, he died a while back. Man, I miss him and his panga operation and his house. He was the first guy that I ever fished with. I heard that he and his long time American wife had a bitter parting of the ways, even made the local newspaper. He had really good quality pangas and excellent skippers. His fleet was run and maintained really well. Caught a lot of fish on his pangas.

Cypress - 6-27-2010 at 12:14 PM

A rip-off is a rip-off. :no:

BillP - 6-27-2010 at 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MitchMan
BillP, if you are talking about Alfredo Ramirez, he died a while back. Man, I miss him and his panga operation and his house. He was the first guy that I ever fished with. I heard that he and his long time American wife had a bitter parting of the ways, even made the local newspaper. He had really good quality pangas and excellent skippers. His fleet was run and maintained really well. Caught a lot of fish on his pangas.

Yup, that's who I'm talking about. His were the only boats I fished in three trips down there, mainly because I was comped or got a serious discount. He'd have us picked up at the La Pinta, have our coffee and cookies, then off to the fishing grounds. He had one skipper by the name of Roberto, fairly big husky guy, he could flat put you on the yellowtail.

I enjoyed Alfredo and his sense of humor.

Pompano - 6-27-2010 at 12:25 PM

1970's-1980'-1990's..the original Loreto airport was always busy with various airlines.

Over the years, I recall flying with Air Cortez, Gunnell, Aerocalifornia, Aeromexico, Mexicana, Resort, and some other obscure companies. They came..and went.

Driving is much, much cheaper and sometimes less hassle. If alone I drive non-stop 12 hours from San Diego to my home in Conception Bay. No motels, a couple coffee & lunch stops, one fuel stop..and I'm home.

flyfishinPam - 6-27-2010 at 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc

Quote:

Originally posted by flyfishinPam

Quote:

holy sheeit that was YOU? :lol:

YES, and I really would like my Rolex back! :cool:

capt. mike - 6-27-2010 at 02:12 PM

"Capt. Mike, what would be your cost for your flying your own plane (which is what I am assuming is implied in your post) if you were to calculate and apportion ALL COSTS relating to owning and using your own plane on a per trip basis and what would that do to your per hour cost?"

irrelevant and un publisable.... :lol:

no pilot, well aircraft owner that is, likes to think in those terms...the ONLY way to rationalize AC ownership is to figure the gas to run it. If you take the time to account for fixed and variable costs you would NEVER justify it!! :lol:

and if the better 1/2s knew....KABOSH city baby!!

i'll give you a point of reference - the FEW non profit flying clubs here with avail equipment similar to mine (4 place hi-perf category, retract gear, complex prop etc) get $130-150 + an hour wet with a 1-2 hour charge min per 24 hours out.
and figure you can go 180 MPH + - an hour in cruise (not you 182 guys...haha) - then do the math. :light:

MitchMan - 6-27-2010 at 04:02 PM

Yeoh, Capt. Mike, That's a bunch of money, but, if I could afford it, I know that I would do it.

One of my clients in '95 had a small Citation jet. He flew me, the good looking office girls, and some other execs to Las Vegas for a meeting with the city chiefs and for a fun weekend. I will never foreget the feeling of pride walking (swaggering really) off that plane with everybody staring at us. People with real money have a whole different reality than the rest of us working stiffs. Their world is completely different and we working class have no idea of what it is like.

Bajahowodd - 6-27-2010 at 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and jane
Funny, I never remember the Loreto airport being closed, empty or unused. ........ I don't think so.

It seems that in Mexico, the planning and the execution are much less rigid than we are used to in the states. Fact is that Fonatur did the infrastructure work. It's waiting to be utilized, as is the new terminal. Since the Villa Group is in process of building several hundred time share units not far from town (but maybe far enough), There will be more flight options in the near future. Just as with the Loreto Bay development, you can bet that Villa will subsidize the airlines. It's hard enough to sell time shares in good economic times, and no one but an absolute crazy would plunk down money sight unseen.

capt. mike - 6-28-2010 at 10:22 AM

what is that white multi story structure north of the departure end on RW 36 left side?
a condo deal??
is it selling?

LaTijereta - 6-28-2010 at 04:18 PM

Quote:

Here he is in his day> Always a big smile :cool:

MitchMan - 6-28-2010 at 04:51 PM

On my first to Loreto in the 80’s, I fished with Alfredo’s fleet. He would send around a truck to pick you up at your hotel (my favorite was the old Mision hotel) at about 6am and take you to his house which was an old out post type of raised tropical house in an acre yard really close to the malecon just north of where the marina is now. All the anglers would be there with great anticipation waiting to sign in, pay the fee, and get your panga/panguero assignment. Then they would drive you to the beach (right about where the marina is now) and you would board your panga and away you went. Caught my limit of big Dorado every time.

Alfredo had it all, a beautiful American wife, two absolutely beautiful daughters (I heard that one time and another, that each were named “Miss Baja”), a thriving panga business ( do the numbers for that time, he had to be netting close to $1,000 USD per day), and a great big spread in Loreto.

I was so grateful to him for having such a successful first week, I decided to go to his house just before my plane left for Los Angeles to thank him. It was about 3pm on a Thursday, I walked into his yard and there he was, bare chested, bare footed wearing only cutoffs, and barbecuing a bunch of Dorado filets dipped in a delicious looking sauce. I thanked him, started to leave, then I turned around and yelled out to him, “Tell me, Alfredo, what do you do when you go on vacation?” He laughed out loud, looked up at me and said, “Man, I’m always on vacation”! I will never forget that. That’s the moment I knew that having a place in Baja was intelligently the right goal for my life.

[Edited on 6-29-2010 by MitchMan]

vandenberg - 6-28-2010 at 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
what is that white multi story structure north of the departure end on RW 36 left side?
a condo deal??
is it selling?

Mike,
You must mean the New Hotel Santa Fe. That also belongs to the Villa group. They use it for their sales people.
It's a fairly nice hotel with reasonable rates.
Just what Loret needs, another hotel. The dozen or so tourist have plenty of choice. :biggrin:

capt. mike - 6-29-2010 at 06:51 AM

thx, so it is open now?
didn't look like they have a beach, well how could they - the town is east of them. duh....

sure seemed to go up fast.
lots of hotel rooms yes.
i was at Oasis last month and it was deadsville. The bartender who's name eludes me but he's worked there 40 years!! knew all the icons like alfredo etc... he said it is the slowest he has seen. And they are getting the message and dropping rates.

vandenberg - 6-29-2010 at 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
he said it is the slowest he has seen. And they are getting the message and dropping rates.

That's a surprise. Usually when they only have a few rooms occupied, they raise the rates to make up for lost revenue. :no:

Mexican reasoning. :biggrin: