If you haven’t heard, air travel from the U.S to Mexico is about to be more accessible than ever! On August 21st after four years of negotiations, an agreement between the U.S. and Mexico took effect to drop restrictions on the number of airlines that can fly between the two countries. The U.S. State Department’s Secretary for Transportation commented that airlines on both sides of the border will now be able to fly whatever routes they want, as often as they want, and set their own prices. When airlines can set their own prices, it increases competition resulting in potentially lower airfare for travelers. The previous agreement limited routes to two or three airlines from each country which heavily drove up taxes and ticket prices.
Unfortunately, the agreement does not lax limits on takeoffs and landings at Mexico City’s busy international airport (MEX), so the first new flights will focus on resort towns in Mexico.
Airlines have already jumped on the opportunity to expand, announcing several new flights.
Los Angeles, CA to Los Cabos –
Starting in December, both Southwest and Delta will start daily nonstop service between LAX and SJD.
Los Angeles, CA to Cancun –
Starting December 4th, Southwest will fly nonstop daily LAX to CUN. They will also have flights with Funjet Vacations February 1st through December 31, 2017.
Starting December 15th, American Airlines will operate new daily direct flights between LAX and CUN (AA1369/AA1370)
Los Angeles, CA to Puerto Vallarta-Nayarit –
Starting December 4th, Southwest will fly nonstop daily LAX to PVR. They will also have flights with Funjet Vacations February 1st through December 31, 2017.
Beginning on December 15th, American Airlines will operate new daily direct flights between LAX and PVR (AA1135/AA1136).
Mexican air carrier, Interjet, is waiting on approval for a new flight between LAX an PVR and hopes to confirm soon.
Oakland, CA to Puerto Vallarta-Nayarit –
Southwest Airlines has announced a new daily direct flight from OAK to PVR, improving connectivity between San Francisco Bay and Vallarta-Nayarit. The flight will be seasonal from February 12th through April 24th.
Oakland, CA to Los Cabos –
Southwest Airlines has announced a new daily direct flight from OAK to SJD beginning February 12th.
Miami, FL to Merida –
Beginning on November 4th, American Airlines will offer flights between MIA and MID five times a week.
New York to Cancun –
Starting December 17th, Delta will start daily nonstop service between JFK and CUN, competing with American, AeroMexico, and JetBlue.
Kansas City, MO to Cancun –
Startind December 17th, Delta will begin service to CUN from KCI nonstop on Saturdays.
Note: Many routes are currently under government approval, but are still taking reservations. Fares have been found for as low as $258 USD.
