Booking Cheap Flights to Mexico from the US
Book your flights 6 to 12 weeks in advance and prioritize flying mid-week, specifically Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Use Google Flights to track price drops for your specific route and look for budget carriers like Volaris or Viva Aerobus for the best base fares.
- Set up fare alerts. Use Google Flights to enter your origin and destination. Toggle the 'Track prices' switch. You will receive an email whenever the price for your selected dates drops significantly.
- Choose the right days to fly. Avoid flying on Fridays and Sundays. Research shows that Tuesday and Wednesday departures consistently save 15-20% on Mexico routes compared to weekend travel.
- Check secondary airports. Don't just look at major hubs. Check prices for flying into secondary airports near your destination, like Toluca (TLC) instead of Mexico City (MEX), or look at regional airports like Huatulco (HUX) if your primary choice is too expensive.
- Audit the baggage policy. Budget airlines like Volaris often show a 'zero' fare that includes no carry-on. Add your checked bag during the initial booking process; adding it at the gate can cost double.
- Are budget airlines in Mexico safe?
- Yes. Airlines like Volaris and Viva Aerobus adhere to strict international safety standards, though their service model is 'unbundled,' meaning you pay extra for seats, food, and bags.
- Is it cheaper to book on a Mexican website?
- Sometimes. If you are comfortable, browsing the airline's site in Spanish and paying in Pesos can occasionally save 5-10% due to favorable exchange rates, but verify with your bank regarding international transaction fees.