i decided to go with Volaris, as the price dropped further, and with all of your feedback.

@jfinsocal thanks for the tip for the TIJ airport parking. this is my preferred method of transportation, but I was just unsure on the safety of leaving my car there for a week. my wife has family in mexico, so i have driven down to the airport many times and am comfortable driving there, but was again was unsure about leaving my car.

and yes, flying with 3 kids, direct flights are the only way to go. AM did advertise a direct flight.

thanks again everyone