Cancun calling

It's amazing how quickly Cancun has got back on its feet following last year's hurricane. It's equally amazing how many airlines are launching new routes to the Mexican seaside resort on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Now, Delta Air Lines plans to inaugurate Saturday-only hub-bypass service from Boston Logan International (BOS) and Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Cancun (CUN) from June 3.

The launch of the service is contingent upon Mexican government approval, but if (as expected) they give the go-ahead, Delta Flight 1667 will depart Boston at 10:10am and arrive in Cancun at 1:35pm, in plenty of time to unpack, head to the beach, and soak up the sun. The return flight, DL 1666, departs Cancun at 2:30pm, and arrives in Boston in the early evening at 7:23pm.

Out of Washington Dulles, Delta Flight 1545 departs at 10:10am, and gets to Cancun at 12:35pm. The return circuit, DL 1546, leaves Cancun at 1:30pm and arrives at Washington Dulles at 5:39pm.

Both routes will be flown with 737-800 twinjets, fitted with both first-class and economy seating.

One of the reasons why so many airlines choose to make leisure runs to places such as Cancun on weekends is that it keeps their aircraft busy. Traditionally, Saturdays are slow days for business travel. Carriers like Delta want to keep the aircraft productive, and offer travelers new routes, as well as new ways to "burn" frequent flyer miles.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler