Top 10 Airlines to Fly to Cancun, Mexico in 2025

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Planning a trip to Cancun? 🌞 With stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and endless adventure options, this Mexican hotspot is a dream destination. Having flown to Cancun three times myself, I’ve perfected the art of finding the best deals and top-flight experiences.

For this 2025 guide, I evaluated key criteria like airfare value, in-flight comfort, entertainment options, and the ease of connections. Plus, I analyzed flights from 75 major airports across North America and Europe to make sure you’re getting the best options no matter where you’re flying from.

From budget-friendly picks to premium choices, these top 10 airlines offer everything you need for a smooth, enjoyable journey to Cancun. Ready to take off? Here’s the ultimate guide to flying to Mexico’s paradise coast. 🌴✈️

Quick tip on how to find cheap flights to Cancun

For the past 5+ years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! Last year, I saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $197 roundtrip fare from Boston to Cancun.

There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot every year, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. In my experience, you’ll get your money back after finding just one discounted flight! As such, I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, be sure to use my coupon code JON25 to save 25%!

Now without further ado, here are the best Cancun flights in 2025.

1. 🇺🇸 Southwest Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Multiple US hubs including Baltimore (BWI), Houston (HOU), Orlando (MCO)
• 💺 Cabin Options: One class with open seating
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Rapid Rewards – independent
• ☕ Perks: Two free checked bags, no change fees, direct flights from numerous US cities
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Early Bird Check-In for just $15-25 to secure A-list boarding and snag the best seats on full Cancun flights.

Southwest has mastered the art of making Cancun trips surprisingly painless with their straightforward approach that actually works. They fly direct from dozens of US cities to Mexico’s vacation capital, letting you skip the usual connection nightmare that turns a 2-hour journey into an all-day affair.

The two free checked bags alone justify flying Southwest for beach trips. You’re saving $120+ roundtrip compared to most airlines, which basically covers your taxi to the resort and first few margaritas. No change fees means if your Cancun weather looks dicey or you decide to extend your stay because leaving paradise is hard, you won’t pay a penalty for being flexible.

Southwest’s open-seating system might seem chaotic at first, but it actually works better than you’d think. For $15-25, Early Bird Check-In guarantees you board early enough to grab window and aisle seats, avoiding that dreaded middle seat on the way back when everyone’s sunburned and grumpy. Families get to board after Group A, which means parents with small kids can sit together without paying extra fees that other airlines love to charge.

The best part about Southwest’s Rapid Rewards for Cancun trips? Points don’t expire, there are no blackout dates, and you can actually use them when you want to fly. They also offer a Companion Pass (earned through their credit cards), which is basically free vacations for partners, and they frequently run sales on Mexico routes. 

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2. 🇺🇸 JetBlue Airways

• 🏠 Hub: New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Core (Economy), Even More Space, Mint (Business)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: TrueBlue – independent (partners with American Airlines)
• ☕ Perks: Most legroom in coach, free high-speed WiFi, unlimited snacks
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Go for the Mint Business Class to Cancun for an experience comparable to international first class at a fraction of the price.

JetBlue has taken cheap Cancun flights from typical cattle-car experiences to something you might actually enjoy. Their service to the Caribbean’s most popular beach destination feels more like a mini-vacation starter than just transportation, with perks that kick in before you even land.

The legroom situation alone sets them apart for Cancun routes. In fact, Jetblue’s standard “Core” seats give you an extra 2-3 inches compared to competitors, which makes a real difference when you’re crammed with beachgoers headed to all-inclusives. The personal screens at every seat stream free Entertainment content plus live TV (perfect for keeping kids occupied), and the WiFi actually works well enough to make your followers jealous with mid-flight vacation photos.

For those willing to splurge, Jetblue’s Mint Business Class to Cancun is borderline ridiculous in the best way. You get your own private suite with a door that closes, a bed that fully reclines, and dining that would cost $100+ at restaurants in Cancun. It’s the kind of luxury you’d expect flying international first class but for a fraction of the cost.

