I’ve flown into Los Cabos International more times than I can count, and the view of turquoise water on descent still gets me every time. After testing most of the airlines on this list myself, I can tell you the right carrier makes a big difference in how your trip starts. A bad connection or a delayed flight into SJD can eat into beach time you’re never getting back, and I’ve learned that the hard way more than once.
A lot has changed heading into 2026, especially with Southwest overhauling its entire fare and boarding structure. I put together this list of the best airlines to fly to Cabo based on what I’ve personally experienced and what’s worth your money right now. Here’s my honest take on each one.
What’s changed for Cabo flyers in 2026
The biggest shift is Southwest Airlines. The free checked bags, open seating, and EarlyBird Check-In that made them a Cabo favorite are all gone. They now charge for bags, use assigned seating, and offer a completely new fare structure. They still fly direct to Los Cabos from multiple cities and the no-change-fee policy remains, but the experience is fundamentally different. Alaska Airlines also merged its loyalty program with Hawaiian into Atmos Rewards and now earns across the oneworld alliance.
#1 tip to find cheap flights to Cabo
Want alerts on cheap flights to Cabo straight to your inbox? Sign up for Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), a membership-based service that finds huge discounts, mistake fares, and points and miles deals. Last year they helped me snag a roundtrip from Boston to Cabo for under $210, about 45% less than the going rate. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go.
There’s a free and a premium version and the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. I recommend signing up for the free trial to try it for yourself. And if you like it, use my code JON25 for 25% off your membership!
At a Glance: 10 Airlines Compared
| Airline | Hub | Loyalty Program |
|---|---|---|
| Aeromexico | Mexico City (MEX) | Club Premier — SkyTeam alliance benefits |
| United Airlines | Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | MileagePlus — flexible award program |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta (ATL) | SkyMiles — points never expire |
| Southwest Airlines | Dallas Love Field (DAL) | Rapid Rewards |
| Volaris | Mexico City (MEX) | v.club — points-based system |
| Qatar Airways | Hamad (DOH) | Privilege Club — miles and tier-based system |
| VivaAerobus | Monterrey (MTY) | Viva Points — simple earning system |
| JetBlue | New York JFK | TrueBlue — points-based system |
| Alaska Airlines | Seattle (SEA) | Atmos Rewards |
| American Airlines | Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) | AAdvantage — extensive partner network |
1. 🇲🇽 Aeromexico
- 🏠 Hub: Mexico City (MEX)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium, Business (Clase Premier)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Club Premier — SkyTeam alliance benefits with tier status
- ☕ Perks: Mexican hospitality, modern aircraft, excellent Mexico City connections, complimentary meals
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Connecting through Mexico City with Aeromexico often gives you access to lower fares to Cabo compared to nonstop routes. The layover is usually smooth, and you can sometimes score upgraded cabin classes at check-in for less than $100.
Aeromexico gets Cabo in a way that other airlines just can’t. It’s literally their backyard, and that shows in everything from crew knowledge to operational efficiency. Flying from New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and other major cities through Mexico City to Los Cabos. The airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 737 MAX aircraft are genuinely comfortable, and you’ll notice the vibe shift to vacation mode the moment you hear Spanish announcements and smell that subtle hint of Mexican hospitality.
The Premium cabin includes more legroom, priority boarding, and upgraded meals featuring actual Mexican flavors instead of the usual bland in-flight options. Clase Premier, their business class, includes lie-flat seating and regional cuisine, often with touches like mole or agave-based cocktails. Flight crews bring genuine energy and warmth, often offering suggestions for things to do in Cabo or sharing personal favorites.
Mexico City connections work brilliantly for Cabo travel since you’re already in the country and cultural mindset. Mexico City International has incredible food courts with authentic Mexican cuisine, decent shopping for last-minute beach gear, and lounges that don’t suck. The whole experience feels more integrated and less like you’re just passing through some random hub on your way to paradise.
Here, Club Premier members can build points quickly, especially when pairing Aeromexico flights with Delta or other SkyTeam partners. Elite status even adds perks like lounge access, faster check-in, and extra baggage allowance.
