Information on Volaris Costa Rica Flights

If you’re planning an adventure to Costa Rica or other parts of South and Central America, chances are you’ll come across a surprisingly affordable flight from Volaris Costa Rica.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to see the incredible wonders of Central America or simply want to visit friends and family in the region, Volaris Costa Rica is a great option. As long as you’re fully aware of what you’ll be getting (and not getting), of course. Here’s some insider info from someone who’s flown this airline many times.

Volaris Costa Rica routes

Volaris Costa Rica is based out of Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica. The airline mainly connects Central American countries, including Costa Rica, to some key US destinations. Some routes even extend to Mexico.

In the US, passengers can fly out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Miami International Airport (MIA) to reach destinations such as San José; Guatemala City; El Salvador; Managua, Nicaragua; and Cancún, Mexico, among others.

Many people, like me, frequently fly this airline for affordable travel across Central America.

Volaris Costa Rica fare classes and baggage fees

Like many budget airlines, the baggage limit on Volaris Costa Rica is both restrictive and strict. Checking or carrying-on additional baggage will cost you additional fees, which can dramatically increase the otherwise affordable ticket price that drew you to the airline. I recommend packing smart and packing light to take full advantage of the low base prices on Volaris Costa Rica.

When you initially book your ticket, you’ll be asked to select from three different fare options: Zero, Basic and Plus.

Zero tickets allow you to carry on 1 personal item like a purse, laptop bag or small backpack that can fit under the seat in front of you. This fare comes with nothing else. The airline is so strict that there’s even a measuring box you may be asked to drop your personal item into at check-in to make sure it doesn't exceed the size limits.

The Basic fare allows you to bring 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag that measures less than 22 x 16 x 10 inches, and the combined weight of both cannot exceed 33 pounds. This fare also lets you change your flight to a same-day earlier flight for free.

Plus fares include 1 personal item, 1 carry-on and 1 checked bag weighing 55 pounds or less. The combined weight of the personal item and carry-on must be 44 pounds or less. This fare class also gives you free cancellations (in the form of a voucher), unlimited flight changes and priority boarding.

The tier you pick will determine your final ticket price and the cost difference between fares is added per flight, each way, depending on the day and route.

Volaris Costa Rica seats

The seats on the planes are all arranged in 2 rows of 3 seats on each side. During my first time flying on this airline, it was quite evident that the seats were very small, even compared to economy seats on other low-cost airlines. I’m a petite person and even my knees practically hit the back of the chair in front of me. Taller passengers definitely looked cramped.

That said, if you want slightly more legroom, you can pay for more spacious seats when booking, or by adding this upgrade later. Premium seats are located in the first row and have one cost when paid online, but an even more expensive cost at the airport. The seats only recline slightly, but you’ll still get more legroom than in the other seats behind you.

Just keep in mind that this is certainly not like a traditional business class seat – at best it’s more like a standard economy seat on a non-budget airline.

Seats in rows 2 through 5 are called First-Off seats (because you’ll be among the first to deplane) and also come with an additional cost. Don’t forget that booking online in advance is cheaper than at the airport for this, too. Seats advertised as More Space are found in the emergency exit rows and also boast slightly more legroom. They usually cost the same as the First Off seats.

Just make sure to book any upgraded seat selection at checkout if you really need a Premium option. Aside from costing less than when booked at the airport, there are very few of them and they tend to go fast. If you choose not to pay to select a seat at all, the airline will assign one to you at check-in.

Above all else, really try to avoid the middle seat on Volaris Costa Rica. It’s more of a squeeze than on legacy carriers, which are already disagreeable enough.

Volaris Costa Rica amenities and in-flight entertainment

In terms of amenities on Volaris Costa Rica, it’s a bit barebones. There are no inflight meals or free snacks like cookies or pretzels on this budget airline. There is a menu of light fare including things like club sandwiches and small snacks and beverages available for purchase; otherwise, you’re pretty much on your own. I suggest packing some food ahead of time, especially for a longer flight.

There’s also no Wi-Fi available. Being budget-friendly really means bringing your own everything here. I always load up my iPad or Kindle with things I want to watch, pack some headphones, and pass the flight pleasantly with my own entertainment.

Volaris Costa Rica loyalty membership

The airline’s loyalty program, v.club, isn’t free but may be worthwhile if you plan to fly on this airline frequently. There are 3 membership types that each come with increasing annual fees for increasing value, of course. With the v.club membership, you get access to discounted rates on each flight, occasional exclusive offers and discounted hotels and car rentals through Yavas, the brand’s vacation packages program.

There are discounts occasionally available on membership rates, but I still recommend careful planning to consider whether the membership actually makes sense for you. If you won’t be flying the airline often, it is probably not worth paying for.

Volaris Costa Rica pet policy

Passengers can bring certain pets on their flight with them – namely dogs and cats. This costs an additional fee, and only 1 pet over 4 months old is allowed per passenger. When booking, just choose the “travel with your pet” option on the seat selection page. Here, you’ll also indicate whether your pet will be an onboard companion or checked into the hold below.

To bring a pet onboard, the combined weight of the dog or cat and its soft-sided carrier cannot exceed 22 pounds, and the carrier cannot be larger than 17.5 x 12 x 7.5 inches.

If you’re planning on checking your pet, the hard-sided carrier has to be well-ventilated and leak-proof. The combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot be more than 100 pounds, and the carrier must be large enough for the animal to be able to stand and move around.

Certain breeds of dogs are at greater risk of health concern due to their physiological structure, so you’ll have to sign a letter of liability prior to boarding if your pet is one of these. It also helps to bring your pet’s current vaccination records, as Volaris Costa Rica has specific requirements for specific routes, generally in line with the destination’s own laws.

Depending on where you’re traveling to, an international animal health export certificate issued by SAGARPA/SENASICA/SENASA/CENTREX may also be required, and the airline will ask for this before boarding. Among popular Volaris Costa Rica routes, this is the case with destinations like Honduras and Peru, among others. Always make sure to check with your final destination country before planning your flight.