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Dreaming of watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, or relaxing on white sand beaches? Cancun, Mexico is a bucket list destination for many, but getting there can be pricey. Though what if I told you that a trip to Cancun could be more affordable than you think?
In this guide, I’ll share my expert tips to fly to Cancun for cheap in 2024. These tips come from personal experience and countless hours of travel hacking. From using budget airlines to downloading the right tools, these strategies will help you save hundreds on airfare.
Ready to learn how to make your dream trip to Cancun affordable and easy to plan? Let’s dive into these tips and hacks to save you time, money, and hassle while flying to Cancun.
For the past 4+ years, Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) has been my secret weapon for finding discounted airfare. This service has saved me between $5-10k per year, as well as countless hours planning and researching airfare.
How does it work? Going is a membership site and app that helps you find cheap flights from nearly 200 airports in the US. Subscribe to their alerts (via email or app) and you’ll get notified when deals become available. This includes Mistake Fares and points and miles deals that you won’t find elsewhere.
There are three membership levels: Limited, Premium, and Elite. The free version (limited) is decent for finding deals within the continental US. But if you’re eyeing flights to Cancun, the Premium version at $49 per year is what you’ll need. Trust me, just one booked flight will pay the fee many times over. I even have a code, JON20, for a 20% discount if you decide to upgrade after trying the free trial.
Are you looking for flights to Cancun in business class? Then I recommend upgrading to the Elite version. At $199 per year, the service offers incredible discounts on business and first class tickets. Last year, I saved $2.5k on business class flights thanks to Going!
In all, Going.com Premium is a valuable tool for finding discounted airfare to Cancun. Sign up, and start getting those deal alerts. You’ll thank me later!
2. Fly with the Right Airline to Save Big
Flying to Cancun doesn’t need to be expensive. One strategy that has served me well over the years is choosing the right airline. If you know where to look, you can save $200+ roundtrip by avoiding the mainstream carriers. Sure, you can fly with an airline like Spirit, but these tips will focus on other airlines you should know about.
- Volaris: This budget-friendly Mexican airline frequently offers great deals on flights to Cancun. They’re particularly good if you’re flying from major US cities like Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, and Dallas. While they offer no-frills service, the savings are worth considering if you’re on a budget.
- Southwest Airlines: Southwest offers affordable flights from various US cities to Cancun. It also has a generous baggage policy, allowing two free checked bags per passenger. This can save you a lot if you’re planning a longer trip. I recently found a $250 one-way deal from BWI to Cancun in December 2024.
- Mix and Match: For a mix-and-match strategy, consider flying a budget airline to a major hub like Miami or Houston, then catching a connecting flight to Cancun. This approach can often save you significant money compared to booking a single direct flight. For example, you might find a cheap Spirit Airlines flight to Chicago and then a low-cost Volaris flight to Cancun.
3. Book Flights from Cheaper Departure Airports
Finding a good deal on flights to Cancun comes down to selecting the right departure or connecting airport. Here’s how choosing specific airports can lead to some serious savings:
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): As a hub for budget airlines like Spirit and JetBlue, FLL often offers some of the most competitive fares to Cancun. Travelers can often find round-trip tickets for as low as $200-300, especially during sales.
- Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): This is another major hub with frequent deals to Cancun. Both United Airlines and Southwest operate numerous flights from here, and you can often snag tickets for under $400 roundtrip.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): With a high volume of flights to Cancun, LAX is a great option for finding deals. Airlines like Delta, American, and Volaris regularly offer promotions, making it possible to find round-trip fares around $300-400.
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): Chicago is another excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. Both United and American Airlines frequently offer competitive prices. You can often find round-trip flights ranging from $350 to $450.
Other airports with cheap flight deals are found in this guide. By focusing on these departure airports, you can significantly reduce your flight costs to Cancun. Again, Going.com makes it easy to set up departure airports, so I recommend signing up to simplify the process. This strategy has saved me thousands of dollars, and it can do the same for you!
