Does Southwest Fly To Cancun

Written By Ellie Hayden

Here's Everything You Need To Know Before Booking That Trip To Cancun

So you've been poking around, looking at flights and wondering, wait a second… does Southwest even fly to Cancun? I was in the same boat last winter, about to plan a quick tropical getaway, and I found myself stuck in a rabbit hole of airline sites and travel forums. It's surprisingly hard to find a straight answer, so let’s just clear it up right now. Yes, Southwest does fly to Cancun. But there are a few catches, quirks, and helpful things to know before you click "Book."

Yes, Southwest Flies To Cancun, But Not From Everywhere

Southwest Airlines offers direct flights to Cancun International Airport (CUN), but only from a few select U.S. cities. This isn’t your typical "every-city-gets-a-direct" kind of thing. Cancun is considered an international destination, and Southwest only serves it from certain airports that already handle international customs.

As of the latest routes, Southwest flies nonstop to Cancun from cities like:

  • Houston (Hobby)

  • Dallas (Love Field)

  • Denver

  • Chicago (Midway)

  • Austin

  • Baltimore
    Phoenix

Some of these routes are seasonal, so what’s available in February might not show up in September. If your city isn’t on the list, you might still get there with a connection through one of those hubs. Just be prepared to spend a few more hours in transit.

Aerial view of Cancun coastline from airplane window showing shadow on turquoise water, visual answer to does Southwest fly to Cancun routes.

What You Should Know About Southwest’s International Flights To Cancun

Here’s the thing about flying internationally with Southwest. it’s a little different than flying to, say, Chicago or Los Angeles. You’re still getting the same no-assigned-seats vibe and two free checked bags (which is a huge deal when you’re packing snorkel gear), but there are a few added steps.

  1. You’ll need a passport. No exceptions. Cancun is in Mexico, and yes, that means customs, immigration lines, and all the fun that comes with it.
    You have to check in at the counter. You can’t just check in online for international flights. You need to be physically at the airport, at the Southwest desk, with your passport in hand. No skipping the line with the app.

  2. Arrival and departure times matter. Many of Southwest’s Cancun flights arrive mid-day or early afternoon, which is great for squeezing in beach time right after you land. But double-check your return time, U.S. Customs lines in Cancun can get long, especially on weekends.

Flight Prices To Cancun On Southwest Compared To Other Airlines

Jet soaring above palm trees and ocean en route to paradise — does Southwest fly to Cancun from US cities?

This is where it gets interesting. Southwest doesn’t show up on flight search engines like Google Flights or Expedia, so you have to go directly to their site to see prices. And that’s where a lot of people miss out, they assume it’s not available and go book a flight with another airline.

Southwest fares are often cheaper than legacy carriers like American or Delta, especially when you factor in the free bags. According to 2025 travel data from Hopper and Kayak, the average round-trip fare from the U.S. to Cancun is about $465. But Southwest’s prices from Houston or Dallas often hover around $300 to $350 round-trip. That’s before you subtract baggage fees that you’d pay on other airlines.

Just make sure you compare the total cost, not just the sticker price.

Southwest’s Schedule To Cancun Isn’t Daily From Every City

Another important thing to note, just because they list Cancun as a destination from your nearest big airport doesn’t mean there’s a flight every single day. For example, flights from Baltimore or Austin may only operate a few days a week. Denver might have more regular service during the winter months but less during hurricane season.

Before you plan your whole vacation around a specific date, double check the calendar on their site. You might have to shift your trip by a day or two to get the best price and the best flight schedule.

Woman arriving with luggage from Southwest Airlines at airport terminal, illustrating does Southwest fly to Cancun for beach travelers.

What It’s Like To Fly Southwest To Cancun

Flying Southwest internationally isn’t much different than flying them within the U.S., and that’s mostly a good thing. You still board in the usual order, A, B, C groups, and pick whatever seat is open. You still get the free snacks and soft drinks. There’s no in-seat entertainment, so bring your own movies or download the Southwest app ahead of time for their Wi-Fi portal.

If you’re traveling with kids or a big group and need to sit together, consider paying for EarlyBird Check-In or setting a reminder to check in right at the 24-hour mark.

One bonus, because Cancun is such a tourist-heavy destination, most of the flight crews are super familiar with the airport, the customs process, and will usually give you tips as you go. It’s not their first rodeo.

So… Should You Fly Southwest To Cancun?

If you’re flying out of one of their major hubs, absolutely. The prices are competitive, the baggage policy saves you money, and the whole vibe is pretty relaxed. Just be aware that things like early morning departures, limited flight days, and the lack of seat assignments can be frustrating if you’re not used to it.

If you’re not flying from a city that offers a nonstop, it still might be worth booking a connecting flight through one of Southwest’s hubs. Just make sure the layover is long enough to handle customs and any potential delays.

 

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