As winter grips the United States with freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and severe weather, many Americans are seeking refuge in warmer climates. Even traditionally mild areas like Fort Worth, Texas, and Pensacola, Florida, are experiencing temperatures well below freezing.
For those craving a break from the cold, Cancún, Mexico, offers an ideal escape. With its warm sunshine and tropical allure, this destination has become a haven for travelers looking to swap snow for sand, even if just for a few days.
Airlines are capitalizing on this seasonal migration by ramping up flights to Cancun to meet increased demand. Let’s dive into what makes Cancun such a sought-after destination and explore which U.S. airlines dominate this popular route in January 2025.
Why Cancun Is a Winter Favorite
Cancun has long been a beloved destination for American travelers, but its global popularity has surged in recent years. Here’s why:
- Warm Weather: With average January highs of 83°F (28°C) and lows of 67°F (19°C), Cancun offers the perfect antidote to winter chills. Only five rainy days are expected in the entire month, ensuring plenty of sunshine.
- Natural Beauty: Cancun is home to endless beaches, crystal-clear seas, and stunning natural attractions like Rio Secreto and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
- Mayan Culture: Beyond the beaches, Cancun offers a rich history with sites like Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Activities for All: Whether it’s snorkeling, scuba diving, or relaxing by the shore, Cancun caters to both adventurers and those seeking tranquility.
As Tripadvisor aptly puts it, Cancun is “home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, prime snorkeling and scuba diving, and amazing Mayan culture.”
U.S. Airlines Leading the Way to Cancun
To accommodate the influx of winter travelers, U.S. airlines are significantly increasing their flights and seat availability to Cancun.
1. American Airlines: The Leader
- Total Flights: 789
- Seats Offered: 141,458
- Number of Cities: 18
American Airlines takes the top spot for Cancun flights in January 2025. The airline offers the most direct flights and seats from the U.S. to Cancun, with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) leading the charge with 223 flights. Miami follows with 146 flights, providing convenient connections from the southeastern U.S.
2. United Airlines
- Total Flights: 658
- Seats Offered: 129,252
- Number of Cities: 8
United Airlines ranks second, with significant operations out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, which accounts for 161 flights. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) also plays a major role, connecting the northeastern U.S. with 105 flights to Cancun in January.
3. Delta Air Lines
- Total Flights: 682
- Seats Offered: 127,904
- Number of Cities: 10
Delta follows closely behind United, with 682 flights from 10 cities. Its largest departure hub for Cancun is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), with 206 flights. Interestingly, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) ranks second with 146 flights, demonstrating Delta’s strong Midwest presence.
Other Airlines Making Waves
Southwest Airlines
- Total Flights: 361
- Seats Offered: 58,151
- Number of Cities: 15
Southwest offers a notable presence in Cancun, with William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston being its largest hub, accounting for 91 flights. Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) follows with 62 flights.
JetBlue
- Total Flights: 335
- Seats Offered: 56,726
- Number of Cities: 7
JetBlue focuses heavily on New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), with 97 flights to Cancun in January. Boston and Fort Lauderdale follow, with 57 flights each.
Spirit Airlines
- Total Flights: 174
- Seats Offered: 34,953
- Number of Cities: 9
As a low-cost option, Spirit Airlines connects nine cities to Cancun, with Fort Lauderdale leading at 34 flights and Dallas/Fort Worth close behind with 33 flights.
Additional Players
Though smaller in scale, Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines provide additional options for travelers:
- Frontier Airlines: 153 flights from 9 cities, offering 33,743 seats.
- Alaska Airlines: 115 flights from 5 cities, contributing 20,451 seats.
- Sun Country Airlines: 83 flights from Minneapolis and Milwaukee, adding 15,438 seats.
Bottom Line: American Airlines Dominates
American Airlines is the clear leader in Cancun travel, offering the highest number of flights and seats. Even if you combined the seat capacity of Frontier, Alaska, and Sun Country, their total would fall short of American’s.
With 223 flights departing from Dallas/Fort Worth alone, American’s extensive network provides countless one-stop and two-stop connection options to Cancun, not just from the U.S. but globally through its oneworld partners.
Whether you’re escaping winter storms or simply craving a sunny getaway, Cancun remains the ultimate destination—and U.S. airlines are ready to take you there.
FAQ:
1. Why is Cancun so popular during winter?
Cancun offers warm weather, stunning beaches, and a tropical escape from the cold. With average January temperatures ranging from 83°F (28°C) during the day to 67°F (19°C) at night, it’s an ideal winter destination. Additionally, Cancun has minimal rain in January and provides diverse activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to exploring Mayan ruins like Chichén Itzá.
2. Which U.S. airline has the most flights to Cancun in January 2025?
American Airlines leads with 789 flights and 141,458 seats from 18 cities. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is its largest departure hub, with 223 flights.
3. How do United Airlines and Delta Air Lines compare to American Airlines?
- United Airlines: 658 flights from 8 cities, offering 129,252 seats. Its largest hub for Cancun is George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston.
- Delta Air Lines: 682 flights from 10 cities, offering 127,904 seats. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) leads with 206 flights.
4. What are the low-cost airlines flying to Cancun?
- Southwest Airlines: 361 flights from 15 cities, offering 58,151 seats.
- JetBlue: 335 flights from 7 cities, offering 56,726 seats.
- Spirit Airlines: 174 flights from 9 cities, offering 34,953 seats.
5. Which smaller U.S. airlines also serve Cancun?
- Frontier Airlines: 153 flights from 9 cities, offering 33,743 seats.
- Alaska Airlines: 115 flights from 5 cities, offering 20,451 seats.
- Sun Country Airlines: 83 flights from Minneapolis and Milwaukee, offering 15,438 seats.