Cheaper Flights to Mexico on the Horizon

If you’re planning to travel south of the border, we have some good news for you: It’s about to get easier and more affordable to hop a plane to Mexico.

Most restrictions on flights between the U.S. and Mexico were lifted Aug. 21, according to the Associated Press. It’s the result of an updated air transport agreement between the U.S. and Mexico signed last December.

The new agreement opens up the ability for an unlimited number of airlines to fly between the two countries. Previously, rules had limited particular flight routes to just two or three airlines from each country.

Thomas Engle, the State Department’s deputy assistant secretary for transportation, tells the AP that the relaxed rules allow airlines to set their own routes, flight times and airfare.

George Hobica, founder of the travel site airfarewatchdog.com, tells the AP that travelers should benefit from the change: “This will help reduce airfares for sure,” he says.

Southwest, American and Delta announced they will offer new flights to Mexico later this year.

Delta Air Lines announced plans to launch three new flights to Mexico — including daily nonstop flights between New York’s JFK Airport and Cancun, daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Los Cabos, and Saturday flights between Kansas City and Cancun — beginning Dec. 17.

Southwest Airlines recently announced that beginning Dec. 4, it will launch new twice-daily flights between LA and Cancun, and LA and Los Cabos, and once-daily flights from LA to Puerto Vallarta. One-way fares start at $129.

According to the AP, an American Airlines spokesman says the airline will begin flying between Miami and Merida on the Yucatan peninsula on Nov. 4, and between LA and Cancun, and LA and Puerto Vallarta, on Dec. 15.

Have you traveled to Mexico? What do you think of the possibility of lower fares and more flights between the two countries? Share your comments below or on our Facebook page.