Complete guide: Cheap flights in Mexico 2026
Everything you need to know about Mexican airlines, airports, seasons, prices and tips to find the cheapest flight within Mexico and from abroad.
Main Mexican airlines
Mexico has three main national airlines plus several regional ones. Understanding the differences between them is key to picking the right flight for your budget and needs.
✈️ Volaris
Leading low-cost airline in Mexico. Operates over 70 domestic and international destinations (US, Central America). Uses a low base fare model with extras for baggage and seat selection. Ideal for short trips with light luggage. Main hubs in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana and Cancun.
✈️ VivaAerobus
Mexico's second low-cost airline. Based in Monterrey. Known for frequent deals with flights from 199 MXN on flash sales. Uses secondary airports (like AIFA in CDMX) with lower fees. Charges extra for everything, including seat selection or carry-on over 10 kg.
✈️ Aeromexico
Flag carrier. Full service with checked baggage included, onboard meals on long routes, and frequent flyer program (Aeromexico Rewards). SkyTeam member: earn miles with Delta, Air France, KLM. International flights to Europe, Asia and South America. Hub at AICM and Monterrey.
✈️ TAR Aerolineas
Regional airline based in Querétaro. Connects mid-sized cities the big airlines don't cover (Puebla, Morelia, Durango, Villahermosa). Competitive prices and non-stop flights between regional cities, avoiding connections through CDMX.
Also operating in Mexico are international carriers like American Airlines, Delta, United, Copa, Iberia, Air France, Lufthansa, KLM and Air Canada, mostly on international routes. For domestic flights, almost the entire market is handled by Volaris, VivaAerobus and Aeromexico.
Mexico's main airports
Mexico has over 60 commercial airports. For international flights and connections, these are the most relevant:
- AICM (Mexico City) - MEX: The largest and busiest in the country. International hub with direct flights to Europe, Asia and the Americas. Two terminals connected by Aerotren. Crowded at peak hours; arrive 3 hours early for international flights.
- AIFA (Santa Lucia) - NLU: Alternative airport north of Mexico City, opened in 2022. Heavily used by VivaAerobus, Volaris and some international carriers. Less congested but far from downtown (45-90 min by taxi). Lower airport fees, so flights are often cheaper.
- Cancun - CUN: The second most important airport. Gateway to the Mexican Caribbean (Riviera Maya, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Holbox). Direct flights to Europe, Latin America, US and Canada. Four terminals; Volaris and VivaAerobus at Terminal 4.
- Guadalajara - GDL: Third busiest airport. Important hub for US flights (California, Texas, Illinois) due to the large Mexican community in those states. Volaris operations base.
- Los Cabos - SJD: Premium destination in Baja California Sur. Direct flights from the US. High demand December to April.
- Monterrey - MTY, Tijuana - TIJ, Merida - MID, Puerto Vallarta - PVR: Other major airports with international flights. Tijuana stands out for the CBX (Cross Border Xpress) connecting directly to San Diego on foot.
How to find cheap flights to Mexico
Finding low fares takes a bit of strategy. These are the principles that work best for flights within Mexico and from abroad:
📅 Book ahead, but not too far
For domestic flights, the sweet spot is 4 to 8 weeks before the trip. For international, 2 to 5 months. Buying less than 2 weeks out is usually pricier, but buying more than 6 months out can also be expensive because airlines haven't released low fares yet.
📆 Fly mid-week
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are the cheapest days to fly in Mexico. Fridays and Sundays are the most expensive due to weekend demand. A one-day shift can save 500-1,500 MXN.
🛫 Compare alternative airports
In Mexico City, comparing AICM vs AIFA or Toluca (TLC) can change price by 30-40%. In the Caribbean, Cancun vs Cozumel (CZM) vs Merida (MID) offer very different options.
🧳 Calculate total price, not base fare
A 499 MXN flight on Volaris or VivaAerobus can become 1,500 MXN once you add checked bag, large carry-on and seat. Always calculate the final price with the extras you really need before comparing with Aeromexico (which bundles them in).
🔔 Price alerts and date flexibility
Set up price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner for your route. If dates are flexible, the full-month calendar view shows cheapest days. Shifting by one or two days can mean 25%+ savings.
Best and worst times to fly
Mexico has distinct seasons. Avoiding peak periods can halve your flight price.
🔴 Peak season (most expensive)
Holy Week (March or April), summer (July-August), Day of the Dead (Nov 1-2), Christmas-New Year (Dec 20-Jan 6), Spring Break (March).
🟡 Shoulder season
February, May, end of October. Reasonable prices and pleasant weather. Highly recommended for flexible travelers.
🟢 Low season (cheapest)
September (except 15-16), first half of November, late January. Up to 50% cheaper. Only risk: hurricanes in the Caribbean August-October.
Baggage: what you need to know
Baggage policies change often, especially on low-cost carriers. A surprise at the airport can cost up to 1,000 MXN per bag. General policy for 2026:
- Volaris: Only includes one personal item that fits under the seat (small bag or backpack up to 10 kg). Overhead carry-on and checked bags are paid separately. Pre-purchasing online is much cheaper than at the airport.
- VivaAerobus: Similar to Volaris. One personal item up to 10 kg is free. Everything else is extra. Check exact weight before the airport.
- Aeromexico: Classic fare includes one carry-on (10 kg) and one checked bag of 25 kg. Basic fare only includes carry-on; checked bag is extra. Always confirm by the exact fare you bought.
- International flights: Flights to Europe usually include 23 kg checked. To the US it depends; American, Delta and United charge extra on basic fare.
Travel documents and requirements
For domestic flights within Mexico, Mexicans only need valid official ID (INE, passport or driver's license). Foreigners must present their passport.
For international flights to Mexico, you need a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity from entry date) and, depending on nationality, possibly a Mexican visa. Citizens of US, Canada, EU, UK and most Latin American countries don't need a visa for tourist stays up to 180 days. On entry you'll receive the FMM (Multiple Migration Form), which you must keep until departure.