Complete Guide to Volaris Baggage Policy and Other Rules

Volaris is a Mexican ultra-low-cost airline based in Mexico City. Since starting in 2005, it’s become a big name in flying, especially in North America. Think of it as a budget-friendly way to get around. It has main bases in Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Tijuana, connecting many places across Mexico. It also flies quite a bit to the United States and is growing into Central and South America, opening up new travel options.

The airline is famous for being an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC). This means they really focus on keeping prices low. The main way Volaris does this is through its “pay for what you use” system. You pay a basic, low fare for just your seat. Then, you can add things like checked bags, picking a specific seat, or snacks if you want them. You don’t pay for services you don’t need. This approach means their ticket prices are often among the lowest you’ll find, making flying accessible to more people. Combined with its strong network within Mexico, Volaris offers a compelling mix of low fares and broad coverage that many other airlines find hard to beat.

This guide will help you understand Volaris better. We’ll go over its key rules so you can travel with confidence. We’ll cover baggage rules and costs, what you can eat and drink on the plane, and even how to fly with your pet. We’ll also look at other important services like cancelling a flight and how they help passengers with disabilities. Finally, we’ll share some tips to help you save money and make your trip even better.

Volaris Checked Baggage Policy

Knowing the Volaris baggage dimensions and weight limits is the first step to a hassle-free trip. Volaris uses a clear system based on the “piece concept”.

Piece Concept

Volaris counts checked bags by the “piece”. Your fare type decides how many bags you can check. It’s not about total weight like some airlines. Instead, each bag has its own size and weight limit. If you go over, you’ll pay extra fees. The cheapest fare, “Zero”, doesn’t include any free checked bags. You have to buy one if you need it. Higher fares like “Basic” and “Plus” give you at least one checked bag with your ticket.

Here’s what’s generally included with each Volaris fare. Remember, you can always buy more bags if you need them.

Just so you know, having a v.club membership gives you discounts when you buy bags, but it doesn’t change what’s included in your basic fare. Picking the right fare when you book is key to getting the best deal.

Volaris Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

For everyone’s safety, Volaris has a list of items you absolutely cannot pack in your checked luggage. If you try, they might take the items, fine you, or even stop you from flying. Always check your bags carefully. Here’s what’s not allowed:

• Explosives: Things like dynamite, fireworks, and gunpowder are out.
• Flammables: Gasoline, lighter fluid, certain paints, and matches that don’t need a striking surface are banned.
• Gases: Compressed gases like propane or sprays such as pepper spray are not permitted.
• Oxidizers: Things like bleach and some fertilizers are on the forbidden list.
• Toxics: Poisons, insecticides, and anything infectious are a no-go.
• Radioactive Materials: Anything that emits radiation isn’t allowed.
• Corrosives: Acids, mercury (even in thermometers), and certain batteries are prohibited.
• E-cigarettes/Vaping Devices: These must go in your carry-on, not checked bags.
• Lithium Batteries: Extra batteries must be in your carry-on. Batteries in devices are usually okay in checked bags, but there are limits on their power.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 7: This phone model is banned from all flights, period.

Volaris Extra Baggage Fee

A common question is how much Volaris charges for extra baggage. It’s not a fixed price. It depends on when you purchase it, your specific route, and the bag’s weight and size. Like other ultra-low-cost carriers, buying extra bags online and ahead of time is always much cheaper than paying at the airport.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect the fees to look like:

• When You Buy:

  • During Booking: This is the cheapest time. The cost is either part of a fare or a discounted add-on.
  • Online After Booking: You can still add a bag online before check-in. It costs more than during booking, but still much less than at the airport.
  • At the Airport: This is the most expensive. Paying for a bag at the airport can cost two to three times more than buying it online. Bags checked at the gate are even pricier.

• First Checked Bag (if not included):

  • Domestic (Mexico): Roughly $35-$45 USD if you buy online. At the airport, it jumps to $70-$80 USD.
  • International (US routes): Around $40-$55 USD online. At the airport, it’s significantly more, about $80-$95 USD.

• Extra Checked Bags (Second, Third, etc.):

  • Each extra bag costs more. A second bag on a domestic flight might be $45-$55 USD online, and a third, $80-$90 USD.
  • At the airport, these can go up to $85-$95 USD for a second bag and over $150 USD for a third.

• Overweight Baggage Fees:

  • The standard weight limit is 25 kg (55 lbs).
  • Bags from 26 kg to 35 kg (57-77 lbs) will get an overweight fee, usually $80-$100 USD per bag, per flight section.
  • Bags over 45 kg (100 lbs) usually aren’t allowed as checked baggage and must be sent as cargo.

• Oversized Baggage Fees:

  • The standard size is 158 linear cm (62 inches).
  • Bags from 159 cm to 203 cm (62.1 to 80 inches) will have an oversized fee, often around $85-$100 USD per bag. This is on top of any other bag fees.

