Should I book flights in pesos or dollars?

Always book in the local currency (MXN) if your bank card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. The exchange rate used by airlines is often poor.

Is it cheaper to fly on specific days?

Yes. Mid-week flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are consistently 20% cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights.

Booking Cheap Flights to Mexico for Backpacking

Fly into major hubs like Mexico City (MEX) or Cancun (CUN) using budget airlines and track fares on Google Flights 3 months in advance. Use the 'Explore' feature to compare nearby airports, which can often save you over $150 on your ticket.

Set up price alerts. Open Google Flights and enter your home city and 'Mexico' as the destination. Toggle 'Track Prices' on. You will get an email notification the moment the price drops for your specific dates.
Check budget carriers. Look at Volaris and VivaAerobus separately from major aggregators. They often run 'Venta Nocturna' (night sales) where base fares drop to as low as $30 for domestic legs or short-haul international flights.
Choose your entry point. Don't just fly to Mexico City. Check flights to Guadalajara (GDL) or Monterrey (MTY) if you are starting in the north or center. If going to the Yucatan, check flights into Merida (MID) as they are often cheaper than Cancun.
Book one-way legs. As a backpacker, don't feel forced to do a round trip. It is often cheaper to fly into one city and out of another using low-cost regional carriers to traverse the country.

Should I book flights in pesos or dollars?: Always book in the local currency (MXN) if your bank card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. The exchange rate used by airlines is often poor.
Is it cheaper to fly on specific days?: Yes. Mid-week flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are consistently 20% cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights.