New Mexican low cost carrier start-up VivaAerobus is offering $9 base fares each way on its nonstop flights between AUS (Austin) and Cancun (CUN) with a five-week advance purchase and, of course, subject to availability.

The taxes from AUS-CUN run $45.00 and taxes from CUN-AUS are $73.99. There is also a $8 credit card booking fee per reservation (not per person).

VB #920 from AUS-CUN departs at 8:45 a.m. and arrive at 11:00 a.m. VB #921 from CUN-AUS departs at 11:25 a.m. and arrives at 1:45 p.m.

Fair warning: VivaAerobus is partially owned by the founder of RyanAir. So expect the RyanAir travel experience, minus the hassle of a bus ride to a remote airport and minus the inability to talk to a human being, as VivaAerobus actually maintains a toll free number in the U.S., although I was on hold so long when I called that I gave up before talking to a human being. The flights are operated by 737-300 aircraft and feature open seating and drinks and snacks for sale.

Trip Reports here and here.