The unlimited free snacks and drinks (including brand-name options) mean you won’t have to choose between staying hydrated and paying airport prices. Meanwhile, TrueBlue points are refreshingly simple—no blackout dates, no expiration, and points you can actually use when everyone’s traveling to Cancun during spring break.

3. 🇺🇸 United Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Houston (IAH), Chicago (ORD), Newark (EWR), Denver (DEN)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, Polaris Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus – part of Star Alliance
• ☕ Perks: Most frequent service to Cancun, extensive global connections, upgraded fleet
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book connections through Houston for the best timing to Cancun.

United dominates the Cancun route map with more daily flights than anyone else, turning what could be a logistical headache into surprisingly smooth connections from across the US. Their massive network means you’ve probably got a direct flight or easy one-stop option no matter where you’re starting from.

United’s Houston hub works particularly well for Cancun trips. The flights are timed so morning departures land early enough for resort check-in, while returning passengers can catch late afternoon flights that let you soak up those final hours of sunshine. The terminal itself is laid out efficiently, and since United owns the operation, connection times actually work as promised.

Flights to Cancun have gotten a serious upgrade lately with their newer Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus planes that feature seats with enough padding that your back won’t hate you after three hours, power outlets that actually charge your devices, and entertainment systems that don’t freeze halfway through a movie. Premium Plus also creates a sweet spot for Mexico trips with wider seats, better food, and priority services without the full business class price tag.

Where United really delivers is consistency. Their on-time performance beats many competitors, which matters when every extra hour on the beach counts. Meanwhile, the MileagePlus offers fair redemption rates for Mexico and, thanks to their Copa partnership, gives you easy access to other Central American destinations too. 

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4. 🇺🇸 American Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Miami (MIA), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Phoenix (PHX)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy, Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage – part of Oneworld
• ☕ Perks: Extensive route network, competitive pricing, improved inflight experience
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Miami connections for the shortest flight time to Cancun, just 1.5 hours gate-to-gate, and often the cheapest route due to intense competition.

American Airlines has been running flights to Cancun since long before it was a spring break staple, and it shows. They offer more direct routes than any other carrier, which turns the planning process into a no-brainer—less guesswork, more guaranteed beach time.

The Miami route is a standout. That short flight barely gives you enough time to sip a drink before the Yucatán coastline comes into view. With so many carriers fighting for this route, fares stay competitive, often undercutting others by $100 or more. So if you’re looking to maximize your time in the sun without paying a premium, this is the connection to beat.

Fleet updates on these routes mean you’re likely flying on newer Boeing 737s with fresher interiors. The Main Cabin Extra gives you early boarding and extra legroom for a reasonable fee, which is definitely worth it when you’re flying alongside wedding parties or college groups. On select flights, Premium Economy brings more space, upgraded meals, and a quieter cabin that feels closer to Business Class without the price tag.

Frequent Cancun travelers get solid value from the AAdvantage program. Off-peak awards start at 15,000 miles, and the airline often bundles airfare with resort stays, transfers, or even car rentals through their travel partners. 

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5. 🇨🇦 Air Canada

• 🏠 Hub: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Montreal (YUL)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class (Signature)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Aeroplan – part of Star Alliance
• ☕ Perks: Winter escape for Canadians, bilingual service, reliable operations
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Premium Economy for Cancun routes as it’s often only $200-300 more than Regular Economy and includes significantly better seats, priority everything, and enhanced dining that transforms the 5+ hour journey.

Air Canada has become the airline of choice for Canadians fleeing the cold in search of Caribbean sun. With frequent service from cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary, their schedules are clearly designed for vacationers. Morning flights get you to the resort by lunch, and return legs leave late enough to soak in that final swim.

The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft serving this route are more comfortable than you might expect. Economy seats come with adjustable headrests that stay put, USB ports that actually charge your phone, and solid legroom for the flight south. Premium Economy adds a real layer of comfort. Think wider seats, more recline, better food served with metal cutlery, and early boarding that’s especially handy when overhead bins fill up fast.

