You Win As Airlines Battle for Mexico Presence

Please don't ask me how to get to Mexico…it's just too easy these days. And anyone who complains about the lack of decent flights to Mexico is just not doing his (or her) homework.

Last month Continental Airlines began a new, twice-weekly service from its Houston hub to Loreto, Mexico-its 31st destination in Mexico. Last winter Delta Airlines expanded service to Mexico from its mini-hub at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). And earlier this year Aeromexico also expanded its direct service between Mexico and the U.S.-where it operates out of 14 gateway cities-to include direct flights to Puebla from Los Angeles and New York.

This is great news for all of us who travel between Mexico and the rest of North America. But the airlines aren't doing it out of the goodness of their hearts-they're responding to increased consumer demand for flights and destinations.

And the demand is coming from several sources. Mexico tourism growth is a big factor; Mexico is a top destination for U.S. tourists (and they historically have represented nearly 90% of Mexico's foreign tourism, according to Mexican government sources). But growth in business travel has also played a role, as has growth in personal and family travel-in addition to a growing Mexican population in the U.S., there is also a growing population of U.S. and Canadian expatriates in Mexico looking for flights home.

Continental, which offers more routes in Mexico than any other non-Mexican airline, considers Mexico a key market. It has expanded its service to the smaller Mexican cities with small jets that hold about 50 people. According to news sources, the airline now wants to focus on increasing flights to its existing destinations.

Best Regards,

Suzan Haskins
Editor, Mexico Insider
International Living

P.S. As we've said, there are no excuses for not planning a visit to Mexico right now. And we know the perfect time and place…