Complete Guide to Viva Baggage Policy and Other Rules

Get ready to explore the vibrant landscapes and bustling cities of Mexico and beyond without emptying your wallet! Your key to affordable travel is Viva Aerobus, Mexico’s pioneering ultra-low-cost airline. Headquartered at Monterrey International Airport (MTY), with hubs in major cities like Mexico City (MEX), Guadalajara (GDL), and Cancún (CUN), Viva has revolutionized air travel in the region. The airline operates an extensive network of domestic flights, connecting nearly every corner of Mexico, from the sun-drenched beaches of Tijuana to the historic streets of Mérida. Furthermore, its wingspan extends internationally, offering budget-friendly routes to major cities in the United States, including Las Vegas, Houston, and Chicago, as well as destinations in Colombia, Cuba, and Peru.

So, what’s the secret behind Viva’s soaring popularity? It’s all in their “you-only-pay-for-what-you-need” philosophy. As an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), Viva unbundles its services, allowing travelers to start with a rock-bottom base fare and add only the extras they value, such as checked baggage, seat selection, or onboard snacks. This model stands in stark contrast to traditional airlines, where these “perks” are often bundled into a much higher ticket price. Combined with one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in North America, primarily consisting of modern Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, Viva delivers on its promise of low fares, high efficiency, and reliable service, making it the go-to choice for savvy budget travelers.

This comprehensive guide will serve as your ultimate co-pilot for navigating your journey with Viva Aerobus. We will delve deep into the airline’s most critical policies, ensuring you are fully prepared and can avoid any unexpected surprises or fees. From deciphering their checked and carry-on baggage rules to understanding the extra baggage costs, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also explore the onboard food and drink options, explain the process of traveling with your beloved pets, and detail other essential services like their cancellation policy and wheelchair assistance. Finally, we’ll wrap up with invaluable tips to make your travel experience smooth, affordable, and enjoyable.

Viva Checked Baggage Policy

Navigating the rules for checked luggage is one of the most important steps in planning your trip, and understanding the specific Viva (Mexico) baggage dimensions and weight allowances is key to a hassle-free journey.

Piece Concept

Viva Aerobus operates on a Piece Concept, which is standard for most low-cost carriers. This means your baggage allowance is determined by the number of bags you purchase or that are included in your fare bundle, with each bag having a strict weight and size limit. Unlike the “Weight Concept” used by some full-service international airlines (where you have a total weight allowance to distribute across multiple bags), with Viva, you must adhere to the per-piece limits.

Your checked baggage allowance is directly tied to the fare bundle you select during booking. Viva offers four main fare types, known as “Combos”, each with different inclusions. It is almost always significantly cheaper to purchase a fare bundle that includes a checked bag or to add a bag online during your initial booking than it is to pay for it at the airport.

Here is a breakdown of the standard checked baggage allowance for each Viva fare bundle:

Important Notes:

• Linear Dimensions: The size limit of 158 cm (62 inches) is calculated by adding the length, width, and height of your bag (L+W+H). Any bag exceeding this size will be subject to an oversized baggage fee.
• Fare Differences: As you can see, the basic Zero and Light fares do not include any checked baggage. If you are traveling with more than a small bag, it is often more cost-effective to book an Extra or Smart fare from the outset. The primary difference between ‘Extra’ and ‘Smart’ regarding baggage is the weight allowance—the Smart fare gives you a generous 25 kg limit, ideal for longer trips.

Viva Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

For the safety of all passengers and crew, Viva Aerobus, in compliance with international aviation regulations, strictly prohibits certain items from being transported in checked baggage. Packing any of these items can result in their confiscation and potential legal consequences. Always double-check your luggage for the following:

• Explosives and Flammable Substances: This includes items like fireworks, dynamite, flares, gasoline, lighter fluid, aerosol cans (except for limited personal toiletries), and flammable paints.
• Gases: Compressed gases such as oxygen tanks (unless pre-approved for medical reasons), propane, and self-defense sprays like mace or pepper spray.
• Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides: Items such as bleach and fiberglass repair kits.
• Poisons and Infectious Substances: This includes pesticides, insecticides, and laboratory specimens.
• Radioactive Materials: Any material emitting ionizing radiation.
• Corrosives: Items like acids, alkalis, mercury, and wet cell batteries.
• E-cigarettes and Vaping Devices: These devices and their components must be transported in your carry-on baggage, not in checked luggage, due to the fire risk posed by their lithium batteries.
• Loose Lithium Batteries: Spare or loose lithium-ion batteries (like those for laptops and cameras) and power banks must also be placed in your carry-on baggage and protected from short-circuiting.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 7: This specific device is banned from all aircraft.

Viva Extra Baggage Fee

One of the most common questions travelers have is, how much does Viva (Mexico) charge for extra baggage? The answer is that the cost varies significantly based on three key factors: when you purchase, how much your bag weighs, and the route you are flying. The golden rule for flying with Viva is to pre-purchase all your baggage online as early as possible. Airport prices are substantially higher.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the extra baggage fees you can expect:

• Purchasing a First Checked Bag: If you booked a Zero or Light fare, you can add a checked bag to your reservation.

  • Online (during initial booking): This is the cheapest option. A 15 kg bag can cost approximately $30-$45 USD (or a 25 kg bag for about $35-$50 USD) on domestic routes, with prices being slightly higher for international flights.
  • Online (after booking, via ‘My Flight’): If you add a bag later through the website or app, the price will increase slightly.
  • At the Airport: This is the most expensive option. The fee for the same 15 kg bag at the check-in counter can easily jump to $60-$80 USD or more.

• Adding a Second or Third Checked Bag: If you’ve booked an Extra or Smart fare and need more luggage, or if you simply need multiple bags, you can purchase additional pieces.

  • The cost for a second checked bag is typically higher than the first. Expect to pay roughly $45-$60 USD online for an additional 15 kg or 25 kg bag.
  • Prices for third and subsequent bags increase progressively. Viva generally allows a maximum of 5 checked bags per passenger.

• Overweight Baggage Fees: This is where costs can quickly escalate. Viva is very strict with its weight limits.

  • If your bag exceeds the pre-purchased weight limit (e.g., you have a 17 kg bag but paid for a 15 kg allowance), you will be charged for each extra kilogram.
  • The overweight fee is typically charged per kilogram (or per pound) and can range from $5-$10 USD per kg at the airport. A bag that is 5 kg overweight could cost you an extra $25-$50 USD.
  • Pro-Tip: If you suspect your bag might be overweight, it is often cheaper to upgrade to the next weight category online (e.g., from 15 kg to 25 kg) before you get to the airport.

• Oversized Baggage Fee: Any bag exceeding the 158 cm (62 linear inches) limit will be charged an oversized fee, in addition to any weight-related charges. This fee is substantial and can be $80-$100 USD or more per piece, per flight segment.

• Sporting Equipment and Musical Instruments: Items like golf bags, surfboards, bicycles, or large musical instruments are not considered standard baggage. They must be registered as special baggage and will incur a separate fee, which usually starts around $60-$100 USD when booked online. They must also meet specific weight and dimension requirements.

To get the exact price for your specific flight, the best method is to begin a booking on the Viva Aerobus website and proceed to the “add-ons” page, or use the “My Flight” portal for an existing reservation.

Viva Carry-On Baggage Policy

Your carry-on allowance is also determined by your fare bundle. Viva has a unique system where even the most basic fare includes at least one small personal item, but the size and weight allowance grows with higher-tier fares.

Key Points:

• The Zero fare is extremely restrictive, only allowing a small bag like a purse or laptop case that must fit under the seat in front of you. You are not entitled to use the overhead bins.
• The Light and Extra fares offer a standard allowance of one personal item and one larger carry-on bag, with a combined weight limit of 10 kg.
• The Smart fare provides the most generous carry-on allowance, increasing the combined weight limit to 15 kg. This can be a significant advantage for travelers who prefer not to check a bag.

Viva Carry-On Baggage Additions

In addition to your standard allowance, Viva Aerobus permits passengers to bring a few extra items on board without charge. These do not count towards your weight limit and are a welcome convenience.

• A coat, jacket, or blanket.
• An umbrella or walking cane.
• A small, duty-free bag purchased at the airport on the day of your flight.
• Reading material for the flight (a book or magazine).
• Assistive devices such as crutches, a walker, or other mobility aids.
• Approved child restraint systems (car seats) if a seat has been purchased for the infant.
• A diaper bag for passengers traveling with an infant.

Viva Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

To ensure cabin safety, certain items are restricted or limited in your carry-on luggage. The most notable of these is the policy on liquids.