- Read next: Top Sights in Mexico City
- You may also like: Aeroméxico Clase Premier Guide
2. 🇺🇸 United Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Basic Economy, Economy, Premium Plus, Business, First Class (domestic)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus — flexible award program with Star Alliance benefits
- ☕ Perks: Polaris lounges, complimentary snacks, extensive route network, solid upgrade opportunities
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Choose seats near the front in Economy for faster transfers through Mexico City Airport.
United Airlines is one of the easiest and most consistent ways to get to Cabo, with direct flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, and Houston. You’ll fly on Boeing 737s or A320s, and the experience feels built for vacationers with laid-back crews, smooth boarding, and in-flight service that gets you into beach mode before you land.
Upgrading to Premium Plus is well worth it for longer routes. You’ll get more space, better meals, and the kind of small comforts that make travel feel less like a chore. First Class brings domestic luxury with priority services that actually help you spend more of your time relaxing in Cabo instead of navigating the airport shuffle.
Having multiple hubs across the country is what really makes United stand out. Whether you’re coming from the West Coast, Midwest, or East Coast, they offer direct or one-stop routes that are efficient and rarely involve backtracking. Polaris lounges in larger hubs are great spots to unwind pre-flight, with good food, fast WiFi, and a relaxed atmosphere.
MileagePlus offers solid redemption rates for popular destinations like Cabo, and saver awards tend to be more available here than with other carriers. Earning miles is easy with United and its Star Alliance partners, and elite members enjoy free bags and upgrade perks that make beach getaways feel even smoother.
3. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines
- 🏠 Hub: Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), New York JFK, Seattle (SEA)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Comfort+, Delta One (Business), First Class (domestic)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles — points never expire with SkyTeam alliance benefits
- ☕ Perks: Sky Clubs, complimentary snacks and beverages, reliable operations, premium customer service
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Delta’s same-day flight changes are often free for SkyMiles members. It’s helpful when Cabo’s weather delays your return and you need flexibility.
Delta makes getting to Cabo feel like a proper vacation from the start. Flights from hubs like Atlanta, Seattle, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and New York connect directly to Los Cabos, and their 737s and A321s are consistently clean and comfortable. The crews manage to be both professional and relaxed, which sets a good tone when you’re heading for the beach.
✈️ How I Fly for a Fraction of the Price (Even Business Class)
Airfare keeps climbing, but I almost never pay full price. Going.com emails me roundtrips to Europe for under $350. With Elite, you’ll even see business class to Europe for ~$1,700 (deals you won’t find on Google Flights).
Planning a big trip? Elite members save up to $2,000 on a single international business-class ticket. I’ve seen nonstop biz to Scotland for $1,250.
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👉 Try Going Elite free →Comfort+ is a solid upgrade if you’re bringing extra gear or just want space to stretch out. You’ll get priority boarding and complimentary drinks that make it feel like the trip starts as soon as you’re in the air. First Class is a smart choice for longer routes, offering extra space and a more relaxed experience that makes those early morning departures easier to handle.
The Sky Clubs are legitimately nice places to kill time before your Cabo flight, with food that doesn’t taste like cardboard and spaces designed for actual humans instead of cattle processing. Delta’s weather delay management is solid, which matters a lot when Cabo’s seasonal storms can mess with flight schedules and you’re working with limited vacation days.
SkyMiles are easy to earn and never expire, so you can plan future Cabo getaways without worrying about losing points. Flash sales sometimes include Mexico routes, making it a smart time to redeem miles. If you travel often, elite status perks like free bags and earlier boarding add up fast.
4. 🇺🇸 Southwest Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Dallas Love Field (DAL), Chicago Midway (MDW), Baltimore (BWI), Denver (DEN), Phoenix (PHX)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra (with standard, preferred, and extra legroom seats)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Rapid Rewards with no blackout dates
- ☕ Perks: No change fees, Companion Pass, direct Cabo service from multiple cities, complimentary snacks and drinks
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Booking with Rapid Rewards points lets you cancel anytime and get all your points back instantly. That kind of flexibility is hard to beat for Cabo trips where plans can shift.
