Why American Airlines and United Avoid Flying Over Mexico (Most of the Time)

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For those traveling from Texas to Hawaii, you might notice an interesting flight path: flights from Houston to Honolulu or Dallas to Hawaii often avoid crossing directly over Mexican airspace, instead hugging the US-Mexico border. While this might not seem like the most direct route, there’s a reason behind it—and yes, it comes down to money.

The Cost of Flying Over Mexico

When airlines fly over another country’s airspace, they often have to pay an overflight fee, which contributes to that country’s air traffic control system. For flights departing from Texas, this means that if they were to cross into Mexican airspace, airlines would incur additional costs.

To minimize expenses, flights from Houston and Dallas take routes that stay within the United States, skirting the Mexican border. This route may add a bit more distance, but for airlines, the extra fuel costs are often lower than the fees for crossing into Mexico.

Following the Jet Stream and Earth’s Curvature

Another reason for this flight path is the chance to take advantage of the Earth’s curvature and jet stream patterns, which can help reduce fuel consumption and travel time. Combining these natural factors and cost-saving measures makes this border-hugging route a practical choice for flights heading to Hawaii.

Google Maps shows that the shortest distance on the globe between the points does take a northern path but still cuts over Mexico.

Flexibility When Necessary

While airlines typically avoid Mexican airspace on these routes, they retain flexibility. In cases where weather, air traffic, or other operational factors make it advantageous, flights from both Houston and Dallas may cross over Mexico. This flexibility helps airlines maintain on-time performance and address real-time challenges that might arise mid-flight.

So, next time you’re on a flight from Texas to Hawaii, keep an eye on the in-flight map! You may notice how these factors impact the flight path, showing just how much planning goes into a single flight’s journey.

Flight Maps from:

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary