While Mexicana flight attendants are reportedly negotiating again with the grounded airline, stranded passengers are looking for ways to rebook trips or get refunds for travel aborted when the carrier stopped flying Saturday.
Mexicana ceased an estimated 220 daily mainline flights, in addition to Mexicana Click and Mexicana Link flights. Click and Link operated domestic routes in Mexico. An estimated 38,700 passengers each day have reportedly been affected by the loss of service.
Mexicana’s new majority owner, a group of Mexican businessman called Tenedora K, said it was forced to stop the bankrupt carrier’s operations due to "the previous management's decision to suspend ticket sales, forcing the company to continue operating in the interests of passengers without receiving any revenue."
The investment group also cited its inability to reach a "substantial agreement" with flight attendants as well as the "lack of effectiveness" of Mexican bankruptcy-protection laws.
"Given the uncertainty of the situation, certain suppliers have begun demanding advanced payment of services that are essential to the airlines' operations," Mexicana said.
The airline said passengers who have already flown a leg of their journey and who are scheduled to fly with Mexicana, Click or Link after Aug. 28 should consult the websites or contact the airline directly. The number from the U.S. or Canada is (877) 801-2010.
Priority will be given to minors traveling unaccompanied, passengers traveling with children under age 3 and special-needs passengers.
"If you have not yet begun your journey, we recommend you make alternative travel arrangements," the airline said.
For information on how to apply for a refund, the airline said to click here to fill out a form for tickets issued in the U.S. and Canada.
Moves by other carriers could help some Mexicana passengers.
Mexicana is a member of the Oneworld alliance. American, also a Oneworld member, added another flight between Mexico City and Dallas-Fort Worth to accommodate additional passengers.
American also said Monday it would offer Mexicana passengers a 20% discount for many Mexicana-ticketed passengers, also allowing some destination changes for places not served by American or American Eagle.
Mexicana competitor AeroMexico is offering discounted fares to those with Mexicana tickets, based on a waitlist system to be conducted at airports from Aug. 27 through Sept. 20.
Passengers have to show up at the airport at least four hours prior to flight departure with issued ticket or ticket receipt issued by Mexicana.
Only the ticketed person is eligible and all ticket receipts must display itinerary with routes, flights and dates, as confirmed by Mexicana.
After checking in with AeroMexico, passengers will be placed on a waiting list.