Southwest flies direct to Los Cabos (SJD) from cities like Phoenix, Denver, Austin, Baltimore, Orange County, and Las Vegas. The fares are usually competitive with what you’d find on the legacy carriers. Their all-737 fleet handles the route well, and crews on Mexico-bound flights tend to bring solid vacation energy.
I need to be upfront about the big changes, because Southwest in 2026 is a very different airline than the one that built its reputation on free bags and open seating. The “Bags Fly Free” policy ended in May 2025, and checked bags now cost $45 for the first and $55 for the second on most fares. They switched to assigned seating in January 2026, so you pick your seat at booking instead of scrambling for a spot at the gate. EarlyBird Check-In is also gone, replaced by a new boarding group system tied to your fare type and status. If you’re an A-List Preferred member or buy a Choice Extra fare, you still get two free checked bags and extra legroom.
What keeps Southwest on this list is the flexibility and the loyalty program. No change fees means you can rebook without penalty if your Cabo plans shift, and Rapid Rewards points never expire with no blackout dates. The Companion Pass is still one of the best deals in travel for couples. Earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year and your designated person flies with you for just taxes and fees (from $5.60 one-way) for the rest of that year plus the entire next calendar year. On a destination like Cabo where you might be going two or three times a year, that savings adds up fast.
INSIDER TIP: I highly recommend signing up for Going(formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to find the best deals on Cabo flights. Their alerts have saved me thousands in a single year on flights alone. The premium version is 100% worth the money, but I would at least sign up for the free version to save big on airfare this year. And if you like it, use my code JON25 for 25% off your membership.
5. 🇲🇽 Volaris
- 🏠 Hub: Mexico City (MEX), Guadalajara (GDL), Tijuana (TIJ)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Vuela (Basic Economy), Vuela+ (with seat selection and carry-on), Vuela Premium (extra legroom)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: v.club — points-based system with status tiers and partner benefits
- ☕ Perks: Ultra-low base fares, frequent promotions, extensive Mexico network, family-friendly policies
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book during weekday sales and set price alerts for SJD routes. Deals often drop mid-week and disappear fast.
Honestly, Volaris might be the secret weapon for Cabo trips that nobody talks about enough. You’ll find flights from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, New York, and other US cities to Los Cabos (SJD) at prices that seem almost too good to be true. Flights use modern Airbus jets, and while you won’t get luxury, you’ll get there comfortably and for a lot less.
Despite being a budget airline, the planes are clean and modern, and the crews are actually friendly. Vuela+ gets you extras like seat selection and a carry-on without the nickel-and-diming. And Vuela Premium? Way more legroom than you’d expect for the price. The “Todo Incluido” option is clutch if you’re lugging beach gear or just a chronic overpacker.
In Volaris, sales happen frequently and the discounts are wild like roundtrip Cabo for the price of a nice dinner. This leaves you with actual money to spend on what matters: that beachfront massage, deep-sea fishing, or enough tacos to make you question your life choices. The customer service in both Spanish and English also means you can communicate however you’re most comfortable.
Building points through v.club happens faster than expected, plus their partnerships with Mexican hotels and tour companies can hook you up with ground deals once you’re in Cabo. It’s ideal for travelers who want maximum beach time for minimum flight cost, families stretching vacation budgets, or anyone who appreciates airlines that actually understand Mexican hospitality.
- Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Guadalajara
6. 🇶🇦 Qatar Airways
- 🏠 Hub: Hamad International Airport (DOH), Doha
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Qsuite), First Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Privilege Club — miles and tier-based system with Oneworld benefits
- ☕ Perks: Award-winning service, Qsuite business class, premium dining, extensive route network
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Qsuite if you’re flying as a couple. You can turn two seats into a double bed and turn the journey into part of the romantic escape.
