prt328
Junior Nomad
Posts: 51
Registered: 2-13-2007
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FMT Refunds
I fly Mexicana roundtrip about once a month between Sacramento and Cabo; generally here 2 weeks and there 2 weeks. Even though I have an FM-3,
Mexicana "bakes in" the cost of the FMT into the cost of the plane ticket; I think it's about $28. At the end of the year, Mexicana or immigration
will probably pocket close to $300 for FMT's that I never used.
I know it's not a big deal but it's the principal. Anyone ever have success is getting reimbursed or have any suggestions on who to start with?
Could be a fun "project" for the winter months!
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Juan del Rio
Senior Nomad
Posts: 560
Registered: 6-8-2004
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I have been flying on Alaska/Horizon Airlines almost on a monthly basis from LAX to Loreto for many years. Before getting on the plane, I present my
FM-2 (did it as well with the FM-3) at the Alaska Service Counter in the Boarding Terminal along with my passport and boarding pass, fill out the
reimbursement slip for the Tourist Tax and submit to the Agent. It has averaged about $21 credit per flight over this past year, but it always appears
as a "credit" on my credit card statement. Not sure about Mexicana Airlines, but the Service Agents at Alaska/Horizon are very familiar with the
process. Yes, it does save some money in the long run, but I usually have time to kill while waiting to board the flight, so it gives me something to
do. I think of the savings as a "discount" on my ticket (especially since the fares are so extremely high for the next several months for the
LAX/LTO/LAX flight!).
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rhintransit
Super Nomad
Posts: 1588
Registered: 9-4-2006
Location: Loreto
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I second Juan del Rio's experience with Alaska/Horizon. have never had a problem getting prompt refund. do NOT ask when you check in downstairs, as
they haven't a clue...go directly to the service desk in the terminal where the gates are.
reality\'s never been of much use out here...
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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I have to wonder if the airlines receive a discount from the Mexican government, or at least some form of service charge reimbursement. When the
airlines started embedding the cost of the FM-T in their ticket prices, I viewed it as both a convenience and an expedient. What bothers me is that
even if you head down for a long weekend, you are required to pay the same price as someone spending the entire 180 days allowable. Does anyone know
why the airlines confiscate the FM-T upon boarding the return flight? Are they legally obligated by Mexican law? It's one thing, as in the topic of
this thread, to have a process for reimbursement, and another to have to pay more for something less. I have a friend who has fractional ownership in
a place in Cabo, who makes the trip 5-6 times a year. He pays for the FM-T each time. Seems to me that FM-2 or 3 holders should be able to buy the
ticket without paying the FM-T fee, and FM-T buyers should be able to get 180 days benefit.
Aside from that, the idea of buying the round trip ticket in Mexico makes sense, except it would mean having to buy a one-way ticket to get the ball
rolling.
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prt328
Junior Nomad
Posts: 51
Registered: 2-13-2007
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I see none of you have ever dealt with Mexicana customer service (or lack thereof). In Sac they use Frontier as gate agents and just getting
compensated for a flight I was bumped from took over 3 months after many emails and phone calls. Alaska is regulated by U.S. DOT so they play a
litlle more above board and are easier to deal with.
Mexicana gives the option on the website to buy in US or Mexico; I'll dig into that!
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