Picking the right airline can make all the difference. The wrong choice might mean surprise fees or a cramped seat, while the right one keeps your journey smooth and stress-free.
With so many airlines flying these routes - from budget-friendly carriers to big names - it can feel tricky to know where to start.
This guide walks you through the best airlines for Mexico to USA flights, what to look out for, and some handy tips for finding cheap fares.
And here’s the best part: with Alternative Airlines, you can book your ticket in pesos and split the cost with Kueski Pay or APLAZO. Travel now, pay later - muy fácil.
Not sure which airline is "the one"? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
👉 Tip: Even if you find the perfect flight but the price stings, booking with Kueski Pay or APLAZO at Alternative Airlines lets you spread the cost. No need to drain your budget all at once.
Booking a flight doesn’t have to mean paying everything upfront. With Alternative Airlines, you can secure your Mexico to USA flight now and spread the cost over time by paying with one of our Mexican Buy Now, Pay Later partners.
Kueski Pay is one of Mexico’s leading pay-later providers, letting you spread the cost of your flight over up to 12 bi-weekly payments. Our customers love it because it makes booking flights:
APLAZO is a trusted pay-later provider in Mexico, letting you book your trip today and pay in 3, 5, or 8 instalments with no credit card needed. Our customers love it because it makes booking flights:
Keep reading for a quick look at the airlines most travellers use for flights between Mexico and the USA, what makes each one stand out, and why they might be the right fit for your next journey.
Mexico’s flag carrier and one of the country’s most trusted names in air travel.
Mexico’s go-to low-cost airline, ideal for travellers who want to save on the ticket price.
A US major carrier with extensive connections and multiple cabin options.
Known for strong customer service and flight punctuality.
Offers a wide range of direct flights and solid connections.
Though Colombian-based, Avianca flies Mexico to US routes with good service.
| Airline | Price | Comfort | On-time & reliability | What’s good | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeromexico | $$ | High | Good ✅ | Full-service, meals included, SkyTeam perks | Fares higher than budget carriers |
| Volaris | $ | Basic | Average ~ | Ultra-low fares, many US routes | Extras like bags and seats cost extra |
| American Airlines | $$$ | High | Good ✅ | Extensive routes, loyalty programme | Amenities vary by plane, fares can be pricey |
| Delta | $$$ | High | Excellent ⭐ | Reliable, good legroom, solid service | Higher fares, especially last-minute |
| United | $$$ | High | Good ✅ | Strong connections, multiple cabin options | Extra fees for some services |
| Avianca | $$ | Medium | Average ~ | Friendly service, flexible fares | Usually requires a layover, longer travel time |
Choosing the best airline isn’t always about just price, sometimes it’s the little extras that make your journey easier. If you’re flying a low-cost carrier from Mexico to the US, you can keep your ticket price low and still upgrade your trip with add-ons.
With Kueski Pay and Aplazo, you don’t need to pay for everything at once. Simply spread the cost over instalments and enjoy a smoother experience.
The best fares often pop up 2 to 3 months before departure, so it's best to buy your flight tickets in advance. Leaving it too late can mean higher prices, especially around holidays.
Flights in January, February, and September are usually cheaper. Midweek departures - especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays - often cost less than weekend flights. Use our Best Fare Finder tool to see the cheapest days to fly highlight in green, and read our guide on the cheapest day to buy flights to find out more.
Flying into a nearby airport (like Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami, or Oakland instead of San Francisco) can save money. Adding a layover instead of going direct may also cut the fare.
Even if flights seem pricey, you don’t need to pay everything upfront. With Alternative Airlines you can book your ticket today and split the cost into instalments with our Mexican pay-later partners Kueski Pay or APLAZO.
Flying from Mexico to the US is pretty straightforward, but a little planning goes a long way.
Most flights to the US leave from Mexico City, Cancun, or Guadalajara - all busy international airports with plenty of direct connections to major US cities. If you’re flying from a smaller airport, you may have a stopover, so keep that in mind when choosing your flight.
Don’t forget your passport! Depending on your nationality, you might also need an ESTA or visa. Entry rules can change, so it’s best to double-check what applies to you before you travel.
The US has pretty strict customs regulations. Some food, plants, and other items aren’t allowed through. To save yourself a headache, check the official guidelines before packing, especially if you're planning to bring gifts or snacks.
Large airports in both Mexico and the US can be unpredictable. Gate changes and small delays are common (check out our guide on what to do if your flight gets delayed to stay prepared). A quick tip: download your airline’s app so you’ll get live updates straight to your phone instead of relying on airport screens.
You’ll need US dollars once you land, for taxis, snacks, or tips. Exchanging a little before you fly is handy, but ATMs are widely available once you arrive if you’d rather withdraw cash there.
Pay later with our partners Kueski Pay and Aplazo on over 600 airlines, and book your trip today without paying the full fare upfront.
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
Low-cost airlines like Volaris usually offer the cheapest base fares. Just keep in mind that extras like bags and seat selection often come at an additional cost.
Delta and Aeromexico consistently get high marks for on-time performance and service. If reliability is your top priority, these are solid choices.
For international flights, aim to arrive at least 3 hours before departure. Airports like Mexico City (MEX) and Cancun (CUN) can be busy, so it’s better to give yourself extra time.
It depends on your route. Flights from Mexico City to Houston or Dallas take around 2 hours, while Mexico City to New York or Los Angeles is closer to 4-5 hours.
Yes, many Mexican cities including Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara, and Monterrey have direct routes to major US airports like Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York. Smaller airports may require a layover.
Yes! With Alternative Airlines, you can spread the cost using Kueski Pay or Aplazo when booking flights from Mexico to the USA. That means you can lock in today’s prices without paying the full amount upfront.
