CO3020 16JAN08 Houston-Intercontinental, Houston T (IAH) to Monterrey, Mexico (MTY) 4:00p 5:35p ERJ N12934 operated by ExpressJet Airlines, Inc., dba Continental Express
Flying Time: 1:18
I said hello to the flight attendant as I boarded; she was smiling as I had done a funky switcheroo with my backpack and my computer bag before boarding.
I turned right and walked to my seat through this single aisle 50 leather seats 1-2 configured airplane with the lone lav. at the back of the plane. The overheads were full so I stuffed my stuff under the seat; they just about fitted too. I also grabbed a blanket in a plastic sheath from the overhead; I had taken a pillow from another overhead on my way down.
I settled in and chatted a bit with my colleague who was having a headache. I offered her an Advil and she said she would try to see if she could sleep it off first, but appreciated the Advil.
At 3:55p, the Captain came on the PA and announced that we would be cruising at 32,000’ today and the journey should take 1:18 of flying time. It was not repeated in Spanish; odd, I thought.
We pushed back at 3:58p as the flight attendant gave the safety demo in English. By the time it ended, we were taxiing under our own power to the runway. I was wondering where was the Spanish version when it started playing.
I looked through the window and could see a United Express ERJ-175 taxiing into its gate at Terminal A. just then a Continental Airlines Boeing 737-700 pulled up next to us. You know you are a small plane when a Boeing 737-700 looks big to you.
Off in the distance, there eight other planes ahead of us including a Northwest Airbus A319 and a few other ERJs and one private jet. As we taxied closer to the runway, I could see a KLM Asia Boeing 747-400 Combi taking up its position in the queue for runway 15L/R. The Captain told the Flight attendant to take her seat and we were airborne by 4:07p.
The flight attendant said that we would have beverages and then a snack service; on our way to the airport, we were wondering if there was a meal on this flight. We thought yes, since it is a business market.
I took out my computer as soon as I heard the ding and started the blog for this flight. The guy next to me pulled his out and it took up the entire tray table; it was a Dell that was literally twice the size of my computer if I turned it sideways; way too big for my liking, where is my MacBook Air?
After the beverages were served, minus coffee as the flight attendant announced that the machine was broken, we were served a turkey and cheese sandwich with some baby carrots and a Kit Kat. She then followed up with documentation for entering Mexico.
The bread for the sandwich was rather large and a bit bulky for want of a better word. I ate around it and left most of it in the wrapper. I also did not have the KitKat and after much chewing, finished the baby carrots. Trash was collected after all that during a little turbulence.
The documentation for entry into Mexico differs based on whether you are form Mexico or not. As a U.S. citizen, I had to fill out a visitor form as well as a Customs form. I think Mexicans fill out the customs form as well as another document for Mexicans only. Immigration forms are always annoying as they are sometimes lengthy and want your life story. The simplest I’ve seen is perhaps France, where they usually want just basic information on a small form and oftentimes when you get there, they don’t take it from you.
One tip for you is that you should always bring a pen with you whenever you travel as in cases like these you will need it. Also, you never know who you may meet and need to take their contact details or give them yours. One other good tip is also to memorize your passport number, alien number, if applicable, and the expiration dates of these documents. It comes in handy when filling out the forms and saves you time from having to rifle through your passport.
The Captain came on the PA when we were twenty-three minutes flying time from the ground and said that we had started our descent into the Monterrey area and due to turbulence the seatbelt signs would continue to being lit. He continued saying that there was light winds, temp of 10C which is 50F. He thanked us for flying Continental Express and wished to see us on a future flight; the announcement was not repeated in Spanish.
The flight attendant then came through again one more time picking up trash. The guy next to me was filling out his form and so was I. He asked me if it was necessary to fill out the bottom of the form and I told him yes.
We landed without incident and taxied to the gate.
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