New concerns about air travel safety in Mexico
by Web Producer

wfaa.com

Posted on July 30, 2010 at 9:19 PM

The Federal Aviation Administration is downgrading its classification for Mexico's safety rating to Category 2.

The change means the agency does not think Mexico is following international aviation safety standards.

The classification does not stop flights between the United States and Mexico, but it does prevent Mexican airlines from expanding service to the U.S.

The downgrade is already affecting American Airlines and American Eagle customers.

Anyone who has bought a codeshare flight operated by Mexicana will be re-ticketed as Mexicana passengers.

Itineraries will be the same, and passengers have the option of getting a refund instead.

The change could also impact Southwest Airlines.

The Dallas-based carrier is expected to announce service to Mexico.

Southwest would not fly people into Mexico directly, but have its partner airline, Volaris, take people into the country.

Volaris is Mexico's largest low-cost carrier.

Any safety downgrade could jeopardize the deal.

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