4. Sign Up for Airline Miles Programs
Using airline mileage programs can greatly reduce the cost of your Cancun flights. Let’s explore the advantages of different airline mileage programs and how they can help you secure affordable tickets.
American Airlines AAdvantage
American Airlines AAdvantage is one of the best programs for flights to Cancun. With numerous flights from major US cities, you can often find award tickets for as low as 12,500 miles one-way.
I recommend signing up for an AAdvantage credit card with Citi to earn 70,000 miles after $2,500 in purchases the first 3 months. Their credit card offers generous sign-up bonuses that can quickly add up to free flights.
Delta SkyMiles
Delta’s SkyMiles program is flexible with no blackout dates and miles that never expire. Hubs like Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles give you solid options for flights to Cancun. SkyMiles members enjoy priority boarding and seat selection.
I recommend signing up for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card to take advantage of its benefits and sign-up bonus. The current offer is 80,000 bonus miles after $3k in purchases within the first 6 months. This equates to roughly 3 free flights to Cancun from many US airports.
United MileagePlus
United MileagePlus is great for those who fly frequently with United and its Star Alliance partners. With hubs in Chicago, Houston, and Newark, you’re well-covered for Cancun routes. Benefits include priority boarding and access to Economy Plus seats.
In my opinion, all three programs offer great value, especially if you travel frequently. Signing up for these programs is free, and the miles can accumulate quickly through flights, credit card bonuses, and shopping portals. Again- I highly recommend signing up for Going Premium to see each airline’s Miles and Points deals.
5. Book Your Flight to Cancun During Off-Peak Times
Timing is key when it comes to finding cheap flights to Cancun. Booking during off-peak times can save you a ton of money and help you escape the crowds.
Cancun’s peak tourist season is from December to April, coinciding with winter holidays and spring break. While the weather is perfect during this time, it’s also the most expensive period to fly.
To find the cheapest flights to Cancun, aim for the shoulder seasons – late April to early June and late August to mid-October. During these months, you can also find some great deals on accommodations.
For Cancun specifically, traveling in the off-season, such as September or early December, can yield even better deals. Just be aware that hurricane season is from June to November, so if you’re willing to take the risk, major savings can be achieved. Sure, it might be a bit rainier, but Cancun’s beauty shines year-round, and you’ll enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
When it comes to booking your tickets, aim to book about 3-6 months in advance. Airlines often release their cheapest seats around this time, and you can catch sales and promotions. Booking mid-week flights (like Tuesday or Wednesday) can also help you snag lower fares. Avoid booking on weekends when most people are searching for flights.
6. Bonus Tip: Fly Into Cozumel Instead of Cancun
Having trouble finding cheap flights to Cancun? I recommend focusing your search on Cozumel instead. I did this a couple of years ago and I saved over $200 roundtrip. The journey from Cozumel to Cancun involves a beautiful ferry ride and a scenic drive, adding a unique experience to your trip.
Here’s how to do this: Once you fly into Cozumel International Airport (CZM), take a ferry to Playa del Carmen (about 45 minutes). There are two main ferry operators, Ultramar and Winjet. Then, take a bus to Cancun with ADO (another 1 hour). The total commute from Cozumel to Cancun should take under 2 hours and cost between $20-$30. Alternatively, you can pay extra for a taxi, but that would likely offset much of the savings from the discounted flight.
If you decide to fly into Cozumel, consider spending a night or two in Cozumel for a different beach experience. Cozumel is famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
Lastly, if flying into Cozumel doesn’t work for you, another great alternative is the newly opened Tulum International Airport (TUY). This new airport offers competitive flight deals and a convenient gateway to the Riviera Maya, including Cancun.
- Pro Tip: To avoid having to spend hours researching cheap flights to Cancun, I recommend signing up for Going Premium. While the free version is great for continental US economy deals, the Premium version is what you’ll need to find best-value flights to Mexico, including credit card points and airline mile deals.