• Sports Equipment/Musical Instruments:

  • These items often have a special handling fee, similar to the oversized fee ($85-$100 USD). They need to be in a hard-sided case. Their weight must also be within limits to avoid extra charges.

Prices can change, depending on the route and time of year. Always check the exact cost on the Volaris website when you book or in the “Manage My Booking” section.

Volaris Carry-On Baggage Policy

Your carry-on allowance with Volaris depends on the fare you buy. There are big differences between the cheapest and the more expensive ones. Everyone can bring some items into the cabin, but you must stick to the size and weight limits. Otherwise, you might have to check your bag at the gate for a big fee.

Here’s what the carry-on rules look like for each fare type:

Volaris Carry-On Baggage Additions

Besides your usual carry-on items, Volaris lets you bring a few more things on board without them counting towards your limit. These are generally considered extras and include:

• A coat, jacket, or blanket.
• An umbrella or walking stick.
• A small bag from duty-free shops bought at the airport.
• Reading material like a book or magazine.
• Medical devices like crutches or walkers, if pre-approved by the airline.
• Items for infants, like a diaper bag or an approved car seat.

Volaris Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

For safety in the cabin, there are strict rules about what you can and can’t bring in your carry-on. The most common rule that confuses people is about liquids. Volaris liquid rules follow international standards, often called the 3-1-1 rule.

• Liquids, Gels, and Sprays:

  • All liquids must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 ounces) or less.
  • All these small containers must fit easily into one clear, resealable plastic bag that holds no more than 1 liter (about 1 quart).
  • Each passenger gets one such bag.
  • You must show this bag separately at security.
  • Exceptions exist for medicines, baby formula, and breast milk, but you must tell security officers about them.

• Other Prohibited Items in Carry-On:

  • Sharp Objects: Knives of any length, box cutters, and sharp scissors are not allowed.
  • Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, and realistic toys that look like weapons are forbidden.
  • Self-Defense Items: Pepper spray and tasers are not allowed.
  • Sports Gear: Items like baseball bats and golf clubs must be checked.
  • Tools: Most tools, like hammers and large screwdrivers, must go in checked bags.

Volaris Food Policy

As a low-cost airline, Volaris doesn’t offer free meals or drinks on any flight, no matter how long or where it’s going. This is part of how they keep base fares low. But, you won’t go hungry. Volaris has a “buy-on-board” program called “Entre Nubes” (which means “Between the Clouds”). You can buy snacks, drinks, and light meals during your flight.

The Volaris food menu has convenient and popular choices. It can vary a bit, but you can usually find:

• Snacks: Lots of chips, cookies, nuts, popcorn, and instant noodle cups are standard.
• Light Bites: Sometimes you can get small sandwiches or paninis, but packaged snacks are more common.
• Beverages: They offer soft drinks, juices, bottled water, and coffee.
• Alcoholic Drinks: You can buy beers and spirits if you’re of legal drinking age.

Volaris often has combo deals for better value. A combo might include noodles, chips, and a drink for one price, which is cheaper than buying them separately.

Prices are shown in Mexican Pesos (MXN) and US Dollars (USD). You usually pay by credit card. Expect to pay around $3-5 USD for a snack or soda, $7-9 USD for a beer, and $10-15 USD for a combo.

About special meals, Volaris doesn’t have options for dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, or for kids. If you have special dietary needs, it’s best to bring your own food and snacks. Just make sure your food follows security rules and doesn’t need heating or keeping cold, as the flight crew can’t help with that.

Volaris Pet Policy

Volaris allows small dogs and cats to travel with you in the cabin. But, there are strict rules, fees, and steps you must follow for a safe trip for everyone. Volaris generally doesn’t handle larger animals in the cargo hold.

Who Can Fly and How Much it Costs:

• Pets in Cabin: Only dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin. Your pet must be at least 16 weeks old.
• Cost: There’s a set fee to bring a pet in the cabin, and it changes based on the route.
  • Domestic Flights (in Mexico): Expect to pay about $90 - $110 USD each way.
  • International Flights (to/from US, Central America): The fee is usually higher, around $125 - $150 USD each way.
  • You must pay this fee when booking or through the call center because space is limited (usually only 2-3 pets allowed per flight).

Carrier and Size Rules:

• Carrier Type: Your pet needs to be in an airline-approved carrier, either soft or hard-sided. It must be well-ventilated, leak-proof, and big enough for your pet to stand and turn around.
• Size and Weight: The carrier can’t be bigger than 44 x 30 x 19 cm (17.5 x 12 x 7.5 inches). The total weight of your pet and its carrier must not be more than 10 kg (22 lbs).
• Where it Goes: The carrier must stay under the seat in front of you for the whole flight. Your pet must stay inside the carrier at all times.

Required Documents:

You absolutely need the right paperwork. Requirements differ for domestic and international trips.

• For Domestic Flights (Mexico):

  • A valid vaccination record, showing a rabies vaccine given at least 30 days before the flight.
  • A health certificate from a vet, issued no more than 5 days before your flight.
  • Proof of de-worming.