Qatar Airways is for travelers who want their Cabo trip to feel luxurious long before the beach towels come out. It’s not the fastest route, but it’s easily one of the most memorable. Flights from cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. connect through Doha before heading to Los Cabos. With aircraft like the Boeing 787, A350, and 777, the journey feels more like a high-end retreat than a long-haul flight.
This isn’t your typical beach trip airline choice, and that’s exactly the point. Qsuite Business Class is genuinely revolutionary, boasting private suites with sliding doors that can transform into social areas or even double beds for couples. First Class also brings apartment-style luxury with shower access that lets you arrive in Cabo actually refreshed instead of looking like you’ve been traveling for 15 hours.
Long layover in Doha? Not a bad thing. Hamad International Airport is a destination in itself, with high-end shopping, fine dining, art installations, and sleeping pods. Instead of dreading the connection, you might actually start looking forward to the break. It turns what could be a tiring detour into a relaxing stopover.
The Privilege Club program helps offset the cost with miles and perks, and Oneworld status makes it even sweeter if you’re already a frequent flyer. This isn’t the everyday option for flying to Cabo, but it’s ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, or once-in-a-lifetime getaways where the journey is just as important as the destination.
7. 🇲🇽 VivaAerobus
- 🏠 Hub: Monterrey (MTY), Mexico City (MEX)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Viva (Basic Economy), Viva Plus (priority boarding and carry-on), Smart (extra legroom)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Viva Points — simple earning system with Mexican partner benefits
- ☕ Perks: Rock-bottom fares, frequent flash sales, Mexican market expertise, straightforward policies
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Tuesday flash sales. Cabo fares often drop below $150 roundtrip, but they disappear fast so set an alert or two.
VivaAerobus is what happens when low-cost flying meets common sense. You’ll find flights from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Houston, and Phoenix to Los Cabos for prices so low you might think it’s a mistake. It’s no-frills and unapologetic about it, but in a way that still feels welcoming. The airline flies Airbus A320s that are simple, clean, and efficient, making it a solid pick when you just want to get to the beach without draining your wallet.
Upgrading to Viva Plus makes a big difference if you’re carrying gear or want to skip the boarding chaos. Smart fares give you extra legroom, which helps on longer routes or if you’re just not a fan of cramped rows. What stands out most is how straightforward everything is. You know exactly what you’re paying for, and there’s no bait-and-switch when it comes to fees.
Budget travelers love Viva’s legendary Tuesday flash sales, and for good reason. These weekly drops can land you roundtrip flights to Cabo for less than the cost of a few takeout meals. The airline’s deep understanding of the Mexican travel market means flights are priced smartly around demand, especially during shoulder seasons.
If you fly around Mexico often, the Viva Points program isn’t flashy but adds up nicely. It also links with local hotels and rental services, making it easier to build an affordable getaway from the ground up.
- Read next: Cheap Flights from Austin
8. 🇺🇸 JetBlue
- 🏠 Hub: New York JFK, Boston (BOS), Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Blue (Economy), Blue Plus, Blue Extra, Mint (Business Class)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: TrueBlue — points-based system with family pooling options
- ☕ Perks: Free WiFi, live TV, extra legroom, complimentary snacks and drinks, even in economy
- 🧠 Pro Tip: JetBlue’s free WiFi actually works well enough to post your Cabo sunset photos in real-time – perfect for making friends back home jealous
JetBlue brings that “we actually care about your experience” energy to Cabo flights, which feels refreshing when most airlines treat beach destinations like cattle transport. Flying from New York, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, and Los Angeles to Los Cabos. The airline’s Airbus A320s and A321s come with that signature JetBlue extra legroom that doesn’t cost extra, plus free WiFi that actually works for staying connected or streaming shows during the flight.
Blue Economy already includes a lot that other airlines treat as upgrades. You get spacious seating, quality snacks, and a crew that feels genuinely happy to be there. Blue Extra gives you earlier boarding and even more room, while Mint offers lie-flat seats, elevated meals, and a quiet, premium experience on select long-haul routes. The onboard atmosphere feels relaxed and friendly, more like the beginning of a vacation than just another flight.