The bilingual service makes a real difference. With crew fluent in English, French, and often Spanish, you’re more likely to feel supported from takeoff to touchdown, especially helpful if it’s your first time navigating Mexico. Air Canada’s solid track record for punctuality also means you’re less likely to miss check-in or that first sunset cocktail.

The Aeroplan program is a quiet win here. With regular points promos and easy transfers from Canadian credit cards, it’s not hard to score discounted flights even in Premium or Business. 

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6. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines

• 🏠 Hub: Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, Premium Select, Delta One (Business)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles – part of SkyTeam
• ☕ Perks: Best operational reliability, excellent safety record, superior lounges
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Delta’s Atlanta connections for the newest aircraft to Cancun. These aircraft have better features.

Delta has earned its reputation as Cancun’s most reliable carrier with on-time stats that consistently shame the competition. While they might not always be the cheapest option, you’re far less likely to spend your vacation explaining to resort staff why your flight was delayed/cancelled/mysteriously disappeared.

The Atlanta hub creates seamless Cancun connections with timing that works for real humans rather than airline schedulers. Many routes feature their newer A321s with better cabin pressure systems that help you arrive feeling less like a dried jalapeño after crossing time zones. Comfort+ seats deliver extra legroom and dedicated bin space for just $50-75 extra each way, a small price for not playing overhead compartment roulette on overbooked flights.

Delta’s ground game in Mexico is also strong. From priority check-in counters at CUN to partnerships that speed you through customs, it all feels streamlined. Back in the States, Sky Club lounges offer a much-needed reset with snacks, drinks, and even showers for longer layovers.

The Delta app is another major win here as it lets you track bags in real time and handle rebooking before gate agents even announce a delay. For travelers with pets, Delta is one of the few major carriers with a pet-friendly policy that aligns with Cancun’s many dog-welcoming resorts. 

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7. 🇲🇽 Aeromexico

• 🏠 Hub: Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, AM Plus, Clase Premier (Business)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Club Premier – part of SkyTeam
• ☕ Perks: Local expertise, cultural connection, extensive Mexico network
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Sign up for Aeromexico’s fare alerts and Club Premier promotions to get early access to sales and promos.

Aeromexico adds a distinctly Mexican touch to your Cancun trip, starting the vacation vibe before you even leave the gate. As Mexico’s national airline, their crew knows the ins and outs of the country’s busiest airports, including how to fast-track through customs and immigration where it counts.

Service on board leans into warm hospitality. The bilingual crew flows effortlessly between English and Spanish, and snack service actually feels regional. Think spicy peanuts and authentic cookies instead of the usual bland fare. Whether you’re heading to Cancun or connecting onward to other Mexican beach towns, their staff knows how to get you there without the guesswork.

Flights to Cancun typically use newer Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which come with personal entertainment screens and USB power in every seat. AM Plus offers more legroom and early boarding without breaking the bank, while Clase Premier Business Class includes recliner or lie-flat seats depending on the route. This is great if you’re coming in from a longer flight like Los Angeles or New York.

Club Premier is especially handy for domestic travel within Mexico. Redemptions require fewer miles than many foreign programs, and their hotel and car rental partners often include local gems that international sites miss. 

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8. 🇬🇧 British Airways

• 🏠 Hub: London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus), Business (Club World)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Executive Club (Avios) – part of Oneworld
• ☕ Perks: Codeshares with major airlines, London stopover options, competitive premium pricing
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Check for British Airways “Part Pay with Avios” offers. You can use as few as 1,000 Avios to reduce the cash cost of Cancun flights, making even paid tickets more affordable without draining your points balance.

British Airways might not fly to Cancun themselves, but their loyalty program opens up surprisingly valuable routes through Oneworld partners. Thanks to close ties with American Airlines, you can use Avios for direct flights from the US to Cancun, often at better rates than you’d get using miles from American’s own program.

What makes it work is the distance-based pricing. Flights from East Coast cities like Miami or Charlotte can be booked for as little as 7,500 Avios one-way during off-peak dates. Even connections from the West Coast or Midwest usually top out at 20,000 points, which is a solid deal for anyone used to sky-high redemption rates elsewhere.