• Sharp Objects: Items such as knives (of any length), box cutters, razor blades, and scissors with blades longer than 6 cm (2.4 inches) are strictly forbidden in the cabin.
• Sporting Goods: Items like baseball bats, pool cues, ski poles, and hockey sticks must be checked in.
• Self-Defense Items: Pepper spray, mace, and tasers are not allowed in the cabin.
• Tools: Most tools, including drills, screwdrivers, and wrenches, must be placed in checked baggage.
• Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels: The Viva (Mexico) liquid allowance follows international standards. You can carry liquids in containers of 100 ml (3.4 ounces) or less. All of these small containers must fit comfortably into a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter (approximately one quart). This bag must be presented separately at the security screening. Exceptions are made for medically necessary liquids, baby formula, and breast milk, but you must declare them to security officers for inspection.

Viva Food Policy

As a quintessential ultra-low-cost airline, Viva Aerobus does not provide complimentary meals or beverages on any of its flights, regardless of duration. This is a core part of its business model, designed to keep ticket prices as low as possible. Instead, the airline offers a “buy-on-board” service, allowing passengers to purchase a variety of snacks, drinks, and light meal items during the flight.

The onboard purchasing program is called “Menú a Bordo”, and it features a selection tailored to travelers’ tastes. The cabin crew will pass through the aisle with a trolley, usually after the aircraft reaches cruising altitude. Payment can typically be made with major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) and, on many domestic routes, Mexican pesos. It’s wise to have a card handy, as cash may not always be accepted, especially on international flights.

The Viva food menu includes a range of options, such as:

• Snacks: You’ll find popular choices like Sabritas (Lays) potato chips, Doritos, Cacahuates Japoneses (Japanese-style peanuts), and a variety of cookies and granola bars.
• Light Meals: For something more substantial, the menu often features instant Maruchan noodle soup (a cult favorite on Mexican flights), and sometimes pre-packaged sandwiches or paninis.
• Beverages: The drink selection includes staples like Coca-Cola products, bottled water, juices, and coffee.
• Alcoholic Drinks: For those looking to unwind, Viva serves a selection of beers (like Heineken and Tecate), as well as miniature bottles of spirits such as tequila, rum, and whiskey, which can be purchased with mixers.

Prices are what you might expect for in-flight service. A bag of chips or a soda might cost around $3-4 USD, a noodle soup could be about $5 USD, and an alcoholic beverage might range from $7-$10 USD. Combo deals, such as a snack and a drink for a discounted price, are also frequently offered.

Unfortunately, Viva Aerobus does not offer special meals for passengers with dietary restrictions, allergies, or for children. The items available on the “Menú a Bordo” are the only options. If you have specific dietary needs, it is strongly recommended that you bring your own food on board. Solid food items like sandwiches, salads, and fruit are generally permissible through airport security.

Viva Pet Policy

Viva Aerobus understands that pets are part of the family, and they offer options for passengers wishing to travel with their dogs or cats. However, transporting animals requires careful planning, adherence to strict rules, and advance registration.

Booking and Registration:
You cannot add a pet to your booking online. You must book your pet’s travel by calling the Viva Aerobus Call Center. It is crucial to do this as soon as you book your own flight, as there is a limited number of pets allowed per flight (typically a maximum of 6).

Pets in the Cabin:
Only small dogs and cats are permitted to travel in the passenger cabin.

• Cost: The fee for a pet in the cabin is approximately $100-$125 USD for international flights and around 1,100 MXN for domestic flights. This fee is charged per flight segment.
• Carrier Requirements: The pet must be in an airline-approved carrier (soft or hard-sided). The maximum dimensions for the carrier are 44 x 35 x 25 cm (17.5 x 13.5 x 10 inches). The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Weight Limit: The total weight of the pet and its carrier must not exceed 12 kg (26 lbs).
• Rules: The pet must remain inside its carrier for the entire duration of the flight. The carrier must be well-ventilated and secure.

Pets as Checked Baggage (in the Hold):
For larger pets that exceed the in-cabin limits, there is an option to transport them in the temperature-controlled cargo hold.

• Cost: The fee for a pet in the hold is significantly higher, often around $125-$150 USD for international flights and around 1,300 MXN for domestic travel.
• Carrier Requirements: The carrier must be IATA-compliant, rigid, and leak-proof, with proper ventilation.
• Weight Limit: The total weight of the pet and its carrier can be up to 45 kg (99 lbs). Pets exceeding this weight cannot be transported.
• Breed Restrictions: Viva Aerobus does not transport brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds of dogs or cats in the cargo hold due to their high risk of respiratory distress. This includes breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and Persian cats.

