Mexico travel warning: What you need to know as airlines resume flights to Mexican cities

A Mexico travel warning remains in effect as Canadian airlines resume flights to popular tourist destinations ahead of March break.

Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat and Porter Airlines have announced the resumption of service to Puerto Vallarta and other cities after temporary suspensions due to violence in parts of the country.

Despite flights restarting, Ottawa continues to advise Canadians to avoid non essential travel to parts of more than a dozen Mexican states because of high levels of violence and organized crime.

For most of Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta is located, the government advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution.

More than 55,000 Canadians in Mexico have registered with Global Affairs Canada.

Travel expert Barry Choi told Global News: “It really doesn’t do a whole lot. It just lets the government know that you’re there.”

“If you registered thinking someone’s going to come to your hotel and deliver groceries to your door because the grocery stores are burned up, that’s not happening. Or if you were thinking that they’re going to extract you personally — not going to happen.”

Insurance experts say refunds are unlikely if airlines continue operating. “If they’re flying, they’re not going to give you your money back,” said Martin Firestone of Travel Secure Inc.