How Strict Is Volaris With Personal Item Size?
Volaris is a low-cost Mexican airline with destinations in Mexico, the US, and Central America.
Personal items are allowed on all Volaris flights, but the airline has specific size limits that apply to different ticket types and routes.
Volaris strictly enforces a personal item size limit of 14 in x 18 in x 8 in (35 cm x 45 cm x 20 cm) for all passengers on international flights. For domestic flights within Mexico, the limit is 22 in x 16 in x 10 in (55 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm). Some fare types and routes also include a carry-on.
Personal items include purses, laptop bags, backpacks, briefcases, and tote bags.
Volaris has more flexible rules for passengers flying within Mexico, allowing two complimentary cabin bags for all fare types.
Volaris Carry-On Restrictions
Volaris offers three fares: Vuela Basic, Vuela Classic, and Vuela Plus.
The perks offered with each ticket type depend on whether you’re flying domestically or internationally.
With Vuela Basic (international), you can only carry one free personal item that is 14 in x 18 in x 8 in (35 cm x 45 cm x 20 cm).
You can add a larger carry-on bag, but it costs extra.
Vuela Basic (domestic) flights, on the other hand, allow passengers to bring two standard cabin bags (e.g., a small suitcase, backpack, handbag, etc.).
The bags can have a maximum size of 22 in x 16 in x 10 in (55 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm) each but cannot weigh more than 22 lbs (10 kg) combined.
Vuela Classic follows the same model whereby domestic passengers can carry more luggage.
The upside to Vuela Classic is that international flights allow one free carry-on in addition to your personal item.
For international flights, the size for personal items remains at 14 in x 18 in x 8 in (35 cm x 45 cm x 20 cm)
The complimentary carry-on can weigh up to 22 lbs (10 kg) and has a size limit of 22 in x 16 in x 10 in (55 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm).
You can purchase an additional carry-on bag, but the total weight of both bags can’t exceed 22 lbs (10 kg).
Vuela Classic (domestic) flights allow you to bring two large cabin bags with a total combined weight of 44 lbs (20 kg).
The size limits for personal items and carry-ons are the same as Vuela Classic domestic.
Vuela Plus includes everything under Vuela Classic but also includes complimentary checked luggage.
Please note that passengers traveling to and from the USA can only carry two pieces of hand luggage under FAA regulations.
In most cases, that refers to a personal item and carry-on bag.
Does Volaris Allow Pets?
Volaris allows domesticated cats and dogs on their flights, but additional fees apply when bringing along your furry best friend.
You can carry your pet in the cabin, but the total combined weight between the animal and the carrier shouldn’t exceed 22 lbs (10 kg).
A pet carrier is considered an addition to your allowed carry-on luggage.
You also must put your bestie in the cargo hold if they and the carrier exceed 22 lbs (10 kg) but weigh less than 100 lbs (45 kg).
Volaris only allows a maximum of four checked and two in-cabin pets per flight, so if you’re bringing yours, reserve their spot in advance.
Animals should also not be younger than four months, nursing, sick, dead, violent, or pregnant.
Volaris has a list of restricted pet breeds for your convenience, so check it out before booking your next flight.
Does Volaris Allow Baby Equipment?
Yes, Volaris allows the following baby equipment as part of your baggage allowance:
- A diaper bag
- A stroller
- One item for transporting the child
The airline allows a maximum of two items with specific restrictions for some, so you should contact the airline for further details.
Your diaper bag shouldn’t exceed 22 lbs (10 kg) and should measure no more than 9.8 in x 15.7 in x 15.7 in (25 cm x 40 cm x 40 cm).
As part of your carry-on, it should also fit in the overhead bin.
Volaris allows a child restraint system, folding cot, or baby carrier as items for transporting the baby.
You can only bring one – and you should check it – but it’s not considered one of your pieces of checked baggage.
You can’t travel with a baby in the emergency exit row and should purchase an extra ticket if you want to use your car seat on the flight.