JetBlue also gets the entertainment side right. Every seat includes live TV and a good mix of movie options, which is especially helpful if you’re flying with kids or just want to pass the time without needing your own device. And with TrueBlue, you can pool points with family or friends, which makes planning group travel to Cabo a lot easier.
It’s the little things that make JetBlue stand out. You won’t pay a fee just to change your flight. Baggage rules are clear and fair. And if something goes wrong, customer service is quick to help without the usual runaround.
- Read next: Prettiest Places in Latin America
9. 🇺🇸 Alaska Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Portland (PDX), San Diego (SAN)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Premium Class, First Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Atmos Rewards (oneworld alliance, shared with Hawaiian Airlines)
- ☕ Perks: Strong West Coast coverage, friendly crews, competitive pricing, Companion Fare benefit
- 🧠 Pro Tip: The Alaska Airlines credit card includes an annual companion fare that gets a second person a roundtrip ticket for just $99 plus taxes and fees. For couples doing a Cabo trip, that alone can save you $300 or more.
Alaska Airlines is one of the best options for getting to Cabo from anywhere on the West Coast. Direct flights run from Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego to Los Cabos on Boeing 737s that feel more spacious than they should for a narrowbody. Fares usually sit between $220 and $420 roundtrip, and deals pop up regularly if you’re flexible on dates.
Main Cabin offers good legroom and service that feels a step above your average domestic flight. Premium Class adds extra space, early boarding, and complimentary drinks, which is a smart upgrade for a vacation flight. First Class on the longer routes brings wide seats and warm meals that I’ve consistently found to be better than what you’d get on Delta or United in the same cabin. Crews are friendly and professional, and Alaska’s on-time performance is one of the best in the industry.
Atmos Rewards replaced the old Mileage Plan in late 2025 when Alaska and Hawaiian merged under a single FAA certificate. The combined program covers both airlines and all oneworld partners in one account, and you can choose to earn points by distance, price paid, or segments flown. MVP status gets you early boarding and a free checked bag, while higher tiers include lounge access and upgrades that clear regularly. The annual Companion Fare on the Alaska Visa card is reason enough to hold it if you fly to Cabo even once a year.
10. 🇺🇸 American Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Miami (MIA), Phoenix (PHX), Philadelphia (PHL)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Premium Economy, Business, First Class (domestic)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage — extensive partner network with Oneworld alliance benefits
- ☕ Perks: Admirals Club access, complimentary snacks and drinks, strong Latin America network, frequent flyer benefits
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Return on a Saturday instead of Sunday to save big. Saturday flights are often over $200 cheaper since fewer people choose that return day.
American Airlines brings steady, reliable service to Cabo with decades of experience flying vacation routes to Mexico. Major hubs like Phoenix, Dallas, Miami, and Charlotte offer frequent connections to Los Cabos, with flights operated on Boeing 737s and A321s that are well-suited for the heat and coastal climate.
Cabin choices cover all the bases. Main Cabin includes snacks, drinks, and solid in-flight service that makes the few hours pass easily. Premium Economy adds more space and comfort for longer connections, while First Class on domestic transcontinental routes gives you priority boarding, room to stretch, and the kind of efficiency that gets you off the plane and onto the beach faster. Flying through Phoenix is especially smart if you’re already in the right time zone and don’t want jet lag cutting into your first margarita.
At larger hubs, Admirals Club lounges offer a quiet place to regroup before your flight, with better-than-average food and actual breathing room. American Airlines also benefits from deep experience flying to Latin America, which shows in the way they handle Mexico-bound operations.
The AAdvantage program holds up well for Cabo travel. Award redemptions are often reasonable, and Oneworld partners give you plenty of flexibility to earn or use miles. Here, Elite members get perks like free checked bags and the chance at upgrades, both of which come in handy for beach trips.
- Read next: Scott’s Cheap Flights Review
- Read more: How I Saved $7,500 on Flights This Year
Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
