Mexico City, Mexico - Mexico-based airline Interjet is now offering flights from Orange County's John Wayne Airport to Mexico, marking the company's first flights in California.

The low-cost Mexican carrier began offering flights from John Wayne to Mexico City and Guadalajara last Thursday and airline officials say special introductory fares of $289 to Mexico City and $299 to Guadalajara are valid until the end of November.

"Interjet is very pleased to commence service from Orange County to two Mexican gateways – Mexico City and Guadalajara – which are popular destinations for California business and leisure travelers," Jose Luiz Garza, Interjet's CEO, said in a statement.

"The new Orange County flights to Mexico City provide the most convenient same-day connections to over 23 Mexican gateways served by Interjet which will make travel to Mexico even easier. "We look forward to providing our Southern California friends with the quality service and appealing amenities that travelers from other parts of the United States already enjoy."

The new Orange County to Mexico City service departs from John Wayne Airport at 10:30 am Monday through Friday, arriving at the Benito Juarez International Airport at 4:05 pm. On Saturday and Sunday, flights from Orange County depart at 3:15 pm, arriving in Mexico City at 8:50 pm.

Flights leave Mexico City at 7:45 am, arriving in Orange County at 9:30 am Monday through Friday, and at 12:30 pm arriving in Orange County at 2:15 pm on the weekends.

Daily service to Guadalajara’s Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport departs John Wayne Airport at 1:35 pm, arriving at 6:45 pm; flights from Guadalajara depart at 11:15 am and arrive at 12:35 pm.

"The OC tourism industry is absolutely thrilled with the new service by Interjet to two cities in Mexico," Gary Sherwin, chairman of the Orange County Visitor's Association, said. "As John Wayne Airport, Orange County continues to expand its air service to new international markets. Mexico is a natural and critical market for the region's success."

Passengers arriving on the first two flights into Orange County were greeted by airport employees and representatives from the Orange County tourism industry. Each passenger received goodie bags filled with items representing sites to see and places to visit in Orange County as well as Disney Ears and a one-day pass to Disneyland Resort parks.

"We are honored that Interjet has chosen John Wayne Airport as its first destination on the West Coast," stated Alan L. Murphy, Airport Director. "Orange County's strong tourism and business sectors - along with our terrific international arrival facilities - make John Wayne Airport a great choice for convenient, nonstop service from Mexico."

Mexico's second largest air carrier, Interjet continues to make a strong impact in the popular US-Mexico travel market. The airline already flies from Miami, New York, and San Antonio to Mexico City.

Interjet is known for its high quality service at affordable prices as well as its excellent safety record. With 35 new A320 aircraft, the airline has removed 30 seats to create maximum comfort for 150 guests as well as serving complimentary snacks and premium beverages during flights between Mexico and Orange County.

The airline also offers transferable tickets, a frequent flier loyalty program, in-flight entertainment, an unrestricted 20 percent discount year-round for seniors, a unique take-off/landing camera and women-only toilets on all airplanes.

In contrast with other carriers, there is no extra charge for passengers to select seats or check up to two 55-pound bags per ticket. Interjet does not overbook its flights and has no hidden fees in the ticket purchase prices; the price offered by the airline is what the customer pays, including all taxes.