Is it worth booking separate tickets for domestic connections?

Often yes, if you save $150+. Book with 4+ hours between flights, travel carry-on only, and understand you're not protected if the first flight delays. Best for experienced travelers comfortable with risk.

Which Mexican budget airlines are reliable?

Volaris is most reliable with decent on-time performance. Viva Aerobus is cheapest but expect delays and no frills. Interjet has suspended operations. All charge extra for everything - seat selection, bags, food.

Should I use a VPN to search for flights?

Rarely helps anymore. Airlines mostly use departure location, not IP address, for pricing. Your time is better spent comparing actual departure cities and being flexible with dates.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Mexico

Book flights to Mexico 6-8 weeks ahead for best prices, use Tuesday/Wednesday departures, and compare Mexico City vs Cancun as your entry point. Budget airlines like Volaris and Viva Aerobus offer domestic connections that can save you hundreds compared to direct international flights to smaller cities.

Pick your entry strategy. Mexico City (MEX) and Cancun (CUN) have the most international competition, meaning cheaper flights. Even if your final destination is elsewhere, flying into these hubs and taking a domestic flight often costs less than flying direct to smaller cities like Puerto Vallarta or Oaxaca.
Time it right. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for best prices. Fly Tuesday or Wednesday if possible - weekend flights cost 20-40% more. Avoid Mexican holidays (Christmas/New Year, Semana Santa in March/April, summer vacation July-August) when locals travel and prices spike.
Use the right search tools. Google Flights shows the best overview and price tracking. Set price alerts for your route. Also check Kayak's hacker fares and Scott's Cheap Flights (now Going) for error fares. For Mexican budget airlines not always shown on US sites, search directly on Volaris, Viva Aerobus, and Interjet.
Consider nearby US departure cities. If you're flexible, check flights from different airports. Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami often have the cheapest Mexico flights due to high competition. Sometimes driving 2-3 hours to a different departure city saves $200+ on flights.
Master the hub and spoke. Book separate tickets: cheap flight to Mexico City or Cancun, then budget airline to your final destination. Volaris and Viva Aerobus domestic flights cost $30-80. Leave 4+ hours between flights when self-connecting and only bring carry-on to avoid baggage complications.

Is it worth booking separate tickets for domestic connections?: Often yes, if you save $150+. Book with 4+ hours between flights, travel carry-on only, and understand you're not protected if the first flight delays. Best for experienced travelers comfortable with risk.
Which Mexican budget airlines are reliable?: Volaris is most reliable with decent on-time performance. Viva Aerobus is cheapest but expect delays and no frills. Interjet has suspended operations. All charge extra for everything - seat selection, bags, food.
Should I use a VPN to search for flights?: Rarely helps anymore. Airlines mostly use departure location, not IP address, for pricing. Your time is better spent comparing actual departure cities and being flexible with dates.