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How to Fly Volaris for Next to Nothing: Tips from a Budget Travel Pro

Volaris is a low-cost airline based in Mexico that provides affordable flight options within Mexico as well as to the United States. Founded in 2005, Volaris is now Mexico’s second-largest airline, offering over 80 routes to destinations across Mexico, the United States, and Central America. volaris flights

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Volaris first began operating domestic flights within Mexico in March 2006. Since then, the airline has rapidly expanded to cover an extensive network connecting major cities across Mexico. Volaris launched its first international flights in 2009 with service to US cities. Today, Volaris serves over 18 million passengers annually and continues to grow its route network.

As a low-cost carrier, Volaris focuses on providing no-frills flights at affordable fares. By cutting costs on extras and optimizing operations, Volaris can offer cheaper base fares compared to other airlines. This makes Volaris an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers looking to fly within Mexico or to or from popular US destinations.

Volaris Route Map volaris flights

Volaris primarily serves destinations within Mexico as well as several major cities in the United States. As Mexico’s largest low-cost carrier, Volaris has an extensive domestic route network, connecting travelers between cities both large and small across the country.

Some of Volari’s major hubs and focus cities include:

  • Mexico City (MEX) – Volaris’ largest hub, with flights to over 40 domestic destinations as well as major U.S. cities.

  • Guadalajara (GDL) – A hub for Western and Central Mexico destinations.

  • Cancún (CUN) – Volaris’ main hub for Southeast Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula.

  • Tijuana (TIJ) – A major hub for travel between Mexico and Southern California.

  • Los Angeles (LAX) – Volaris’ largest transborder hub in the U.S.

  • Las Vegas (LAS) – Key U.S. hub for Volaris, with connections to multiple Mexican destinations.

In the United States, Volaris flies to over 15 cities, including Chicago, Denver, Houston, Orlando, Portland, and Seattle, from its hubs in Mexico. The airline continues to expand internationally, with new services to Guatemala and Costa Rica launched in recent years.

Volaris Fleet

Volaris operates an all-Airbus fleet composed of the A320 family of aircraft. This includes the following planes:

  • Airbus A319 – Volaris has over 50 A319s in its fleet. The A319 is a narrow-body jetliner that typically seats around 140 passengers. It has a range of approximately 3,000–4,000 km.

  • Airbus A320 – The A320 is the backbone of Volaris’ fleet, with over 70 of these planes. It’s a medium-range narrow-body jetliner that seats around 180 passengers. It has a range of 6,000-7,000 km.

  • Airbus A321 – Volaris has close to 20 A321 aircraft. The A321 is a longer variant of the A320, seating around 220 passengers. It has a range of approximately 5,500 km.

The Airbus A320 family offers Volaris excellent commonality and efficiency. With an all-Airbus fleet, Volaris can optimize crew training, maintenance, and spare parts inventory. The aircraft also features fuel-efficient engines and advanced aerodynamics for cost savings.

Volaris continues to expand and modernize its fleet by taking delivery of next-generation A320neo jets. These incorporate the latest engine and wing upgrades for even greater efficiency. An all-Airbus fleet gives Volaris consistency across its route network in Latin America.

Volaris Fares and Fees

Volaris offers low-base fares to appeal to budget-conscious travelers. A basic one-way ticket typically starts around €50-100 for shorter flights within Mexico or Central America. For longer transatlantic flights to the United States, base fares are €150-250.

Keep in mind that these starting prices don’t include additional fees. Here are some of the common fees to expect when booking with Volaris:

  • Seat Selection Fee – €8-15 for standard seats, €25-50 for extra legroom
  • Priority Boarding – €15-25 to board early
  • Checked Bags – First checked bag is €20, second is €35. Bags over 50 lbs are €100.
  • Carry-On Bags – One personal item is free, carry-on bags over 10 lbs are €27
  • In-flight Food and Drinks – Meals, snacks, and alcoholic drinks for purchase
  • Unaccompanied Minor Service – €35 per child
  • Pet in Cabin – €55 per pet
  • Changes or Cancellations: €80-150 fee to change or cancel flights

To avoid surprise fees, be sure to factor these additional costs into your total budget when booking Volaris. The airline keeps fares low by charging separately for amenities and services.

Booking Volaris Flights

Booking a flight on Volaris is straightforward, whether you use their website or mobile app. Here are some tips for searching and booking Volaris flights:

  • Use the search tool on Volaris.com to find available flights. You can search by origin and destination city, as well as date. Be flexible with dates if possible to get the best fares.

  • When searching, you’ll see the lowest fares at the top. Click “Select” to choose your outbound and return flights if booking a roundtrip ticket.

  • On the passenger info page, enter details for each traveler. This includes the full name, gender, and date of birth.

  • Next, you’ll select any extras, like checked bags, seat assignments, or insurance. Consider your needs, but know that extras add to the fare.

  • Proceed through the booking process, entering contact information and payment details. Have your card ready, as you’ll need to enter your card number, expiration date, and security code.

  • Review all details before completing the purchase. Print or save your ticket confirmation when the booking is finalized.

  • You can also book easily on the Volaris app for iOS or Android. The process is the same: simple search and checkout.

  • Registering an account with Volaris makes rebooking faster if you need to change plans. You can access previous bookings and information with an account.

Booking with Volaris is quick and easy, either online or in the app. Have your details ready, and search for the best fares for your trip.

Volaris Baggage Policy

When flying Volaris, there are restrictions on the number, size, and weight of bags that can be checked or carried on. Understanding these policies can help ensure a smooth airport and boarding experience.

Checked Baggage

  • The maximum weight for checked bags on Volaris is 25 kg (55 lbs). Additional weight will incur overage fees.
  • You can check 1 bag free of charge. Checking a second bag costs around €50.
  • Oversized and specialty items like surfboards, bicycles, and musical instruments may incur additional fees.
  • Make sure bags are properly tagged and labeled to avoid delays. Don’t lock checked bags.

Carry-On Baggage

  • Each passenger can bring 1 personal item, like a purse or small backpack.
  • Carry-on bags should not exceed 55 x 40 x 25 cm (22 x 16 x 10 in).
  • Your carry-on must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Oversize items will need to be checked.
  • Limit liquids to 100-ml containers in a 1-liter bag for airport security.

Other Baggage Tips

  • Pack medications, valuables, and documents in your carry-on, not checked bags.
  • Review airport rules on items like lithium batteries, sports gear, and knives.
  • Arrive early to allow time for baggage checks and security screening.
  • Consider Volaris priority boarding to guarantee space for your carry-on.

Understanding Volaris baggage allowances can make for a smoother airport and in-flight experience. Check policies before packing to avoid issues.

Volaris Amenities

When flying with Volaris, you can expect a pleasant inflight experience with several amenities to make your trip more enjoyable.

Food and Beverages volaris flights

Volaris offers a buy-on-board meal service with a selection of sandwiches, snacks, and hot and cold drinks for purchase. Options may include turkey or ham sandwiches, chips, chocolates, sodas, juices, coffee, and more. Alcoholic beverages are not offered. Prices are reasonable, usually around $5-10 USD for a meal combo.

Entertainment

Volaris planes feature overhead screens that play a selection of movies, TV shows, and other entertainment during your flight. Programming is usually focused on recent Hollywood and Latin hits. You can also bring your own devices loaded with movies, ebooks, music, and more to stay entertained.

WiFi

Volaris offers inflight WiFi on many of its aircraft, allowing you to surf the web, chat with friends on social media, answer emails, and more. You can choose from different WiFi package options; prices range from around $6 to $15 USD, depending on data and time limits.

With amenities like onboard dining, entertainment, and WiFi, Volaris aims to make your flight as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The airline continually looks for ways to enhance the passenger experience with new offerings and upgrades.

Volaris Safety Record volaris flights

Volaris has maintained an excellent safety record throughout its history, with no fatal accidents or hull losses reported. The airline operates a modern fleet of Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, which are known for their reliability and safety.

Volaris is strict about aircraft maintenance, engineering, and pilot training to ensure the highest standards of safety. Pilots undergo extensive classroom and simulator training to prepare for any situation. Maintenance crews regularly inspect aircraft using the latest tools and technology.

The airline has implemented advanced technologies like required navigation performance approaches and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast systems. These enhance precision, navigation, and aircraft tracking—all crucial for accident prevention.

While the airline has experienced a few minor incidents, these have not resulted in any injuries. According to data from the Aviation Safety Network, Volaris has not had any fatal events in its 18 years of operations.

By prioritizing safety, maintaining modern fleets, and investing in crew training, Volaris has established a reputation as one of Mexico’s safest airlines. Passengers can book Volaris flights with confidence, knowing they are in good hands.

Volaris Reviews volaris flights

Volaris generally receives mixed reviews from customers regarding its service and amenities. On the positive side, many customers praise Volaris for its low base fares that make travel accessible to more people. They also note friendly cabin crew and smooth check-in and boarding processes. However, Volaris receives criticism regarding lack of legroom, mediocre inflight entertainment options, and charges for extras like seat selection and checked bags. Some travelers have expressed dissatisfaction with flight delays and cancellations.

Reviews on amenities like inflight snacks and drinks are polarized. Some appreciate Volaris for providing complimentary light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on all flights. Others find the snack options to be too limited or unappetizing. There are mixed opinions on buying onboard food for purchase, with some liking the convenience and prices, while others want more substantial complimentary meals.

When it comes to customer service, Volaris gets mixed feedback. Some travelers had positive experiences getting assistance from customer service staff. However, others faced long phone wait times or inadequate responses to complaints. Reviews suggest customer service experiences can vary greatly depending on the specific agent.

In terms of overall value, many reviewers say Volaris offers an affordable way to travel around Mexico and Central America. Customers willing to pay extra for seat selection, bags, and onboard amenities can have a comfortable trip. But budget-focused travelers should temper expectations around cabin space, entertainment, and food. Most agree that Volaris serves its niche for no-frills, low-cost air travel well. As long as customers know what to expect, reviews indicate satisfaction with Volaris as an airline.

Summary

Volaris is a low-cost airline based in Mexico that serves domestic routes as well as flights to the United States. As a budget carrier, Volaris offers basic amenities onboard and charges additional fees for services like checked baggage and seat selection. However, its low base fares make it an affordable option for travel within Mexico and to select destinations in the U.S.

Key things to know about Volaris include: volaris flights

  • Large domestic route network, serving over 80 destinations across Mexico. It also flies to cities in the U.S. like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Orlando.

  • Operates a fleet of Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. Known for having a young fleet with an average age of 5 years.

  • Ticket prices start as low as 15–30 euros each way. Additional fees apply for services.

  • Carry-on baggage is allowed for free. Checked bags cost extra.

  • Offers a basic onboard experience with seats in a 3-3 configuration. Food, drinks, and other amenities must be purchased separately.

  • Has a decent safety record and generally positive reviews from travelers.

For budget-conscious travelers, Volaris can be a good option for affordable air travel within Mexico or to select U.S. destinations. The no-frills service comes with some additional fees, but the base fares are very low.

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Driven by wanderlust and a passion for tech, Sandra is the creative force behind Alertify. Love for exploration and discovery is what sparked the idea for Alertify, a product that likely combines Sandra’s technological expertise with the desire to simplify or enhance travel experiences in some way.