New flights to Mexico City and Guadalajara from Bay Area airports are bringing in some great fares– perfectly timed for summer vacation. (But you need to act fast.)

Update: This fare war is spreading to Los Angeles airports where we are seeing similar low fares. 

Both cities are fun cosmopolitan capitals with much to see and do– rich history, robust food scenes, nice hotels and even nicer people. Plus, you’ll find cool weather due to high altitudes- Guadalajara’s elevation is 5,140 feet above sea level. Mexico City is even higher at 7,350 feet.

In early August, Alaska Airlines jumps into the SFO-Mexico City market, and it’s offering introductory fares of just $320 round trip. That’s quite a good deal during peak summer travel season. Volaris and Aeromexico are offering similar $300-ish roundtrip fares. First class fares on Alaska are $637.

UPDATE! Today Alaska Air launched a one day fare sale, with fares as low as $240 round trip between the Bay Area and Mexico City! And this is during peak summer travel season in August. Check this out… only good today, Tuesday, July 11 til midnight. 

This week Aeromexico kicks off new nonstops between San Jose and Guadalajara. It’s an increasingly crowded route– Aeromexico’s nonstop joins Alaska Airlines and Volaris (a Mexican low-fare carrier) on the route.

All that competition means cheap fares from all Bay Area airports– as low as $291 round trip from SFO or SJC. First class fares are relatively cheap, too, at just $566 round trip.

UPDATE: Volaris has dropped fares on SJC-GDL or SFO-GDL to as low as $221 round trip. Delta SkyMiles members should keep an eye on those Aeromexico fares- you’ll only earn 50% mileage (about 1,500 miles) on the cheap fares- but hey something’s better than nada.

Note: Fares were available on Google Flights on Monday, July 10 and subject to change. 

And if you are looking for even better deals, keep an eye on these routes as we enter the slower fall months. More competition could lead to lower fares.

I flew down to Mexico City for a BBC story four years ago and fell in love with the place. I wrote: “Despite headlines about drug-related violence along its northern border, Mexico’s capital is quietly evolving into a modern, cosmopolitan and convenient city that will surprise visitors who arrive with pre-conceived notions. For business travelers with adventurous palates, Mexico City’s vibrant dining scene recently had the Wall Street Journal wondering if it could be “the world’s greatest food city”. Its dynamic and diverse stock of hotels also provides something for every business travel budget, from sparkling five-star skyscrapers to minimalist or historical luxury boutiques.”

I’m ready to go back! Have you or would you fly to Mexico City or Guadalajara?

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