• For International Flights (like to the USA):

  • All the domestic requirements apply.
  • You’ll also need an official international health certificate. This often needs to be approved by the government agricultural authority in the country you’re leaving from (like SENASICA in Mexico for the US). This can take time, so plan ahead.

How to Book Your Pet:

1. Book Early: When booking your flight, choose the “Travel with your Pet” option. It’s best to do this online or by calling, as booking systems aren’t always clear. Don’t just show up at the airport expecting to bring your pet.
2. Confirm Space: Since pet spots are limited, call the airline to confirm your pet’s booking after you’ve reserved it.
3. Airport Check-in: Get to the airport early (at least 3 hours before international flights, 2 for domestic). You must check in at the counter to show your pet’s papers and have the carrier checked. You can’t check in online if you’re traveling with a pet.

Emotional support animals have similar rules to pets and face the same fees and requirements. Official service animals trained for specific tasks for people with disabilities are usually allowed for free, but they need special paperwork and you must inform the airline beforehand.

Other Volaris Services & Policies

Besides baggage and pets, understanding policies on cancellations and help for passengers is important for planning your trip.

Volaris Cancellation Policy

Volaris’s cancellation policy is typical for a budget airline: it’s strict but offers some flexibility if you plan ahead or pay for extras.

• 24-Hour Rule: For flights to/from the US, you can cancel for a full cash refund with no penalty if you booked at least 7 days before the flight and cancel within 24 hours of booking. This is usually your only chance for a refund without any fees.

• Cancellations After 24 Hours: If you cancel after the 24-hour window, you won’t get a cash refund. Instead, you might get a flight credit (Volaris Electronic Credit) for your ticket’s value, minus a cancellation fee. This fee can be quite high, often $75 to $125 USD per person, per flight section. Sometimes, the fee is more than the ticket cost, meaning you get no credit back.

• “Combo Reembolso” (Refund Combo): When booking, Volaris offers an extra called “Combo Reembolso”. If you buy this, you can cancel your flight up to 24 hours before departure and get a full refund as a flight credit, with no cancellation fee. This is great for people whose plans might change. There’s also a “Combo Reembolso Total” which might offer a cash refund for a higher price, so check the terms carefully.

• No-Shows: If you don’t cancel and just miss your flight, you lose the entire ticket value. No refund or credit will be given.

Volaris Wheelchair Assistance

Volaris aims to make travel safe and comfy for passengers with mobility issues and offers free wheelchair assistance.

• Asking for Help: Wheelchair help is totally free. The best way to ensure you get it is to request it when you book your flight online, in the “Special Services” section. You can also call the Volaris contact center at least 48 hours before your flight. While you can ask at the airport, requesting in advance helps avoid delays.

• At the Airport: When you arrive, go to the Volaris check-in desk and tell them you need wheelchair help. Someone will be assigned to assist you. They’ll help you with check-in, security, and get you to the gate. You’ll also get priority boarding to settle in comfortably on the plane.

• Bringing Your Own Wheelchair:

  • You can bring your own manual or electric wheelchair at no extra cost. These count as checked baggage.
  • Manual Wheelchairs: Folding manual wheelchairs can be checked at the counter or used right up to the plane door, then stored in the plane’s cargo.
  • Electric Wheelchairs/Mobility Scooters: There are strict rules for battery-powered devices. You must tell the airline about the battery type (spillable, non-spillable, or lithium-ion) when you ask for assistance. For lithium-ion batteries, you might need to take the battery with you into the cabin. It’s important to contact the airline early to confirm the exact rules for your device to ensure it meets safety standards. When you land, your wheelchair will be brought to the gate for you.

Tips for Passengers

For the most current and accurate information, always check the official Volaris website. Airline policies, baggage fees, and travel rules can change, sometimes without much notice. What’s in this guide is helpful, but the airline’s website is always the final word for fees, dimensions, and policy updates for your specific travel dates and route. Before booking and before flying, a quick look at their “Optional Services” and “Baggage Policy” pages can save you unexpected costs and stress at the airport.

Once your flight is booked, think about what you’ll do with your luggage when you arrive, especially if you have many hours before checking into your hotel or a long layover. Instead of being weighed down by your bags, you can enjoy more freedom using an international luggage storage service like Qeepl. Whether you land in busy Mexico City, sunny Cancun, or vibrant Los Angeles, Qeepl has secure spots in hotels, shops, and cafes for you to safely leave your baggage. This lets you explore the city hands-free and make the most of your trip.

Finally, a few extra tips can make your Volaris experience even smoother. First, travel light. The best way to save money on a low-cost airline is to fit everything into the carry-on bag that comes with your fare. Second, always check in online and have your boarding pass ready on your phone to avoid extra airport check-in fees. Third, think about joining v.club, Volaris’s membership program. For a small yearly fee, you get access to cheaper fares and discounts on baggage and other services. It can pay for itself after just one or two trips. By being a smart and prepared traveler, you can take full advantage of Volaris’s low prices for a great and affordable journey.