Mexico overview
When is the best time to fly to Mexico?
Peak season:
The general peak season can vary depending on where exactly you are flying into, although generally it lasts from late December until Easter, and then again from late June to August, the national summer period. Expect cheap flights to Mexico very difficult to find during any of these months without planning well in advance. Easter and Christmas are very expensive times to visit and you can expect accommodation to rise dramatically and the cost of flight tickets will increase drastically, so you’ll need to secure your flights to Mexico as early as you can to make a saving. One of the most famous festivals is the Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, on the 1st and 2nd of November. If you can be in Mexico for it you’ll be in for an amazing celebration, but don’t expect to find cheap flight tickets for the occasion. Every July there is the Fiesta del Virgen del Carmen, which features music and dance throughout the country, especially in Mexico City. 46 days before Easter will always be the start of the Carnaval which is a five-day festival. This shouldn’t be missed if you are in Mexico already.
Off season:
The day after Easter to the middle of December is generally classed as the off season, with the exception of June, July and August. Prices can drop by up to 50% depending on how early you secure your flight tickets and where in Mexico you are flying to, so if you want to make a saving and find the cheapest flights to Mexico, then plan ahead and avoid the summer.
When is the best time to book a flight to Mexico?
The earlier you can secure your flight tickets, the more money you will save. On average, you’ll usually be able to find the cheapest flight tickets to Cancun, especially outside of the peak season. Try to have your flights to Mexico booked three or four months prior to when you actually want to travel to have the best chance of finding good deals on flight tickets. Flexibility is also key when looking for the cheapest flights to Mexico, so if you’re not fixed on a week in the summer or a period during a festival, then you’ll increase your chances of saving money. If you fly into Cancun and the weather is on your side, then aim to sit on the left hand side for stunning views as you land.
How long is the flight to Mexico?
Flights from London to Mexico City, Mexico: 11 hours 35 minutes.
Flights from Manchester to Cancun, Mexico: 10 hours 30 minutes.
Flights from Birmingham to Mexico City, Mexico: 13 hours 35 minutes.
Flights from Glasgow to Cancun, Mexico: 13 hours 40 minutes.
Which airlines operate flights to Mexico?
There are several different airlines that provide cheap flights to Mexico, however the major players are British Airways, Aeromexico, American Airlines and Iberia. Deciding which airline is best for you will vary on either the price, preference, or whether you are a loyalty member. British Airways for example not only provide complimentary food and drinks onboard their flights to Mexico, but you can also become a Business Executive member for free and start earning ‘Avios’. These are points that you can redeem on flight tickets in the future. Once you’ve decided where exactly in Mexico you are hoping to visit, you can start to narrow down your airlines and see who offers you the best value for money for your flight tickets.
How to get from the airport to the city centre?
Mexico City International Airport:
The airport in Mexico City is around 13km east of the city itself and there are a couple of options to help you get there. The most popular option for many tourists is to get a train. The station is just over the other side of the car park. Just jump onto line 5 at the airport, stay on until you get to Pantitlan where you’ll want to change to line 1, and then get off at Insurgentes (which is where you’ll want to be if you’re after the centre of the city.) Buses are a little harder to find as there are no bus services at the airport itself. You can organize transport through private companies, but this is best to arrange before your flights to Mexico. Finally you can jump in a taxi. There are many scams that go on regarding taxis, and it’s definitely worth pre-paying for one at the Transportacion Terrestre booth next to baggage reclaim. Once in your taxi, make sure you lock your doors.
Cancun International Airport:
There is no train service from Cancun so the next best option is the bus. There are several public buses ran by company ADO and they run at regular times throughout the day. Once you’ve booked your flights to Mexico and you’re looking into accommodation, it’s worth seeing if any hotels provide transfers, as this will save you time and put your mind at ease. Avoid anyone approaching you to get into a taxi as it is illegal for regular taxis to pick up passengers from the airport. There are also many scams that occur, so if you decide to get a taxi, only use authorized transportation companies.