Should I use a Handler at Los Cabos?

[G100driver]

If your boss can afford a private jet he can afford a handler.

You speaketh the truth.

 

[pilotviolin]

Thanks for the good advice. One other thing. AOPA said we did not need a permit to fly into mexico. Is this true? I don't want to be arrested by the federales?

 

[GVJeff]

If your boss can afford a private jet he can afford a handler.

I hate Cabo San Lucas- it's an overpriced dump with terrible service. Next time I go we're staying in San Jose del Cabo.

True, but let's not forget if your boss spends $1000 on a handler, that's potentially $1000 extra that you won't be seeing on your raise this year. I mean the $1000 he is spending has to go somewhere, so why not let it go towards your raise? Mexico without a handler is a breeze. The passengers don't see the difference, it's purely the crew spends an extra 45 minutes on each end of the trip, big deal.

Me? I'd rather see the raise.

 

[HMR]

If your boss can afford a private jet he can afford a handler.

"Affording" the handler isn't an issue. When we go to Mexico the boss hands each of us a couple thousand dollars and says "call me if you need more". We have a local guy we use in Cabo and he does a great job. Since one of us speaks fluent spanish and the other speaks enough to get by, we've been thinking about doing Mexico without a handler. I'm not sure who we'll use in Puerto Vallarta. Colt sounds good. Any others that you guys (and English) recommend?

 

[English]

Juan Sanchez in Cabo. $250. He also is an ICCS handler, I believe.

He's awesome. He's gotten really good catering for me, hotel rooms on busy weekends, and VFR charts when the boss wanted to go to Bahia de los Suenos.

Phone number is at home. I'll post it if anyone wants it?

Sorry HMR, never done Puerto Vallarta.

 

[pilotviolin]

phone number

I would like that guys phone number. ICCS said it would be $850 bucks to handle our citiation. If you think it is worth having this guy down there let me know.

 

[airbaker]

I agree with English, Juan is great. He'll bend over backwards to make sure everything goes smoothly. As far as a tip for him - besides a couple of Jacksons, I've given him a company golf shirt that he still wears to this day!

I've been throughout Mexico quite a bit. In my opinion, if you are respectful, give them a firm handshake and a smile (along with plenty of $$) you'll do just fine without a handler. Although if the budget is of little concern, of course a handler is nice to have.

 

[SabreFlyR]

I did Purto in January. I set everything up with the FBO, I believe his name was Pablo. The pax were on there way in no time and after doing the customery paperwork so were we.
Did MMSD in Feburary and going 2 times in May. I use Julio Real, he is Universals handler, but I deal with directly and pay him cash at a very reduced price. I could do it on my own, but the boss appreciates being able to walk right thru the building to his waiting rental car. It's worth the extra couple hundred bucks for service like that. If you need prist bring it with you! If they have it, it will be at least 3 times more than what it cost here.

We stayed at the Crown Plaza, $90/night thru Universal.

Have fun

 

[Capthuff]

I agree with Capt1124 and G100driver. And stay at the Crown Plaza San Jose Del Cabo - $95 a night and all inclusive.

 

[English]

Airbaker,

Ha! I've seen the shirt. He LOVES it. Good call.
I gave him a bottle of Herradura tequila and he didn't leave my side the entire day. He has lots of good stories to tell.

Juan Sanchez' phone number is 011 52 624 147 0671. Tell him the blonde girl in the CJ recommended him.

 

[Texasskicker]

The blonde girl in the CJ???

Airbaker,

Ha! I've seen the shirt. He LOVES it. Good call.
I gave him a bottle of Herradura tequila and he didn't leave my side the entire day. He has lots of good stories to tell.

Juan Sanchez' phone number is 011 52 624 147 0671. Tell him the blonde girl in the CJ recommended him.

Nevermind Juan Valdez, how 'bout you post your phone number?

What kinda CJ you fly English?

Do you like cowboys?

Tex.

 

[soarby007]

I prefer the handler just to avoid the hassles. If the boss can afford a multi-million dollar airplane he can pay a few bucks in handling fees.

I've stayed in Cabo and San Jose. It's a flip of the coin and depends on how long I'm going to be there. More than a couple of days, go to Cabo. Royal Solaris in San Jose is ok for a couple of days, but there is little to do otherwise. San Jose is an old Mexican town and has it's own quaint setting. Cabo is more for the action types.

All I have done in Puerto Vallarta is drop off. I used a handler there and it is much different than Cabo. First time I stood in line at the Commandantes office for 40 minutes, using a handler, just to sign a flight plan.

Can't go wrong with a handler. You can do it without one, but you can't go wrong with one.

 

[G100driver]

Anyone going to be in Cabo this weekend?