Fall may not be behind us just yet, but the popular beach retreat of Cancun is already expected to reach up to 95% occupancy in the high season – in other words, it could sell out any day now. If you’re on a low budget at the minute to book your vacation package right away, yet you’re still dreaming of the Mexican Caribbean, perhaps you should consider the beautiful, paradisaical island of Cozumel instead.
In this article, you’ll find an updated round-up of all direct flights to Cozumel this winter and why it may be a better pick than Cancun in the end:
Full List Of Direct Flights To Cozumel From The U.S. And Canada
Direct flights to Cozumel (CZM) leave from multiple cities in the U.S. and Canada, and the full list, including frequency during the peak season and starting prices for one-way Economy fare tickets can be found below:
UNITED STATES
Austin (AUS)
- Airlines: American Airlines, Southwest Airlines*
- Flight time: 2 hr 32
American
- Starting price: $169.43
- Frequency: x | x | x | x | x | Sa | x
Southwest
- Starting price: $151.00*
- Frequency: x | x | x | x | x | Sa | x
*Southwest flights to Cozumel begin only on March 11, 2023
Charlotte (CLT)
- Airline: American Airlines
- Flight time: 3 hr 13
- Starting price: $305.70
- Frequency: x | x | x | x | x | Sa | x
Chicago-O’Hare (ORD)
- Airline: American Airlines, United Airlines
- Flight time: 3 hr 45
American
- Starting price: $253.19
- Frequency: x | x | x | x | x | Sa | x
United
- Starting price: $251.73
- Frequency: x | x | x | x | x | Sa | x
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
- Airline: American Airlines
- Flight time: 2 hr 36
- Starting price: $297.02
- Frequency: M | x | x | x | x | Sa | x
Denver (DEN)
- Airlines: United Airlines, Southwest Airlines
- Flight time: 3 hr 50
United
- Starting price: $207.00
- Frequency: x | x | x | x | x | Sa | x
Southwest
- Starting price: $153.00
- Frequency: x | x | x | x | x | Sa | x
Houston (IAH + HOU)
Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
- Airline: United Airlines
- Flight time: 2 hr 18
- Starting price: $137.00
- Frequency: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
- Airline: Southwest Airlines
- Flight time: 2 hr 18
- Starting price: $157.00
- Frequency: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Miami (MIA)
- Airline: American Airlines
- Flight time: 1 hr 57
- Starting price: $161.37
- Frequency: M | T | W | Th | Fr | Sa | Su
Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP)
- Airline: Sun Country
- Flight time: 4 hr 02
- Starting price: $302.00
- Frequency: x | x | W | x | x | Sa | x
CANADA
Montreal (YUL)
- Airline: Air Canada
- Flight time: 4 hr 55
- Starting price: $272.85
- Frequency: x | x | x | x | x | Sa | x
Toronto (YYZ)
- Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet
- Flight time: 4 hr 20
Air Canada
- Starting price: $249.36
- Frequency: x | x | T | x | Th | x | Su
WestJet
- Starting price: $332.00
- Frequency: x | x | x | x | x | Sa | x
Direct flights to Cozumel are also available from within Mexico, leaving from Merida and Mexico City
Starting prices above may refer exclusively to seats: Economy fares do not necessarily include hold luggage, in-flight meals, or entertainment, even on international routes. They may also oscillate as we enter the peak season, subject to demand and availability. We would suggest you read our five tips for scoring cheap flights this winter amid the volatile scenario.
Why Should You Pick Cozumel Over Cancun?
After spending years in the shadows as a secondary destination or day trip option, Cozumel is climbing the tourism charts as one of the best islands, not only within Mexico, but in North America. This year, it was proclaimed the continent’s fifth most popular island by Condé Nast Traveler, behind only Holbox and Mujeres and two other Canadian destinations.
Although it has certainly seen its share of development in recent years, following the arrival of various resort brands, top-notch seafood restaurants, and even beach clubs, the once-sleepy island has merely a small fraction of Cancun’s arrival figures. While it does have its own airport, it is served by fewer cities compared to the latter.
This has helped Cozumel retain some of its Mayan mystique, an attribute that has long been lost in other overtouristed Riviera towns. Moreover, its unspoiled nature and historical sights are iconic Mexican postcards: here, you’ll find sandy white beaches and crystal clear oceans, marine parks, lagoons with underwater caverns, and of course, ancient ruins.
Naturally, Cancun Airport remains the main entry point into the Riviera Maya, but we value honesty first and foremost and will not skirt around the harder topics: due to its accessibility, it can be chaotic at times, and this will be particularly true this winter, with millions of Americans set to scramble for any seats left on sold-out Cancun routes.
If you’re worried Cancun might sell out and packed beaches are not your idea of fun, flying direct to Cozumel is simply a great alternative to enjoy all the perks of vacationing in the Mexican Caribbean.
