What Is Volaris Airlines Baggage Policy 2026?

Jan 12, 2026UncategorizedComments (0)

When planning your trip with Volaris Airlines, understanding the airline's baggage policy is essential to avoid unexpected fees and ensure a smooth travel experience. The Volaris Airlines baggage policy has specific rules regarding what you can bring on board, what you need to check, and how much you'll pay for additional luggage. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Volaris baggage policy, including carry-on allowances, checked baggage fees, size restrictions, and special considerations for international flights.

Understanding Volaris Airlines' Ultra-Low-Cost Model

Before diving into the specifics of the Volaris baggage policy, it's important to understand that Volaris operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC). This business model means the airline offers remarkably low base fares, but charges separately for additional services including baggage, seat selection, and onboard refreshments. Unlike traditional airlines that include checked baggage in the ticket price, Volaris allows passengers to customize their travel experience by paying only for the services they need.

If you need assistance with understanding Volaris baggage policies or help with your booking, you can contact ToursnTravelPro at +1-866-679-5070 for expert guidance on navigating airline baggage requirements and fees.

This approach can result in significant savings for travelers who pack light and don't require checked luggage. However, it also means you need to carefully plan your baggage to avoid paying more than necessary at the airport, where fees are considerably higher than when purchased online during booking.

Volaris Airlines Personal Item Allowance

Every passenger flying with Volaris, regardless of fare type, is entitled to bring one personal item on board at no additional charge. This is the most basic allowance included in all ticket prices and is part of the core Volaris Airlines baggage policy.

Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and cannot exceed the following dimensions:

  • Maximum size: 40 cm x 25 cm x 55 cm (approximately 15.7 x 9.8 x 21.7 inches)
  • Maximum weight: No specific weight restriction, but must be small enough to fit under the seat

Acceptable personal items include small backpacks, purses, laptop bags, briefcases, or small tote bags. The key requirement is that the item must be compact enough to store completely under the seat without protruding into the aisle or legroom area. Flight attendants may check the size of personal items during boarding, and oversized items will need to be checked at the gate with applicable fees.

Volaris Airlines Carry-On Size and Policy

While a personal item is included with all fares, a full-sized carry-on bag is considered an add-on service with Volaris. Understanding the Volaris airlines carry on size requirements is crucial for passengers who want to bring additional baggage into the cabin.

Carry-On Dimensions and Weight

If you purchase the right to bring a carry-on bag, it must meet these specifications:

  • Maximum size: 55 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm (approximately 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.8 inches)
  • Maximum weight: 10 kg (22 lbs)

The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead compartment, and Volaris strictly enforces these dimensions. At the gate, there are sizing bins where your bag may be measured. If your carry-on exceeds these dimensions or weight limits, you'll be required to check it and pay the applicable checked baggage fee, which is significantly more expensive when paid at the gate rather than during online booking.

Carry-On Baggage Fees

The Volaris baggage cost for carry-on luggage varies depending on when you purchase the allowance:

  • During initial booking: Approximately $30-$45 USD per segment
  • After booking (online): Approximately $40-$55 USD per segment
  • At the airport: Approximately $65-$85 USD per segment

These prices can fluctuate based on route, season, and demand, so it's always recommended to add your carry-on allowance during the initial booking process to secure the lowest rate. The fees apply per flight segment, meaning if you have connecting flights, you may need to pay for each leg separately.

Volaris Checked Baggage Policy

For passengers who need to bring more than a personal item and carry-on, checked baggage is available for an additional fee. The Volaris Airlines baggage fees for checked luggage follow a tiered pricing structure based on when you purchase the allowance and the weight of your bag.

Checked Baggage Dimensions and Weight

Volaris offers checked baggage in multiple weight categories:

  • First checked bag: Up to 25 kg (55 lbs)
  • Maximum dimensions: 158 linear cm (62 linear inches) - calculated by adding length + width + height
  • Additional bags: Can be purchased up to a certain limit per passenger

Any checked bag exceeding the 25 kg weight limit will incur overweight fees, and bags exceeding the maximum dimensions will be charged as oversized luggage.

Checked Baggage Pricing Structure

The Volaris baggage fees international flights and domestic flights follow similar pricing patterns, though international routes may have slightly different rates. Here's the general fee structure for the first checked bag:

Domestic Flights:

  • During booking: $25-$40 USD per bag
  • After booking (online): $35-$50 USD per bag
  • At the airport: $60-$90 USD per bag

International Flights:

  • During booking: $40-$60 USD per bag
  • After booking (online): $55-$75 USD per bag
  • At the airport: $90-$120 USD per bag

Second and third checked bags are progressively more expensive, and the Volaris baggage cost increases substantially for additional pieces. The most important takeaway is that purchasing baggage allowances during your initial booking can save you 40-60% compared to paying at the airport.

Overweight and Oversized Baggage

If your checked bag exceeds the standard weight or size limits, additional fees apply:

  • Overweight bags (26-32 kg): Additional $50-$75 USD
  • Overweight bags (33-45 kg): Additional $100-$150 USD
  • Oversized bags (159-300 linear cm): Additional $75-$100 USD

Volaris does not accept checked bags exceeding 45 kg or 300 linear cm under standard baggage policies. Items exceeding these limits must be shipped as cargo through separate arrangements.

Volaris Baggage Fees by Fare Type

Volaris offers different fare bundles that may include baggage allowances, which can provide value for passengers who know they'll need checked luggage.

Basic Fare

The most economical option includes only a personal item. All other baggage must be purchased separately, making this ideal for travelers with minimal luggage needs.

Volaris Plus

This mid-tier fare typically includes one free carry-on bag in addition to the personal item. Some versions may also include one free checked bag, though this varies by route and promotion. Benefits often include:

  • One personal item (included)
  • One carry-on bag (included)
  • One checked bag (sometimes included, depending on fare rules)
  • Seat selection
  • One free change

Volaris Premium

The premium fare bundle usually includes the most comprehensive baggage allowance:

  • One personal item (included)
  • One carry-on bag (included)
  • Two checked bags (included)
  • Priority boarding
  • Seat selection with extra legroom
  • Multiple free changes

When comparing Volaris baggage policy costs across different fare types, it's worth calculating whether a bundled fare might be more economical than purchasing a basic fare and adding baggage separately, especially if you need multiple services.

Special Items and Exceptions

The Volaris Airlines baggage policy includes special provisions for certain items that don't count toward your standard baggage allowance or have specific handling requirements.

Items Transported Free of Charge

Certain essential items can be brought on board without counting toward your baggage allowance:

  • Medical equipment and mobility aids: Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and other assistive devices
  • Child safety seats and strollers: One stroller and one car seat per child
  • Musical instruments: Small instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions may be brought as your carry-on item

Sports Equipment

Special sports equipment such as golf clubs, surfboards, bicycles, and diving equipment can be transported but requires advance notification and incurs additional fees:

  • Golf clubs: Typically $50-$75 USD per segment
  • Bicycles: Typically $75-$100 USD per segment
  • Surfboards: Typically $100-$150 USD per segment depending on size

All sports equipment must be properly packed in appropriate cases or bags and meet specific dimension requirements. It's strongly recommended to declare sports equipment during booking and confirm the exact fees and requirements, as these can vary by route.

Pet Transportation

Volaris allows small pets in the cabin for an additional fee, typically around $75-$100 USD per segment. The pet and carrier together must not exceed 10 kg and must fit under the seat in front of you. Larger pets may be transported as cargo with advance arrangements and additional fees.

International Flight Considerations

The Volaris baggage fees international flights policy has some unique aspects worth noting for travelers crossing borders. While the general structure remains similar to domestic flights, there are a few differences:

Customs and Import Regulations

When flying internationally, passengers must comply with both Mexican customs regulations and the import regulations of the destination country. This doesn't affect the Volaris baggage policy itself but can impact what you're allowed to bring and may result in customs fees or confiscation of prohibited items.

