Arrived with School Supplies

Posted by Rob L on December 25, 2012, 10:26 pm, in reply to "Advice requested about bringing Humanitarian Aid into Mexico"
187.146.113.1

Today we arrived in PV with two extra bags of supplies for the schools, students and teachers. Westjet in both Edmonton and Vancouver Airports asked if I had a letter, but no mention about it in my phone calls to Westjet previously. When I inquired further at Vancouver, the agent said I should have been told to get a letter (email would do) from the school or group ie La Catalina Educational Foundation http://lacatalinafoundation.com saying you are bringing supplies to them as 'Humanitarian Aid'. Evidently this is a new Westjet policy that few know anything about, especially at the SuperSales Centre! However, there was no problem except grumbling by a Westjet The Mexican Authorities do not need this letter. I would not even show it or mention it upon arrival! I believe the letter is to help Westjet ensure the validity of the free accompanying baggage allowance. Westjet only allows the 'Humanitarian Aid' baggage if room permits, but as we were only bringing one personal bag each and they plan for two per person, there was no problem. That was more than enough luggage to deal with, as the extras weighed 45 and 37 lbs each. At the PV airport we were lucky enough to get the 'red' light which meant our 4 bags and two daypacks were searched by very nice inspectors. We explained we were teachers and had been coming down for years and were bringing gifts to teachers and children, our neighbours, in the small town of La Manzanilla where we stay each Christmas. They both thought it was a nice thing to do, so we were on our way within a few minutes without a problem. We did not mention humanitarian aid, based upon the advice we had received.. Just past the time share crew, in the open arrivals area, we were greeted by Eloy Soto, our La Manzanilla Taxi driver, who had come to pick us up. We had a great trip down, stopping twice for cool drinks and arrived before sunset! Deliveries of various items will be made in the next few days once we make contact! It was a lovely sunset that greeted us, followed by a fabulous Christmas meal at Cafe de Flores!

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