These 4 U.S. Cities Are Getting Cheaper Direct Flights To Cancun This Winter

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If you’re already dreading the upcoming winter freeze, locking in a tropical getaway to Cancun just got significantly more affordable. While legacy airlines traditionally crank up their prices for peak-season Caribbean routes, the ultra-low-cost carriers are swooping in to offer massive relief for travelers looking to hit the beach on a budget.

This winter, a mix of aggressive route expansions from Breeze Airways and Frontier Airlines means travelers in four major U.S. markets are getting direct, budget-friendly access to Cancun International Airport (CUN).

Here is exactly where the new and expanded cheaper routes are flying from, and why they are absolute game-changers for your winter travel budget.

1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PIT)

Airline: Breeze Airways

Breeze Airways is continuing its massive international push by establishing a brand-new seasonal route connecting Pittsburgh directly to the white sands of Cancun.

Operating three times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, this route completely eliminates the need for long, annoying layovers.

Plus, Breeze is operating these flights on their modern, comfortable Airbus A220-300 aircraft, meaning you get a quiet, sleek ride down to the tropics for a fraction of the cost you’d typically pay a legacy carrier.

2. Richmond, Virginia (RIC)

Airline: Breeze Airways

Just a day after launching the Pittsburgh connection, Breeze is rolling out another highly anticipated direct route from Richmond. This is an absolutely massive win for East Coast travelers.

Historically, flying out of smaller mid-Atlantic airports meant you were basically forced to deal with frustrating, time-consuming layovers in massive hubs like Atlanta, Miami, or Charlotte just to get to Mexico.

With Breeze offering direct flights, Richmond locals can now grab heavily discounted fares and get straight to the beach without the connection headaches.

3. Tampa, Florida (TPA)

Airline: Breeze Airways

While Floridians generally already have decent access to Mexico, the Cancun market out of Tampa is getting a serious shakeup. Launching right before the peak holiday rush, Breeze is officially adding Tampa to its rapidly growing Cancun network.

Sure, you can already fly legacy carriers out of TPA, but Breeze’s low-cost promotional fares will heavily undercut the competition. If you want to escape the Gulf Coast for a long weekend in the Riviera Maya, this new route gives you the leverage to do it for way less.

4. Chicago, Illinois (MDW)

Airline: Frontier Airlines

While Frontier technically rolled out this route from Midway earlier this year, this upcoming winter will mark its very first full peak cold-weather season in operation. When the route first launched, Frontier famously dropped one-way promotional fares starting around $99.

Highlighting Frontier’s ultra-low-cost model out of MDW is a massive advantage for Chicago travelers. Instead of paying the notoriously expensive legacy carrier fares flying out of heavily congested O’Hare, you now have a genuinely cheaper, streamlined alternative right out of Midway.

Pro Tips for Flying Low-Cost to Cancun

If you plan on taking advantage of these new Breeze and Frontier routes, keep a few basic budget-travel rules in mind to ensure your flight stays cheap.

• Stick to a Personal Item or Carry-On: Budget airlines keep their base fares incredibly low by charging a premium for checked bags. Skip the massive hardshell suitcase, pack a highly efficient carry-on backpack, and save your cash for beach clubs and cenote tours.
• Book Your Airport Transfer Early: When you land at Cancun International Airport, the gauntlet of taxi drivers and timeshare salesmen can be overwhelming. Pre-book an official private transfer van online before you fly. They will be waiting for you outside the terminal, completely removing the stress of haggling for a ride.
• Skip the Airport Currency Exchange: Don’t exchange your cash for Mexican Pesos at the airport kiosks, as the rates are notoriously terrible. Wait until you get into the city or your resort area and use an official bank ATM to pull out local cash at the exact daily exchange rate.