Airlines in Mexico: Complete Guide to Options and Prices 2025

Mexico's airline market has grown enormously in recent years, offering travelers more options than ever for flying within the country and to international destinations. From the flag carrier to ultra low-cost options, this guide explains everything you need to know to choose the best airline based on your budget and needs.

Aeroméxico: The Flag Carrier

General profile

Aeroméxico is Mexico's largest and oldest airline, founded in 1934. It operates from its main hub at Mexico City International Airport (AICM, Terminal 2). It is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, allowing you to earn and redeem miles with airlines such as Delta, Air France, KLM, and Korean Air.

Services and classes

Aeroméxico offers three service classes on most domestic routes:

Basic Class: The cheapest fare. Includes one personal item (backpack or small bag). Does not include checked baggage or seat selection. No changes or cancellations allowed. Prices from $1,200 MXN ($70 USD) on domestic routes.
Classic Class: Includes carry-on luggage (10 kg / 22 lbs) and a personal item. Allows changes with a fee. Prices from $1,800 MXN ($105 USD).
Premier Class: Includes checked baggage (25 kg / 55 lbs), seat selection, lounge access (on select flights), onboard meals, and free changes. Prices from $4,500 MXN ($260 USD) on domestic routes.

Baggage

Aeroméxico's baggage policies are the most generous among Mexican airlines in higher classes. Additional checked bag: $600-$900 MXN ($35-$52 USD) per piece (25 kg) on domestic flights when purchased online; up to $1,200 MXN ($70 USD) at the airport. Additional carry-on: $450 MXN ($26 USD).

Main routes

Aeroméxico covers virtually all domestic destinations and has an extensive international network: over 90 destinations in 20 countries. Top domestic routes: Mexico City-Cancun, Mexico City-Guadalajara, Mexico City-Monterrey, Mexico City-Oaxaca, Mexico City-Puerto Vallarta.

Loyalty program: Club Premier

Club Premier lets you earn Premier Points through flights, purchases with affiliated credit cards, and commercial partners. Tiers: Gold, Platinum, and Titanium, each with increasing benefits like lounge access, free upgrades, and extra baggage. Points do not expire as long as you maintain account activity every 12 months.

Volaris: The Leading Low-Cost Carrier

General profile

Volaris is Mexico's largest low-cost airline, founded in 2006. It operates from multiple bases including Mexico City (Terminal 1), Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana, and Cancun. It is known for extremely low base fares but with a pay-per-extra-service model.

Fares and services

Basic Fare (Zero): Only includes the seat and a personal item (40x35x20 cm / 16x14x8 in). Everything else costs extra. Prices from $500 MXN ($29 USD) during promotions, normally $800-$1,500 MXN ($46-$87 USD).
Classic Fare: Includes personal item plus carry-on luggage (10 kg / 22 lbs). Standard seat selection. From $1,200 MXN ($70 USD).
Plus Fare: Includes everything in Classic plus checked baggage (25 kg / 55 lbs), extra-legroom seat, and flight changes. From $1,800 MXN ($105 USD).

Baggage

Volaris is strict about baggage. If your personal item exceeds the allowed dimensions, you will be charged at the boarding gate ($750-$1,000 MXN / $43-$58 USD). Carry-on: $350-$550 MXN ($20-$32 USD) if purchased online; $750 MXN ($43 USD) at the airport. Checked bag: $450-$700 MXN ($26-$40 USD) online; up to $1,000 MXN ($58 USD) at the airport. Important tip: Always buy your baggage online at the time of booking for the best price.

Main routes

Volaris has the most extensive domestic network in Mexico with over 70 national routes and flights to the US and Central America. It excels on routes from mid-size cities like León, Aguascalientes, and Culiacán that other airlines do not serve directly.

Loyalty program: V.Club

V.Club is not a traditional mileage program but a paid membership ($600 MXN / $35 USD per year for individuals, $900 MXN / $52 USD per year for families up to 6 members). It offers exclusive discounts of 20-40% on base fares and benefits like baggage discounts and priority boarding. It is worth it if you fly more than 3 times per year with Volaris.

VivaAerobus: The Ultra Low-Cost

General profile

VivaAerobus, founded in 2006 in Monterrey, is Mexico's ultra low-cost airline. It operates primarily from Monterrey, Mexico City (Terminal 1), and Cancun. Its business model focuses on offering the lowest base fares on the market.

Fares and services

Zero Fare: Just the seat. One small personal item (35x25x20 cm / 14x10x8 in, more restrictive than Volaris). Prices from $400 MXN ($23 USD) during flash promotions.
Light Fare: Personal item plus carry-on (10 kg / 22 lbs). From $900 MXN ($52 USD).
Extra Fare: Everything in Light plus checked baggage (25 kg / 55 lbs) and seat selection. From $1,500 MXN ($87 USD).
Smart Fare: All-inclusive: checked baggage, seat selection, flight changes, and onboard snack. From $2,000 MXN ($116 USD).

