Temperatures are plummeting across the U.S as a massive winter storm sweeps the country – in fact, where I sit, it's -10 degrees Fahrenheit. This is not OK. We all need a tropical getaway to look forward to, preferably on the cheap.
You're in luck: Cheap flights to Mexico are in store for a trip in 2023. In the last few months alone, we've sent our Thrifty Traveler Premium members nearly a dozen different flight deals to Mexico, with prices as low as just $198…roundtrip!
Whether you're aiming for the beaches of Cancún or Puerto Vallarta, want a cultural escape to the metropolis of Mexico City, or want to explore somewhere off the beaten path, there's a cheap fare to get you somewhere to enjoy Mexico's 80-plus degree temperatures this winter.
Cancún, Cabo & Puerto Vallarta
You want to be on a beach right now. Luckily, Mexico has some of the best in the world and plenty of destinations to choose from.
Cancún is practically synonymous with a trip south of the border, and for good reason. It boasts endless sunny beaches and beautiful resorts that will make you feel pampered on your visit. You can go beyond Cancún itself and explore great cities nearby like Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulúm, or even Isla Mujeres.
Plus, when it comes to cheap fares, Cancún (CUN) reigns supreme in Mexico. Just look at this….
We sent out this delightful fare to our Thrifty Traveler Premium members this month. It included some eye-popping fares down to Cancún through peak winter when a Mexican beach is just what you'll need.
In the past, we've seen sub-$200 fares to Cancún, including as low as $197 roundtrip from Minneapolis. Here's proof!
This unbelievable fare is gone now – get the next amazingly cheap flight to Mexico sent straight to your inbox with Thrifty Traveler Premium!
And as we've seen cash prices to Cancún tumble, we've also seen some astonishing deals using your Delta SkyMiles to fly to Mexico for nearly free. This unbelievable Delta SkyMiles flash sale could get you to the beach and back this winter for just 11,000 SkyMiles roundtrip!
Only our Thrifty Traveler Premium+ members get discounted SkyMiles deals and other award alerts like this!
Once you get there, we think you'd love a stay at the new Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancún – near Puerto Morelos, too. What's better than pairing a dirt-cheap flight with an all-inclusive resort you can book using points? Nothing.
But on Mexico's western coast, you'll find two equally popular seaside getaways: Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Cabo (SJD). And lucky you, flights to both destinations can be cheap, too.
Just last week, we unearthed jaw-dropping fares for a winter trip to either city for $300 or even less.
That includes this dirt-cheap flight from Los Angeles (LAX) down to Cabo San Lucas for just $220. That's less than most domestic flights!
Aiming for Puerto Vallarta instead? We found a slew of nonstop Delta fares to get there this winter, including this outstanding deal from Seattle (SEA) for just $333 roundtrip!
Cheap Flights to Cozumel, Too
Just off the coast of Cancún, Cozumel is often overlooked as a phenomenal Mexican destination. Let's change that.
Scuba and snorkeling fanatics have known about the island off the Yucatan Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico for years, but it's just as attractive as a destination for everyday beach-goers and sun-seekers, too. Think it's expensive to get there? Think again: The flight deals for a trip in 2023 have been plentiful!
Just this week, we found a stunning deal straight to the island for as low as $284 roundtrip this winter!
That included a chance for our Thrifty Traveler Premium members looking to escape the single-digit temperature of Chicago for less just 319!
But we've seen prices get even lower from the Midwest, including this jaw-dropper from Minneapolis at less than $300 roundtrip!
This fare from Minneapolis (MSP) to Cozumel (CZM) for just $289 roundtrip was sent to Thrifty Traveler Premium subscribers a few months ago, so it's gone now. Make sure you're prepared to book the next one!
Mexico City
If the resort towns or the places you always see on Instagram don't interest you, there's plenty more to see and do throughout Mexico. Why not start with the biggest city in North America?
Our team has a pretty convincing argument about why you need to see this great world city. For starters, it's a true foodie's paradise. Another good reason? Cheap flights like this one.
This flight deal featured a ton of great nonstop fares between $245 and $398 to the Mexican capital from all over the United States.
But there's also a great way you can fly to Mexico City using some points and miles, too.
Here's what that looks like in fare form. Keep in mind that this deal, sent only to our Thrifty Traveler Premium+ members, relies taking advantage of a sweet 30% transfer bonus from Amex to Virgin Atlantic.
Bottom Line
If you need tropical getaway to look forward to without breaking the bank, Mexico is your best bet. We just keep finding dirt-cheap fares down south for the winter and beyond.
Whether it's a food and architecture tour in Mexico City or a scuba diving trip to Cozumel, Mexico has something for you this winter and beyond. And with the recent trend of airfare down south as low as $200 roundtrip, it can be cheaper than your quick trip to Chicago or Denver.
Cheap Flights to Mexico FAQs
Which airlines fly to Mexico?
Airlines that fly to Mexico direct include Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Frontier, Spirit, Sun Country, Swoop, WestJet, and more.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Mexico?
While not always true, on average the month with the cheapest flights to Mexico is August. The peak season tends to be January, November, and December. However, you can find cheap flights to Mexico any time of year, including peak season, if you are signed up for cheap flight alerts.
What is the cheapest day to fly to Mexico?
There is no cheapest day to book flights to Mexico, or anywhere for that matter. This is a common myth about air travel – you can learn more about why there aren't really any cheapest days to book flights. However, the cheapest days to fly anywhere are typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays.
What is the cheapest airport to fly to Mexico?
Some of the cheapest airports to fly to Mexico non-stop from are:
- Cancún
- Puerto Vallarta
- Cabo San Lucas
- Mexico City
- Cozumel
Merida. What a wonderful city plus it feels as safe as any place we’ve been in Mexico.
We are not into hanging out at the beach sites. We prefer the old colonial cities. Some
others are a tad more interesting than Merida but it is truly an old colonial city and easy to
get to if you fly into Cancun by taking a bus from the Cancun bus station to Merida.
There’s much to see in Merida in the way of churches and museums plus there is a more
modern side for shopping. It’s a large city so there are plenty of places to stay and dine.
In addition it’s easy to get to other old towns like Valladolid and Campeche. Merida is
also very close to the ancient ruins at Chichen Itza and Uxmal. The ruins at Uxmal are
just about as great as Chichen Itza plus they are not crowded.
Love it, Lowell. We haven’t yet visited Merida and it’s on our short list. Over the weekend we were discussing a Thrifty Traveler retreat there later this year. The airbnb options are fantastic for larger groups.