Volaris Checked Luggage Restrictions
Checked luggage is only complimentary under the Vuela Plus (domestic and international) fare.
Vuela Plus (domestic) includes everything under Vuela Classic (domestic) plus one checked bag that weighs up to 55 lbs (25 kg).
The bag should also not exceed 62 linear inches or 158 cm (length + width + height).
Vuela Plus (international) includes everything under Vuela Classic (international) plus one checked bag.
The weight and size limits are the same at 55 lbs (25 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm).
Volaris allows up to 5 checked bags, subject to additional fees, and weight and size limits apply per bag.
If you’re flying Vuela Basic or Vuela Classic on any route, you will have to pay additional fees to check baggage.
Does Volaris Allow Sports Equipment?
Yes, Volaris allows sports equipment as part of your checked baggage.
The airline has specific restrictions depending on the type of equipment:
- Golf equipment – One permitted set that includes golf clubs, balls, and shoes
- Fishing equipment – One permitted set that includes one fishing rod and a tackle box
- Football equipment – One permitted set that includes one helmet, a football, a set of pads, and a pair of cleats
- Skiing equipment -One permitted set that includes skis, boots, and poles
- Snowboarding equipment – One permitted set that includes one snowboard and boots.
If you’re transporting a bike, pack it in a box or bicycle bag and partially deflate the tires. You must also take out the pedals and twist the handlebars to align with the wheels and frame.
Scuba gear is allowed, but you should only travel with empty oxygen cylinders. The valves should be open and the diving lamps disconnected.
Surfboards are also allowed but should measure no more than 6.6 feet (2 m) in length. Ensure to take out the fin and pack it to reduce damage.
All skateboards and scooters should also be in durable packaging to reduce the risk of damage.
Additional fees for sports essentials apply (unless you’ve paid for an extra checked bag for your sports equipment).
What Happens if My Bag Is Overweight/Oversized?
Volaris charges an overweight/oversized fee for bags that are too big or too heavy.
All bags larger than 62 linear inches or 158 cm (length + width + height) are oversized.
Overweight luggage exceeds 55 lbs (25 kg), and bags exceeding 100 lbs (45 kg) are not allowed.
The following overweight fees apply:
Bags weighing 57 lbs to 77 lbs (26 kg to 35 kg)
800-1000 MXN (40-50 USD) for flights within Mexico
90-150 USD for international flights
50 USD for international routes between Central America.
Bags weighing 79 lbs to 101 lbs (36 kg to 45 kg)
1800-2000 MXN (90-100 USD) for flights within Mexico
180-200 USD for international flights
50-100 USD for international routes between Central America.
What Happens if I Lose My Bag?
File a report at the airport if your bag is lost.
If the airline doesn’t contact you within three days, you can ask for a Claim Form at the destination airport.
Fill out the form and return it along with proof of purchase of the lost item, your boarding pass, ID, a valid baggage claim check, and the Baggage Irregularity Report you received at the airport.
You can also provide additional details (or request Baggage Guarantee compensation) by contacting the airline.
A Volaris representative will contact you shortly after receiving this information.
The same process applies if your bag is damaged, though you should file the report immediately after arrival to receive compensation.
Filing the report later will still prompt an investigation, but you won’t be eligible for compensation.
If your bag is delayed, the airline will do its best to deliver it within 24 hours.
Contact Volaris directly to find out how to track your bags.
Conclusion
Traveling with Volaris requires a closer look at the baggage allowance that comes with your fare.
Most US airlines allow one personal item and a complimentary carry-on bag regardless of fare.
That isn’t the case with Volaris. Depending on your fare type, you may be entitled to two pieces of carry-on luggage or none at all.
You’ll have to confirm which rules apply to you when you book your flight.
Contact the airline or visit their website for up-to-date information on pets, baby equipment, and sports gear, if any applies to you.
Most of all, make sure your luggage is within the size and weight restrictions to avoid costly inconveniences at the airport.