Baggage

VivaAerobus has the strictest restrictions. Its allowed personal item is notably smaller than other airlines. Checked bag: $400-$650 MXN ($23-$38 USD) online; $900-$1,200 MXN ($52-$70 USD) at the airport. Tip: Weigh your luggage before heading to the airport; overweight costs $200 MXN ($12 USD) per additional kg.

Main routes

Over 60 domestic routes with a strong presence in northern Mexico (Monterrey, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juárez) and routes to the US. It offers direct flights between cities like Monterrey-Cancun and Guadalajara-Tijuana that bypass a Mexico City connection.

Loyalty program: Viva Fan

Similar to Volaris' V.Club: a paid membership ($500 MXN / $29 USD per year) offering exclusive fares with 25-50% discounts, interest-free payments, and early access to promotions. If you fly frequently with VivaAerobus, the investment pays for itself in 1-2 flights.

Mexicana de Aviación: The Comeback

General profile

Mexicana de Aviación, the historic Mexican airline originally founded in 1921, returned to the skies in 2023 under federal government operation. It operates from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) in Santa Lucía, State of Mexico, located about 45 km (28 miles) north of Mexico City.

Services and fares

Mexicana offers competitive fares that include checked baggage on most ticket types. Prices are similar to Volaris and VivaAerobus but with more included services. Domestic fares from $1,000 MXN ($58 USD) with carry-on included.

Important considerations

AIFA is farther from Mexico City's center than AICM. The transfer from downtown can take 1-2 hours depending on traffic. There is bus service from Terminal del Norte ($120 MXN / $7 USD) and Uber/taxi ($400-$700 MXN / $23-$40 USD). Consider the extra time and transfer cost when comparing prices with other airlines operating from AICM.

Price Comparison: Popular Routes

Mexico City to Cancun (one way)

Aeroméxico Basic: $1,500-$3,000 MXN ($87-$175 USD)
Volaris Basic: $800-$2,000 MXN ($46-$116 USD)
VivaAerobus Zero: $600-$1,800 MXN ($35-$105 USD)
Mexicana: $900-$2,200 MXN ($52-$128 USD)

Mexico City to Guadalajara (one way)

Aeroméxico Basic: $1,200-$2,500 MXN ($70-$145 USD)
Volaris Basic: $600-$1,500 MXN ($35-$87 USD)
VivaAerobus Zero: $500-$1,400 MXN ($29-$81 USD)
Mexicana: $800-$1,800 MXN ($46-$105 USD)

Mexico City to Monterrey (one way)

Aeroméxico Basic: $1,300-$2,800 MXN ($75-$163 USD)
Volaris Basic: $700-$1,800 MXN ($40-$105 USD)
VivaAerobus Zero: $500-$1,600 MXN ($29-$93 USD)
Mexicana: $850-$2,000 MXN ($49-$116 USD)

Note: Prices vary based on season, demand, and how far in advance you book. The lowest prices are found by purchasing 4-6 weeks ahead on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights in Mexico

When to buy

The golden rule is to buy 4 to 8 weeks in advance for domestic flights. Prices tend to be lower on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Avoid buying on weekends and during holiday bridges. Set up price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner to monitor fares on your preferred routes.

Best seasons for savings

The cheapest months to fly in Mexico are September, October (outside the October 12 holiday bridge), February (outside Valentine's Day), and May (except the May 1 holiday). Avoid Easter/Holy Week, summer (July-August), the September 15-16 holiday, and the Christmas season (December 15 - January 6).

Additional tricks

Browse in incognito mode: Airlines track your searches and may raise prices. Use private browsing.
Compare the total cost: A $500 MXN ($29 USD) Zero fare can end up costing over $1,500 MXN ($87 USD) once you add baggage and seat selection. Always compare the final all-inclusive price.
Consider alternative airports: Flying to Guadalajara instead of Puerto Vallarta and taking a bus (4-5 hours, $450 MXN / $26 USD) can save you money.
Subscribe to newsletters: Volaris and VivaAerobus send exclusive email promotions with fares up to 50% off.
Connecting flights: Sometimes a Mexico City-Guadalajara-Cancun flight is cheaper than a direct Mexico City-Cancun flight.

Which Airline Should You Choose?

If you want comfort and full service: Aeroméxico, especially in Classic or Premier class.
If you want the best price with acceptable service: Volaris in Classic or Plus fare.
If you only care about the lowest price and travel light: VivaAerobus in Zero fare.
If you fly from northern Mexico: VivaAerobus has the best coverage from Monterrey and northern cities.
If you collect global alliance miles: Aeroméxico (SkyTeam) is your only option.