Baggage Allowances by Route

International routes, particularly those to the United States, Central America, and South America, may have slightly different pricing structures. Some routes might offer promotional baggage pricing or different weight allowances. Always check the specific route details when booking your international flight.

Connecting Flights with Other Airlines

If your journey includes connections with airlines other than Volaris, you'll need to follow the most restrictive baggage policy among all carriers on your itinerary. If you've purchased a multi-carrier ticket, the first carrier's baggage policy typically applies to the entire journey, but this should be confirmed during booking.

Tips to Save Money on Volaris Baggage Fees

Understanding the Volaris Airlines baggage policy is one thing, but knowing how to optimize your baggage strategy can save you significant money. For personalized assistance with booking and baggage planning, TournsTravelPro at +1-866-679-5070 can help you find the best options for your travel needs.

Book Baggage During Initial Purchase

The single most effective way to reduce Volaris baggage cost is to add baggage allowances when you first book your ticket. The price difference between booking baggage online versus at the airport can be $40-$60 per bag, which adds up quickly for families or round-trip journeys.

Pack Strategically

Maximize your free personal item by choosing a bag that reaches the maximum allowed dimensions (40 x 25 x 55 cm). A well-packed personal item can hold a surprising amount of belongings, including clothing, toiletries, electronics, and travel essentials.

Weigh Your Bags at Home

Invest in a portable luggage scale to weigh your bags before heading to the airport. Overweight fees can be expensive, and redistributing items between bags at home is much easier than doing so at a busy check-in counter.

Consider Shipping for Long Stays

For extended trips or when traveling with bulky items, shipping luggage ahead to your destination might be more economical than paying for multiple checked bags and overweight fees.

Travel Light When Possible

If you can manage with just a personal item, you'll pay only the base fare and avoid all baggage fees. This works particularly well for short trips or destinations where you can do laundry.

What Happens If You Don't Follow the Baggage Policy

Volaris enforces its baggage policy strictly, and attempting to bypass the rules can result in higher fees and travel disruptions. Here's what to expect if you don't comply with the Volaris baggage policy:

Oversized Personal Items

If your personal item is too large to fit under the seat, you'll be asked to check it at the gate and pay the applicable checked baggage fee at airport rates, which is significantly more expensive.

Unpaid Carry-On Bags

If you attempt to board with a carry-on bag without having purchased the carry-on allowance, you'll be stopped at the gate and required to pay the airport rate for carry-on service, which can be $65-$85 USD or more.

Overweight or Oversized Checked Bags

Bags exceeding weight or dimension limits discovered at check-in will require payment of excess baggage fees before you can proceed to your gate. These fees cannot be waived and must be paid on the spot.

Final Thoughts on the Volaris Airlines Baggage Policy

The Volaris Airlines baggage policy reflects the airline's ultra-low-cost business model, giving passengers the flexibility to pay only for the services they need. While the à la carte pricing structure means you'll pay extra for baggage beyond a personal item, the tradeoff is significantly lower base fares compared to traditional airlines.

The key to navigating the Volaris baggage policy successfully is planning ahead. By understanding the rules, purchasing baggage allowances during initial booking, and packing strategically within the size and weight limits, you can enjoy affordable air travel without unexpected fees. Whether you're flying domestically within Mexico or on Volaris baggage fees international flights to destinations across the Americas, being prepared ensures your journey starts smoothly and stays within budget.

Remember that the Volaris baggage cost increases substantially when purchased at the airport rather than online, so always review your baggage needs during the booking process. With the right preparation and understanding of Volaris's policies, you can make informed decisions that balance convenience with cost-effectiveness for your travel plans.

For additional support with your Volaris booking, baggage questions, or travel planning, contact ToursnTravelPro at +1-866-679-5070 for professional assistance.