Find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Los Angeles (LAX) → Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 5 h 30 m – 8 h
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €480 | high |
| February | €460 | high |
| March | €420 | high |
| April | €350 | medium |
| May | €310 | medium |
| June | €380 | medium |
| July | €420 | high |
| August | €380 | medium |
| September | €290 | low |
| October | €300 | low |
| November | €320 | low |
| December | €520 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Alaska Airlines (direct): from €340 — Book Tuesdays and Wednesdays for lowest prices. Alaska’s vacation packages often bundle hotel stays with 10-15% savings versus booking separately.
- American Airlines (direct): from €380 — Use AA’s flexible date search to compare prices across 3-day windows. Prices drop significantly when booking 6-8 weeks out.
- Delta Air Lines (direct): from €360 — Delta’s Low Fare Calendar shows cheapest days to fly. Flying early morning (6-8am departures) saves $50-100 versus afternoon flights.
- United Airlines (direct): from €370 — Check United’s flight deals page specifically for LAX-PVR routes. Tuesday afternoon releases often have error fares.
- Aeromexico (connecting): from €290 — Aeromexico often undercuts US carriers by $80-150. Book through their website forpesos pricing which can work out cheaper in EUR.
- Volaris (connecting): from €270 — Volaris is ultra-low-cost – factor in add-ons. Their ‘VIP’ bundle (~€50 extra) includes checked bag, seat selection, and priority boarding.
Booking Strategy
For Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta, the optimal booking window is 6-8 weeks before departure. September through November offers the lowest prices at €290-320, though this coincides with hurricane season (peak September-October). Flying midweek (Tuesday-Wednesday) saves €40-80 versus weekend departures. Morning flights (6-9am) consistently beat afternoon departures by €50-100. Use Google Flights with price alerts set for LAX-PVR – prices typically drop on Tuesday evenings when airlines release weekly inventory. For direct flights, Alaska Airlines offers the best value with their included bag policy for MVP members. If connecting, Aeromexico via Mexico City provides the lowest base fare but requires a 2-4 hour layover. Avoid December through March when prices surge to €450-550 due to snowbird season.
Route Tips
- LAX Terminal 2 and 3 handle most PVR departures – arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international connections
- US citizens need a valid passport (6 months recommended) – no visa required for tourist stays up to 180 days
- Book airport taxis in advance through your hotel or via authorized sitio stands inside arrivals – avoid street hailings
- Consider flying into PVR vs. nearby resort areas – PVR offers better flight options and lower prices
- If traveling during hurricane season (Sept-Oct), purchase travel insurance and monitor NOAA forecasts – flights rarely cancel but delays occur
- Southwest Airlines sometimes offers competitive prices but only flies to nearby airports – check routing carefully
- Download the Uber app before arrival – it’s often cheaper than taxis for trips to Sayulita or other nearby destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta?
Direct flights from LAX to PVR take approximately 3 hours 35 minutes. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, and United all operate non-stop service. If booking connecting flights through Mexico City with Aeromexico or Volaris, expect a total travel time of 5.5-8 hours depending on the layover duration. Morning departures typically offer shorter connection times. Flights depart from LAX Terminal 2, 3, or 6 depending on the carrier.
How much does it cost to fly from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta?
Round-trip prices range from €290 in low season (September-November) to €550 in peak winter months (December-February). The average round-trip costs €350-420 depending on season. US carriers (Alaska, American, Delta, United) typically charge €340-450 for direct flights including baggage. Mexican carriers like Aeromexico and Volaris offer cheaper base fares at €270-320 but charge extra for checked bags. Spring break (mid-March) sees prices spike to €450+.
Are there direct flights from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, direct flights are available year-round from LAX. Alaska Airlines offers 1-2 daily direct flights, American Airlines operates 1-2 daily, Delta has seasonal daily service (November-April), and United provides 1-2 daily departures. All direct flights land at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), located about 8km from downtown Puerto Vallarta. The direct flight takes 3h 35m, making it significantly faster than connecting options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta?
September offers the cheapest flights at around €290 average, followed by October and November at €300-320. However, September-October is hurricane season in Banderas Bay – monitor weather conditions and consider travel insurance. May provides the best balance of low prices (€310) with minimal hurricane risk. The most expensive months are December (€520), January (€480), and February (€460) when snowbirds escape North American winter.
Which airlines fly from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta?
Four US carriers operate direct flights: Alaska Airlines (best for West Coast frequent flyers), American Airlines (largest schedule), Delta (premium cabin options), and United (Star Alliance connections). Mexican carriers Aeromexico and Volaris offer cheaper connecting options via Mexico City. Alaska and US carriers include carry-on and first checked bag; Volaris charges extra for all baggage. Budget approximately €350-450 for a direct round-trip with decent baggage allowance.
What airport do I fly into in Puerto Vallarta?
You fly into Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (IATA: PVR), located 8km (5 miles) northwest of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Terminal transportation options: Authorized airport taxis (sitio) to hotel zone cost ~$25-35 USD, or take a publicPulmonía (open-air taxi) for ~$15-20 USD. Uber operates at PVR but pickup is at the designated rideshare zone. Rental cars are available but not necessary – many hotels offer airport shuttles.
How far in advance should I book Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta flights?
Book 6-8 weeks ahead for best prices. Airlines release their lowest fares 8 weeks before departure, then increase as seats fill. For December travel, book by early October. May trips should be booked 4-6 weeks out. Last-minute deals are rare on this popular route – only expect savings if flying during low season (Sept-Oct) when airlines discount unsold inventory. Set Google Flights alerts for 6-8 weeks out.
Is it cheaper to fly from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta on weekdays?
Yes, Tuesday and Wednesday departures are consistently €40-80 cheaper than Friday-Sunday flights. This is especially true for weekend getaways when LA locals flee to Vallarta. Morning flights (6-9am) save €50-100 versus afternoon/evening departures. If your schedule allows flexibility, shifting from Sunday to Tuesday can reduce a €400 round-trip to €330. Monday departures fall between weekend and midweek pricing.
Data updated: 2026-03
