Viva Mexico! Indisputably America’s favorite international destination, the country is experiencing a significant increase in flight frequency lately, with airlines battling among themselves for dominance in key markets. American Airlines and Air Canada are among some of the strongest contenders, having just added new nonstop flights to Cozumel.
Now that the colder months are approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, demand for Caribbean travel could be reaching an all-time high for the first official post-pandemic travel season. Interestingly, Mexico remains a regional leader in bookings, in spite of heavy competition from Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and the like.
Following the latest announcement, Cozumel, one of its most sought-after beaches, is about to get a lot busier:
American Airlines Adding Flights to Cozumel From Two U.S. Cities
As part of their fall and winter program, which also features flights to other sunny spots like Cuba and skiing hubs, American Airlines is reinstating their Cozumel flights. Departing weekly from Charlotte, North Carolina, with a start date set for October 8, Cozumel complements American’s already-comprehensive Mexican flight map.
Although it was originally established as a seasonal offer, customers booking through the carrier’s website will notice nonstop service is available up to July 29, 2023, the furthest the calendar goes on the date this article was written. While we have not obtained confirmation, judging by this schedule, Cozumel is looking like a permanent addition.
In other words, Charlotte-based travelers will have a direct link to the pristine island throughout winter and well into summer 2023, unlike customers residing elsewhere in the U.S. Airfares are considerably higher than the average Cancun flight, starting at $370 one-way, but much cheaper seats can be found when reserved months in advance.
Flights will depart every Saturday at 9:05 from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), landing in Cozumel International (CZM) at 11:16. Returning home the next Saturday, Charlotteans should be at the gate at 1:00 (in the morning), landing at 5:00, though connecting flights in Austin, Texas are available throughout the week.
Other details include:
- Flight time 3h00 (roughly)
- Operated by an Airbus A319
- Seats distributed between Basic Economy, Main Economy, and Business Classes
- Refreshments are available for Basic and Main Economy customers
- Business travelers have free breakfast
- Features AC power, live TV, personal device streaming and high-speed WiFi*
*WiFi is usually available for a fee
Charlotte is not the only U.S. hub being awarded its own air bridge with the paradise island: Philadelphia will begin hosting once-a-week Cozumel flights from November 5, a seasonal strategy ending April 1, 2023, according to the company’s own online flight schedule. Much like Charlotte’s, the Philadelphia-Cozumel route will be open on Saturdays.
Departure time is 10:40 a.m. and the journey lasts 4h40 approximately, with 2:20 a.m. as the tentative arrival time. On the way back, he flights leaves Cozumel at 2:39 p.m., touching down in Philadelphia at 7:35 p.m. Economy tickets can cost as little as $280 one-way, depending on seat availability and travel dates.
Besides Cancun, Cozumel is the only other destination American Airlines serves in the Mayan Riviera from Philadelphia International. The route is operated by an Embraer 175 under American Eagle, a regional branch of American Airlines. Unlike the Airbus 319 deployed for Charlotte, this aircraft is not equipped with Wi-Fi.
Air Canada Offering Cozumel Flights from Its Toronto Base
Lastly, Air Canada is bringing Canadians much closer to Cozumel, being the latest major airline to announce nonstop flights to the island. Leaving from Toronto Pearson, flights will start November 6 under the Air Canada Rouge logo, a subsidiary of the nation’s flag-carrier. Throughout November, frequency will be weekly, more specifically every Sunday.
Beginning December, this will increase to twice a week, culminating in three-weekly flights from January 2023. Flight duration is 4h20 and one-way tickets start at $425, making it a pricier alternative to Cancun’s busy airport. On the other hand, Cozumel’s arrival figures are significantly lower, resulting in fewer delays.
Luckily, Torontonians no longer face layovers in the U.S. or Mexico vacationing there. Sunday timetables for November are as follows:
Outbound
Departure from Toronto: 10:20 a.m.
Arrival in Cozumel: 2:40 p.m.
Return
Departure from Cozumel: 3:35 p.m.
Arrival in Toronto: 7:35 p.m.
A few of Cozumel’s top-rated attractions are Playa Caletita, in close proximity to the island’s ferry terminal, the landmark Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, and the Mayan monument-packed San Gervasio Archaeological Site. All around the island, snorkeling and open sea swimming are among popular activities. (https://www.traveloffpath.com/american-airlines-and-air-canada-relaunching-nonstop-flights-to-cozumel-this-fall/)
