Travellers wary, but determined, on Regina flight heading to Puerto Vallarta

While travellers at the Regina airport Tuesday morning seemed excited, they were also a little wary as they headed toward their direct flight to Puerto Vallarta.

It was the first such flight out of the Queen City since airlines resumed service to the sunny destination after cartel violence spread on Sunday.

Sherry Baryluk was heading onto the flight with her husband Kelvin. She said when they first heard about the violence they wanted to cancel, but chose to watch and wait instead.

“We kind of were up to the last minute, and thought, ‘Okay, let’s go, let’s just go,” she explained.

She said they were keeping up with friends already in Puerto Vallarta.

“They were keeping us informed about what was going on, and saying that things were kind of happening, it was kind of scary, kind of frightening,” Baryluk said.

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At the airport, getting ready to check in, she said they were still a little anxious about it but that those friends said things were starting to open back up and get back to normal today.

“We love Puerto Vallarta, it’s always been a safe place to go, that’s why we go there,” she said.

Jackie Hall and Blaine Quiring were also getting ready to board the direct flight.

“I was concerned until I started checking out Facebook and the people that were down there already … it looks like nothing happened now, they’ve cleaned up probably 75 per cent of the blockades, I think we’re fine,” said Quiring.

Hall said, if flights were still cancelled on Tuesday, she had a backup hotel and flight set for Friday, but Quiring said it was relief mixed with some concern when they heard the flight would go ahead.

There were 36 people expected to be on the direct WestJet flight on Tuesday – the flight normally has around 140 on board.

Tips for Canadians still in Mexico

The Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA) advised Canadians still in Puerto Vallarta to remain cautious and alert.

“This type of travel disruption is really unfortunate, and if you’re caught in it, it’s got to be a little scary as well,” said executive director Will McAleer.

“So, first advice is make sure you’re listening to local authority and their guidance. If it’s shelter in place, make sure you’re not around the pool, make sure you’re staying away from windows and you’re taking the proper precautions that they’re suggesting on the ground.”

On Tuesday, McAleer said the THIA expected the situation to improve, but Canadians in the area should still continue to monitor the Canadian government website to assess the threat level.

“Make sure you’re in constant contact with your travel provider — most likely your airline or your tour operator — to determine if you’re supposed to be returning, are you still scheduled, and is there going to be a flight,” he said.

“We know that flight suspensions did occur, but that regular service is starting to return from the major airlines.”

For travellers who aren’t staying at hotels or resorts, McAleer advised them to ration their food and water and to register on the Canadian government’s website to inform them of their presence.

“We don’t expect it to be a long time, but as we’ve seen, situations can change very quickly,” he said.

— with files by Daniel Reech, 980 CJME