For travelers starting in the UK or Europe, BA’s hub in London makes a convenient launching point. You can route through partner hubs like Dallas or Miami, with baggage checked all the way through and access to lounges if you’ve got elite status or a premium ticket. Stopovers in London are easy to add if you want to mix a bit of city sightseeing into your beach trip.

Between generous transfer bonuses from major credit card programs and frequent off-peak discounts, the Executive Club offers more flexibility than many people expect.

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9. 🇩🇪 Lufthansa

• 🏠 Hub: Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles & More – part of Star Alliance
• ☕ Perks: European connections, Star Alliance benefits, reliable operations
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Multi-City tickets combining European destinations with Cancun through Lufthansa’s integrated Star Alliance network, often cheaper than separate bookings.

Lufthansa is a favorite among European travelers heading to Cancun, especially for those who want to tag on a few days in cities like Paris, Rome, or Barcelona before hitting the beach. Their hubs in Frankfurt and Munich are well-connected and known for efficient transfers, making international layovers feel far less stressful than at some larger airports.

One big win is how well their flights mesh with other Star Alliance carriers. You can easily combine destinations, like flying into Cancun, out of Mexico City, and stopping in a European city along the way. The whole process stays under one itinerary, which means better baggage handling and fewer headaches if there’s a delay.

The aircraft flying these routes often include upgraded cabins, especially in Premium Economy and Business Class, where you’ll get more personal space and better meal service than many competitors. Also in Economy, the seating is comfortable enough for a transatlantic flight, with entertainment systems that are newer and rarely glitchy.

Frequent flyers will find solid value through the Miles & More program. Redemption rates are often lower than what you’d pay using miles from US-based carriers, especially when you include a stopover in Europe. 

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10. 🇫🇷 Air France

• 🏠 Hub: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue – part of SkyTeam
• ☕ Perks: Stylish European gateway, cultural connections, excellent premium cabins
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Use the Flying Blue “Promo Awards” feature, which frequently includes Aeromexico flights to Cancun at up to 50% off standard redemption rates.

Air France offers a polished and culturally rich route to Cancun, giving travelers the chance to pair Caribbean beaches with a Parisian stopover. Thanks to their strong partnership with Aeromexico, it’s easy to fly from Paris to Mexico City, then connect smoothly on to the Yucatán.

What sets this journey apart is the opportunity to enjoy France’s capital before hitting the beach. Whether you’re grabbing a croissant in Montmartre or strolling along the Seine, adding a day or two in Paris turns a standard beach trip into something more layered and memorable. The timing is well-coordinated as layovers are usually manageable, and you’re not stuck in an airport all day.

When it comes to comfort, Air France’s cabins don’t disappoint. Their newer wide-body aircraft on transatlantic routes feature lie-flat seats in Business Class, upgraded dining, and entertainment systems that help the hours fly by. For those lucky enough to access the La Première lounges at CDG, amenities like spa treatments, showers, and full-service meals make even longer connections feel like part of the holiday.

The real hidden gem here is the Flying Blue Promo Awards. These rotating monthly deals often include routes to Mexico, and savvy travelers can land business class seats at prices that usually only cover premium economy. For anyone looking to combine elegance with adventure, Air France delivers a surprisingly accessible and stylish route to Cancun.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Airlines to Travel to Cancun

Want to learn more about the top choices for flying to Cancun? We’ve collected common questions from travelers like you to help in planning the perfect journey!

What is the safest airline to fly to Mexico?

While many airlines maintain high safety standards, it’s always recommended to check the latest safety ratings and reviews. Historically, carriers like Aeromexico, Lufthansa, and British Airways, which are often considered among the best airlines to fly to Cancun, have had strong safety records.

What month is the cheapest to fly to Mexico?

Typically, the months of September and October are the cheapest to fly to Mexico, as this is the tail end of the rainy season and before the peak holiday period.

Where in Europe flies to Cancun?

