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Mexican ultra-low-cost carriers operate differently from traditional airlines, charging separately for nearly every service to keep base fares low. The Volaris baggage policy follows this unbundled approach, where your fare type determines exactly what baggage comes included versus what requires additional payment. Understanding these distinctions before booking helps you calculate true trip costs and avoid expensive airport surprises when staff enforce strict size and weight limits.
Volaris Airlines Baggage Policy: Fare Structure Basics
Volaris operates three primary fare types, Zero, Basic, and Plus, each offering different baggage inclusions. The cheapest Zero fare includes only a personal item, while Basic adds a carry-on, and Plus provides comprehensive coverage including checked baggage. This tiered system rewards travelers who can pack light while offering upgrades for those needing more capacity.
International routes may feature slightly different fare names or inclusions, so always verify your specific booking confirmation for exact allowances before packing.
Volaris Personal Item Size: What’s Always Free
Every Volaris passenger brings one personal item regardless of fare type. The Volaris personal item size measures a maximum 14 x 18 x 8 inches (35 x 45 x 20 cm) and must fit completely under the seat ahead of you.
Acceptable personal items include:
- Purses and handbags
- Laptop bags and briefcases
- Small backpacks
- Camera bags
- Diaper bags (for passengers with infants)
This item has no official weight limit but must be manageable enough to store under your seat without assistance. Staff measure suspicious bags at boarding, so staying within dimensions prevents forced gate-checking with fees.
Volaris Carry On Size and Allowance by Fare
The Volaris carry on size allows a maximum 22 x 16 x 10 inches (55 x 40 x 25 cm) including handles and wheels. However, not all fares include this allowance automatically.
Carry-On Baggage Inclusion by Fare Type
| Fare Type | Personal Item | Carry-On Bag | Combined Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero | ✓ Included | Purchase required | Personal item only |
| Basic | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | 33 lbs (15 kg) |
| Plus | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | 44 lbs (20 kg) |
The Volaris carry on weight limits apply to both items combined, not individually. Basic fare passengers must keep personal item plus carry-on under 33 lbs total, while Plus passengers enjoy increased capacity of 44 lbs combined.
Volaris Carry-On Baggage Policy: Purchase Options
Zero fare passengers wanting overhead bin access must purchase carry-on privileges separately. Pricing varies by route and purchase timing:
Domestic Routes:
- During booking: $25-$30 USD
- After booking (online): $35-$45 USD
- At airport/gate: $60-$70 USD
International Routes:
- During booking: $35-$45 USD
- After booking (online): $50-$60 USD
- At airport/gate: $80-$100 USD
Always add carry-on during initial booking for maximum savings, airport fees cost double or triple online rates.
Checked Baggage Allowance and Fees
The Volaris baggage fees for checked luggage follow similar purchase-timing structures. All checked bags must measure maximum 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and weigh no more than 55 lbs (25 kg).
Checked Baggage by Fare Type
| Fare Type | Domestic Flights | International Flights | Maximum Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero | Purchase required | Purchase required | 55 lbs (25 kg) |
| Basic | Purchase required (domestic) 1 bag at 33 lbs (international) | 1 bag at 33 lbs | 33-55 lbs depending on route |
| Plus | 1 bag | 1 bag | 55 lbs (25 kg) |
First Checked Bag Pricing:
| Purchase Timing | Domestic Routes | International Routes |
|---|---|---|
| During booking | $25-$30 | $38-$55 |
| After booking (online) | $35-$45 | $55-$70 |
| At airport | $60-$75 | $90-$110 |
Additional Bags: Second through fifth bags cost incrementally more, with fees ranging $45-$95 depending on route and timing. Maximum five checked bags permitted per passenger.
Volaris International Baggage Policy Variations
The Volaris International baggage policy introduces destination-specific rules. Flights to Central America sometimes include checked baggage even on Basic fares, while routes to the United States follow standard domestic Mexican pricing structures.
International Basic fare often includes one 33 lb (15 kg) checked bag, a valuable inclusion that domestic Basic fares lack. This makes Basic international fares considerably better value than Zero for trips requiring checked luggage.
Overweight and Oversized Baggage Charges
Bags exceeding standard limits trigger substantial fees:
Overweight Fees:
- 56-77 lbs (26-35 kg): $80-$90 USD flat fee
- 78-99 lbs (36-45 kg): $180-$190 USD flat fee
- Over 99 lbs: Not accepted as baggage, must ship as cargo
Oversized Fees:
- 63-80 linear inches: $85-$100 USD additional charge
- Over 80 linear inches: Varies, contact airline
Given these costs, splitting heavy items across two standard-weight bags often costs less than one overweight bag.
Special Items and Sports Equipment
Volaris accepts sports equipment as checked baggage with special handling. Items like surfboards, bicycles, golf clubs, and skis count toward your baggage allowance if within weight limits, or incur standard checked bag fees if purchasing separately.
The “More Baggage Combo” package (international routes) includes one carry-on, one 55 lb checked bag, and one sports equipment item for approximately $160-$200 depending on season, valuable for travelers with gear.
Musical instruments meeting carry-on dimensions travel as your personal item or carry-on. Larger instruments require purchasing an additional seat or checking as baggage with special handling fees.
Tips for Minimizing Volaris Costs
Choose the Right Fare Calculate total costs including baggage before booking. Plus fare with included bags sometimes costs less than Zero fare plus purchased baggage.
Always Buy Bags Early Purchasing during booking saves 50% or more compared to airport counter fees. Even adding bags post-booking but pre-departure beats airport rates.
Maximize Your Personal Item The 14 x 18 x 8 inch allowance accommodates surprisingly much. Compression bags and strategic packing fit 1-2 days of travel in this free space.
Weigh and Measure at Home Verify dimensions and weight before departing. Redistributing items between bags costs nothing at home but triggers expensive fees at check-in.
Consider Shipping for Heavy Items Long-term stays or relocations sometimes cost less shipping belongings separately than paying overweight fees that approach $200 per bag.
Volaris Credit Card Benefits
Volaris INVEX credit cardholders receive enhanced baggage allowances:
INVEX 0: Carry-on plus 55 lb checked bag included (personal item + carry-on max 44 lbs combined) INVEX Basic: One 55 lb checked bag included INVEX 2.0: One 55 lb checked bag plus one 77 lb checked bag
These cards benefit frequent Volaris travelers who consistently need checked baggage.
Travel Freely with Radical Storage
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FAQs
No, Zero includes only personal items; carry-on must be purchased separately for $25-$100, depending on route and timing.
Yes, if it fits 14 x 18 x 8 inches as your personal item; larger backpacks require a carry-on purchase.
Overweight fees of $80-$190 apply depending on excess weight; bags over 99 lbs aren’t accepted.
Infants can use the Baby Combo package, including a 22 lb diaper bag, plus a free stroller and car seat.
No, airport fees cost 2-3x more than online purchase, always buy bags during booking for maximum savings.
Conclusion
The Volaris baggage policy operates on strict unbundled pricing, where nearly everything beyond a personal item costs extra. Understanding fare types, size restrictions, and optimal purchase timing helps you avoid expensive surprises while keeping travel affordable.
Calculate total trip costs, including baggage fees, when comparing fares, always purchase bags during initial booking, and pack strategically within allowances to maximize value on Mexico’s second-largest carrier, for check-in or transfers.