Check status of Mexico flights before heading to airport: WestJet

With Hurricane Patricia approachingMexico on Friday, WestJet is askingWinnipeggerswho have booked flights to Puerto Vallarta to keep an eye out for cancellations.

The first flight of the season destined for Mexico is scheduled to depart from Winnipeg on Saturday morning, a representative for the airline told CBC.

So far, there are no cancellations.

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The Category 5 storm is being called the strongest in recorded history to hit the Western Hemisphere, with winds expected to gust up to 250 km/h.

Michelle Rowan, an owner and agent at Winnipeg's Charleswood Travel, said in the past, she has found most suppliers take care of customers who are affected by natural disasters while travelling.

"Last time that there was a hurricane affecting a Mexican location they arranged for flights to get people out," she said.

In the event of cancellations, most people will be covered because they have purchased travel insurance, Rowan said.

While her agency has yet to hear of any cancellations, she advised those who are expecting to take off to check whether their flight is still going before heading to the airport.