Cancun is a popular long-haul destination for many European travelers, especially during the winter months. Several European cities have direct flights to Cancun, often operated by both regular and charter airlines. Here’s a list of some European cities and the airlines that typically offer direct flights to Cancun:

1. London, UK:
   • British Airways
   • TUI Airways
   • Virgin Atlantic
2. Manchester, UK:
   • TUI Airways
   • Virgin Atlantic
3. Paris, France:
   • Air France
4. Frankfurt, Germany:
   • Condor
   • Lufthansa
5. Munich, Germany:
   • Condor
   • Eurowings
6. Madrid, Spain:
   • Evelop Airlines
   • Wamos Air
   • Air Europa
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands:
   • TUI fly Netherlands
   • KLM

What airline has direct flights to Mexico?

Several airlines offer direct flights to Mexico, depending on your departure city. Major carriers like Aeromexico, American Airlines, and Delta frequently operate non-stop routes to various Mexican destinations.

What is the cheapest day of the week to fly to Cancun?

Midweek flights, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to be cheaper than weekend flights to Cancun. It’s always a good idea to compare prices across different days to find the best deal.

Which airline goes to Cancun?

Cancun, being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, is served by numerous airlines from around the world. Here’s a list of some of the major airlines that operate flights to Cancun International Airport (CUN):

1. Mexican Airlines:
   • Aeroméxico: Mexico’s flag carrier.
   • Volaris: A major low-cost airline in Mexico.
   • Interjet: Another significant Mexican airline.
   • VivaAerobus: A low-cost airline based in Mexico.
2. U.S. Airlines:
   • American Airlines
   • Delta Air Lines
   • United Airlines
   • Southwest Airlines
   • JetBlue Airways
   • Spirit Airlines
   • Frontier Airlines
   • Sun Country Airlines
   • Alaska Airlines
3. Canadian Airlines:
   • Air Canada
   • WestJet
   • Sunwing Airlines
4. European Airlines:
   • British Airways (UK)
   • Virgin Atlantic (UK)
   • Condor (Germany)
   • TUI Airways (UK and other European countries)
   • Eurowings (Germany)
   • Air France (France)
   • KLM (Netherlands)
   • Lufthansa (Germany)
5. Latin American & Caribbean Airlines:
   • Copa Airlines (Panama)
   • Avianca (Colombia)
   • LATAM (Chile, Brazil, and other South American countries)
   • Caribbean Airlines (Trinidad and Tobago)
6. Asian Airlines:
   • While there are no direct flights from major Asian cities to Cancun, travelers often connect via U.S. or European hubs.
7. Middle Eastern Airlines:
   • Turkish Airlines (Turkey) – Note that while Turkey is transcontinental, Turkish Airlines connects many Middle Eastern cities to its hub in Istanbul.

Why are flights to Cancun so expensive?

Flights to Cancun can be pricier during peak tourist seasons, major events, or holidays. Its popularity as a top vacation destination, combined with demand, can drive up prices. However, by booking in advance and being flexible with travel dates, travelers can find deals to Cancun.

Which airlines offer the best in-flight amenities on routes to Cancun?

Premium carriers like Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France often provide top-tier in-flight amenities, from gourmet meals to extensive entertainment options. This makes them strong contenders among the best airlines to fly to Cancun.

How early should I book my flight to Cancun to get the best deal?

It’s generally recommended to book your flight to Cancun at least 2-3 months in advance to secure the best prices, especially if traveling during peak seasons.

Are there any budget airlines that fly to Cancun?

Yes, several budget airlines, including Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines, offer routes to Cancun, providing travelers with more affordable options.

Airlines to Cancun in 2025: Recap

Choosing the right airline can make all the difference in starting your Cancun adventure on the right note. From luxury carriers offering top-tier amenities to budget airlines providing value for money, there’s a flight for every type of traveler.

As we’ve explored, the best airlines to fly to Cancun not only ensure a comfortable journey but also offer unique experiences that set the tone for an unforgettable vacation. So, as you plan your next trip to the sun-kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife of Cancun, consider these airlines to elevate your travel experience. Safe travels and enjoy every moment of your Mexican escapade!