Information on Volaris Flights

The largest airline in Mexico in terms of passengers flown, Volaris is also the country’s largest low-cost carrier. It offers flights throughout Mexico as well as to the United States, Central and South America. Airfares tend to be lower than many competitors, but you may have to pay extra for some services, like checking baggage and selecting seats. The airline partners with Frontier Airlines for codeshare flights on some routes.

Why fly Volaris?

I’ve found Volaris to be a reliable and affordable choice for both domestic flights within Mexico as well as international service between the US and Mexico. Even when a “full-service” airline affiliated with my frequent flyer program is available, I’ve often chosen Volaris because the fares are that much lower. But it’s important to pay close attention to what each fare includes, and what any extras might cost, to make sure you get the most for your money.

Volaris fare classes and pricing

Volaris offers three fare categories: Zero, Basic and Plus. Keep in mind that the cheaper categories can sometimes end up costing more than a higher fare if you pay for extras – so shop wisely. I’m often willing to pay more for a higher fare category, just to avoid fees for checked baggage and carry-on items and to board the aircraft more quickly.

There are multiple ways to upgrade the features, amenities and comfort level with Volaris. After choosing your fare class, you can choose a specific seat class. In most cases, you’ll have to pay to select a seat in advance, regardless of the fare.

The cost of seat selection varies, even within the same seat category; aisle and window seats are usually more expensive than the middle seats – although I’ve seen cases where, strangely, the middle seat in Premium class was pricier than the adjacent aisle seat.

Zero

Zero includes just one personal item and free enrolment in v.club, a membership program that ordinarily charges a fee and offers discounts on airfares, hotels and vacation packages.This class is the best deal for budget-conscious people who are traveling light. If you’re a US-based traveler and don’t fly to or around Mexico that much, the free membership in v.club probably won’t be that useful, and baggage fees add to the cost of this fare if you’re checking luggage or even bringing a carry-on.

Basic

Basic includes one personal item and one carry-on, as well as the ability to change your original flight for free to an earlier one on the same day, when available. I generally find this the best deal and most practical for flying with a carry-on.

Plus

Plus includes one personal item, one carry-on, one checked bag and priority boarding, plus unlimited flight changes. This class is fully refundable, but only in the form of an electronic voucher for future travel.

Improving the experience

You can always pay to check bags, even if it’s not included with your fare. Paying before the departure date is cheaper than paying at the airport. In addition, Volaris offers “combo” packages – More Flexibility, Combo Business, More Baggage and More Speed – that offer additional benefits, for a fee.

Volaris aircraft types & seat categories

The airline’s fleet of Airbus A319, A320 and A321 aircraft assures a relatively consistent layout on each aircraft. There is no first class or business class cabin. I’ve experienced all of the seat categories and find them decently comfortable, especially for shorter flights (when I’ve taken Volaris on an overnight flight between New York City and Guadalajara, however, it was worth paying to sit in a better seat category, for the sake of comfort).

Premium

This front-of-cabin option offers extra legroom, with seats located in the first few rows of the aircraft.

More Space

Slightly less expensive than Premium, More Space also offers more legroom than standard seats.

Quick Exit

Sometimes referred to by Volaris as “First Off,” Quick Exit seats offer standard legroom; their main draw is that they’re located toward the front of the plane.

Standard

Standard seats are just that – the plane’s most basic seats. The seat pitch can be quite narrow – especially on the Airbus A320neo – so if you truly need more space, consider one of the other categories.

Baggage policy and fees

All passengers flying Volaris are allowed one free personal item on board, but not everyone gets a free carry-on or checked bag. It’s a good idea to compare which is cheaper: paying a lower fare and paying extra for a carry-on and checked bag, or simply paying a higher fare that includes them for free.

I generally try to splurge on a Premium seat. That allows me to bring a carry-on, sit in one of the first rows and to board earlier, which increases the chance that I’ll find space in the overhead compartment. Boarding early is also better because Volaris gate agents often require people in later boarding groups to gate check their luggage.

It's possible to get discounted rates on baggage fees by joining the v.pass flight subscription program, but there is an annual fee, so it’s generally not worth it unless you plan to fly Volaris on a regular basis (although if you buy a Zero fare, you’ll get free membership).

One thing to note: I’ve found that Mexican airlines are often more likely than US carriers to measure and weigh carry-on and checked luggage, so be careful when packing (and be prepared to strategically avoid the gaze of airline staff in the airport).

Check-in with Volaris

You’ll pay extra (and could spend quite a while in line, as I have, several times) if you want to check in at the airport. There are several cheaper and more efficient ways to get your boarding pass.

By downloading the Volaris app, I’ve been able to check in long before the date of my flight; the airline actually allows check in 3, 5 or 7 days before departure for domestic flights, depending on your fare class. For international flights, it’s the more standard 24-hour window.

Another option is to check in online and take a screenshot of your boarding pass. For flights within Mexico, you can also use the airline’s chatbot, via WhatsApp.

If you need to check bags, I suggest arriving at the airport well in advance of your flight; I’ve witnessed extremely long lines on multiple occasions and at multiple airports, including Cancun, Mexico City, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

Lounges

Volaris has no VIP lounges or affiliations, so you’re on your own to pay for access to the club of your choice at the airport.

The Volaris Onboard Experience

Volaris offers a pared-back, low-cost inflight experience. Here’s what to expect.

Wi-Fi & entertainment

Volaris aircraft aren’t equipped with WiFi or seatback screens, so plan on bringing your own entertainment. V de Volaris, the inflight magazine, is available on board, although in my experience it’s not always placed at every seat. In addition, most aircraft don’t have outlets, so charge up before flying or bring your own charger.

Inflight food and beverages

There is a charge for food and drinks; items can be viewed in the Entre Nubes menu on the Volaris app, and flight attendants sometimes also carry a hard copy. The menu features the usual array of soft drinks, snacks, sweets and alcohol, and there are reasonably priced combos that include a sandwich, drink and chips. As with any airline, however, there’s a chance that some items won’t be available.

On one flight, I asked a flight attendant for water, and she said there was a charge for a bottle, but that cups of water were free. When I asked for a cup, the flight attendant went back to the galley and filled the cup from a spigot – so if you want to avoid unbottled water, it’s safer to buy a bottle or bring one on board.

Loyalty program v.club & Volaris credit cards

Volaris doesn’t offer a traditional frequent flyer program. v.club is a membership club that charges a monthly or annual fee, and offers discounts on flights, hotels and vacation packages. It’s probably not worth joining unless you plan to fly the carrier a lot.

Volaris offers 3 credit cards through INVEX that provide benefits including free baggage check and priority boarding, but you must be a resident of Mexico to qualify for the cards.