Booking flights can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to save money. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right strategies, you can find affordable flights to Mexico without the headache.
Let’s dive into some practical tips that will help you book cheap flights to Mexico and get the most value for your money.
1. Book at the Right Time
Did you know that you can get up to 40% cheaper prices on flight and hotel bookings by using a VPN? Try NordVPN today! They offer a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee!
The timing of your booking can make a huge difference in the price of your flight. Most travel experts recommend booking your flight around 6-8 weeks in advance for the best prices. However, prices can fluctuate a lot, so don’t wait too long either.
Avoid booking too far in advance though. If you book 5-6 months ahead, airlines often charge higher fares. They know some travelers book early, so they take advantage of that.
Best Days to Book
Studies often show that the cheapest days to book are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Airlines typically launch their sales early in the week, and by mid-week, other airlines follow suit, leading to cheaper prices.
Best Days to Fly
If your schedule is flexible, flying mid-week, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is often your best bet. Avoid weekends, especially Fridays and Sundays, as these are popular travel times, leading to higher prices.
2. Use Flight Comparison Tools
Always compare prices using flight comparison websites or apps. These tools aggregate prices from multiple airlines and travel agencies to find the cheapest options. Here are a few popular sites to check:
Kayak
Kayak compares prices across multiple airlines. It’s user-friendly, and you can set price alerts to track any drops on routes you’re interested in.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is another excellent tool. It searches airlines and travel agents to find the best deals. One of its best features is its “find the cheapest month” option, which lets you compare full-month price averages.
Google Flights
Google Flights is great for checking for deals quickly. Its interactive map also shows you prices for different destinations, which is handy if your plans are flexible. Plus, it provides price tracking to alert you of price changes.
3. Be Flexible with Your Dates and Airports
Flexibility is key to getting the best deals. If you’re able to adjust your travel dates by a few days, you might find significantly cheaper options.
Similarly, if you don’t mind flying from or to a different airport nearby, it can save you a lot. For example, if you’re flying to Mexico from the US, try searching for flights to different airports in the same area, like flying into Cancun instead of Mexico City.
Look for Budget Airlines
Low-cost airlines tend to operate from regional or secondary airports, which often means cheaper airfare. In Mexico, consider budget airlines like Volaris, Aeroméxico, or VivaAerobus for regional options.
4. Consider Layovers
Not everyone likes layovers, but they can offer significant savings if you’re willing to wait a few hours.
When booking a flight to Mexico, sometimes a stopover in a third country—like the US or Canada—can result in a much cheaper fare. Plus, you might get to explore another city for a few hours!
Look for Free Stopovers
Some airlines allow free stopovers in hub cities. For example, consider flying with a North American carrier and taking advantage of a layover in the US, giving you some time to explore before continuing on to Mexico.
5. Use Airline Miles or Points
If you travel often or use a credit card that earns travel points, consider using your miles or points to reduce your airfare costs. You can sometimes score a free flight or at least a discount.
Also, check if the airlines have any promotions that allow you to upgrade using points. Even if you’re only discounting part of your flight, those savings add up.
Sign Up for Airline Loyalty Programs
Even if you don’t fly often, joining a frequent flyer program is free and can lead to some perks down the road. You might get priority boarding, baggage allowances, or even special discounts.
6. Book Directly with Airlines
While travel booking sites are super helpful, sometimes the best deals can be found directly through the airline’s own website. This is especially true for Mexican budget airlines like VivaAerobus or Volaris, which may not always show up on comparison tools.
Booking directly with an airline can also give you more flexibility with changing or canceling your flight. Plus, if you encounter any issues, it’s easier to deal with the airline than going through a third party.
Check for Airline Promotions
Airlines often run special promotions on their own websites, especially on holidays or during their anniversary sales. Keep an eye out for those to score better deals.
7. Don’t Forget to Clear Your Cookies
Ever notice how flight prices seem to jump after a few searches? Some people believe certain travel websites increase prices when they detect a user repeatedly searching the same flight.
To avoid this, clear your browser cookies or switch to incognito mode. This won’t guarantee price drops, but it might keep the price from increasing unexpectedly.
8. Consider Nearby Airports in Mexico
Flying into a smaller or less popular airport might save you money. For example, instead of flying into Mexico City, you could check nearby airports like Puebla.
If you’re going to the Yucatán region, instead of solely considering flights to Cancun, check options for Mérida or even Cozumel.
9. Be Aware of Seasonal Demand
Mexico is a popular destination year-round, but there are peak tourist seasons. Prices are typically higher during winter holidays, spring break, and the end of summer. If you can, avoid these times to save money.
The cheapest months to travel to Mexico tend to be during late summer and early fall, from August to mid-November. This is when you’ll find the best deals on both flights and accommodations.
Watch for Events
Besides holidays, many regions of Mexico host popular cultural events like Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in November or springtime festivals. Be aware of those dates, as flights may be pricier.
10. Avoid Extras and Fees
Budget airlines offer extremely cheap tickets, but they make up for it by charging for extras. Be careful about this. If you book a flight at a great price, check how much it costs for things like seat selection, checked luggage, or even carry-on bags.
Sometimes paying slightly more for a regular airline, like Aeroméxico, is better in the long run because they include many of these things in their ticket prices.
Pack Light
If you want to save the most, try to travel with only a carry-on. This will save you from those hidden baggage fees that budget airlines love to tack on.
Conclusion
Finding cheap flights to Mexico doesn’t have to be stressful. By booking at the right time, using comparison tools, considering layovers, and being flexible with your dates, you can easily score a great deal.
Just remember to be flexible and keep checking prices regularly. With the right planning, you’ll soon be enjoying your trip to Mexico without breaking the bank.
Leave a reply