I know. They really need someone to re-think the whole departure taxes thing. In the industry I'm in employees are ALWAYS saying that they would go to Mexico more frequently if the departure taxes were much less (it's only 2 hours from Houston). It's a shame really because the country would benefit so much more with the shopping than they do with the departure taxes. And that is exactly why we shop in Progresso/Matamoros. It's like $.25 to get in, $.50 (yes, cents) to leave. I'm not sure if it's because these are boarder towns to TX... who knows. Although, all you would do in these places is shop - not much else.

We have bought our tickets for our last two trips from hot wire. Each time our departure fee was paid for in the ticket price.

That's great Magoo. I've never used hotwire, but travelocity hasn't included it, nor has expedia. At least in the past. They may do it now, but I haven't used them in a long time.

TQ... do you drive down from Houston? How long does it take to Progresso/Matamoros?

I've been considering it but haven't done it yet.

I called American Airlines and they told me that all taxes and fes are paid on my tickets so who do I believe

Be prepared...it's as easy as that...

Denny IF you go just get directions from ERNIE

HA! Yep, I could give him directions

poor hiz honor - everyone always tryin to tell him where to go . . .