Required Documents:
Proper documentation is non-negotiable. At check-in, you must present:

1. Valid Health Certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 5 days of your travel date. It must state that the pet is in good health and fit to travel by air.
2. Valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Must show the date of application and the vaccine’s expiration date.
3. For International Travel: Additional documents, such as specific import permits or USDA/SENASICA certificates, may be required depending on the destination country. It is the passenger’s responsibility to research and obtain all necessary paperwork.

Failure to provide the correct documentation, or a carrier that does not meet the requirements, will result in your pet being denied travel.

Other Viva Services & Policies

Viva Cancellation Policy

As an ultra-low-cost airline, Viva Aerobus’s standard cancellation policy is highly restrictive. In general, all tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you choose not to travel, you will forfeit the entire cost of your ticket.

However, Viva offers several add-on services during the booking process to provide passengers with more flexibility:

• Total Refund (Reembolso Total): For an additional fee at the time of booking, this add-on allows you to cancel your flight up to 24 hours before departure and receive a full cash refund for your flight ticket. This does not cover the cost of the add-on itself or other services purchased.
• Flight Change Insurance (Seguro de Cambio): This lower-cost add-on allows you to make one date or time change to your flight without paying the standard change fee, though you would still be responsible for any fare difference.
• Viva Flex: This service allows you to change your flight’s date, time, or route without a change fee up to 4 hours before departure, paying only the fare difference.

24-Hour Cancellation Rule: For flights to/from the United States, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 24-hour rule applies. This allows you to cancel your booking without penalty and receive a full refund if the booking was made at least 7 days before the flight’s departure.

Airline-Initiated Cancellations: If Viva Aerobus cancels your flight due to operational reasons, weather, or other issues, you are entitled to options under Mexican law. This typically includes being re-accommodated on the next available flight or receiving a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket.

Viva Wheelchair Assistance

Viva Aerobus is committed to providing a safe and dignified travel experience for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility. The airline offers complimentary wheelchair assistance, but it must be requested in advance.

• How to Request: The service should be requested at least 48 hours prior to your flight’s departure. You can do this by calling the Viva Aerobus Call Center. While there may be an option to request it during online booking, calling is the most reliable method to ensure the service is confirmed.
• What is Included: Wheelchair assistance covers transport from the check-in counter, through security, to the departure gate, and onto the aircraft to your seat. Upon arrival, the service will assist you from the aircraft to the baggage claim area.
• Traveling with a Personal Wheelchair: Passengers are permitted to travel with their own manual or electric wheelchairs.
  • Manual Wheelchairs: These can be checked at the ticket counter or at the gate free of charge.
  • Electric Wheelchairs/Scooters: These require special handling. You must provide information about the wheelchair’s dimensions, weight, and battery type when you request the service. Only wheelchairs with non-spillable dry or gel-cell batteries are accepted. Lithium-ion batteries have specific handling requirements and may need to be removed and carried in the cabin.

Be sure to arrive at the airport well in advance—at least 3 hours before an international flight and 2 hours before a domestic flight—to ensure a smooth check-in and assistance process.

Tips for Passengers

For the most accurate, up-to-date, and detailed information regarding any aspect of your travel, from baggage fees to flight policies, your first and best resource is always the official Viva Aerobus website. Airline policies, prices, and procedures can and do change, sometimes with little notice. Relying on outdated third-party information can lead to costly mistakes. Before you book and before you fly, take a few minutes to review the relevant sections on their website to ensure you are fully informed about the latest rules.

Once you’ve landed and are ready to start your adventure, the last thing you want is to be encumbered by heavy luggage, especially if you have a long wait before checking into your hotel or a late flight after checking out. This is where an international luggage storage service like Qeepl becomes a traveler’s best friend. With a global network of secure and convenient locations in hotels, shops, and cafes, Qeepl offers an easy solution. Wherever you arrive, you can quickly find a nearby spot to safely store your baggage for a few hours or a few days. This frees you up to go explore the city, grab a meal, or visit an attraction without dragging your bags along, helping you maximize every moment of your trip.

Finally, to make your journey with Viva Aerobus as seamless as possible, keep a few extra tips in mind. Always check in online before heading to the airport; it’s free and saves you from potential lines and airport check-in fees. Use a luggage scale to weigh your bags at home to avoid expensive overweight charges. If you think you’ll need anything during the flight—like snacks, water, or entertainment—bring it with you to save money. And don’t forget to pack a portable power bank, as Viva’s fleet generally does not have in-seat power outlets to charge your devices. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your low-cost flight is also a low-stress experience.