Should I buy my flight in Pesos or Dollars?

Always pay in the currency of your credit card (USD). If you choose to pay in Pesos through a US-based site, the exchange rate used is often unfavorable.

Is it cheaper to fly into Mexico City and take a domestic flight?

Sometimes. Check multi-city routes or separate tickets if you are traveling to a less common destination, but account for the extra time spent clearing customs in Mexico City.

Booking flights to Mexico from the US

Book your flights at least 6 weeks in advance using a flight comparison engine to track price trends. Always book directly through the airline's official website to ensure you have a manageable booking reference if your flight is delayed or cancelled.

Set up price alerts. Use Google Flights to track your specific route. Enter your origin and destination, then toggle the 'Track prices' switch. You will receive an email whenever the price drops significantly.
Compare budget vs. legacy carriers. Identify if a budget carrier (like Volaris or VivaAerobus) flies your route. Compare their total cost—including checked bags and seat selection—against legacy carriers like United, American, or Delta. Often, the legacy carrier ends up being cheaper once add-ons are included.
Select your airport carefully. If flying to a resort area, check the distance of the airport. For example, flying into Tulum (TQO) is often more expensive than flying into Cancun (CUN) and taking a bus or shuttle, even if you factor in the transfer cost.
Verify document requirements. Before paying, ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your date of departure from Mexico. You do not need a visa for tourism under 180 days, but you must keep your FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) digital record if issued.
Finalize the booking. Book directly on the airline's site. Avoid third-party aggregators (like Expedia or Orbitz) to ensure that if a change occurs, you are dealing directly with the airline, not a customer service queue for a travel agency.

Should I buy my flight in Pesos or Dollars?: Always pay in the currency of your credit card (USD). If you choose to pay in Pesos through a US-based site, the exchange rate used is often unfavorable.
Is it cheaper to fly into Mexico City and take a domestic flight?: Sometimes. Check multi-city routes or separate tickets if you are traveling to a less common destination, but account for the extra time spent clearing customs in Mexico City.