✓ Policy web-verified 2026-06-20
Volaris is a Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier, and its cheapest Zero fare is exactly what the name promises: one personal item that fits under the seat, and nothing else. No carry-on for the overhead bin, no checked bag — both cost extra, every time, on every route. The fare you click on at $39 to Cancun or Mexico City is a seat and a backpack, full stop.
Unlike North American legacy carriers (WestJet, Air Canada) that quietly bundle a checked bag into the lowest fare on long-haul routes, Volaris does not vary checked-bag inclusion by region. Domestic, US–Mexico, or Central/South America — the cheapest fare strips the bag on all of them. To get a carry-on you move up to Basic; to get a checked bag you move up to Plus (or buy bags à la carte). Sizes are gate-enforced with sizers, and buying a bag at the airport costs roughly 40–50% more than buying it in the booking flow.
Quick facts
| Free personal item | 44 x 34 x 25 cm, fits under seat (all fares) |
| Carry-on bag | 55 x 40 x 25 cm, ~10 kg — Basic & Plus only |
| Cheapest fare (Zero) | Personal item only, no carry-on, no checked bag |
| Checked bag included | Plus fare only: 1 x 25 kg |
| Checked weight limit | 25 kg (55 lb) per bag, max 158 cm |
| Carry-on add-on fee | Up to ~US$100 intl / MX$1,100 domestic (at booking) |
| Checked bag fee | ~US$30–50 typical, varies by route/date/channel |
| Region differences | None — same bag rules on every route |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal item (all fares) | 44 x 34 x 25 cm (17.3 x 13.3 x 9.8 in), must fit under the seat in front of you |
| Carry-on bag (Basic & Plus) | 55 x 40 x 25 cm (22 x 16 x 10 in), ~10 kg; personal item + carry-on combined capped at 15 kg on Basic, 20 kg on Plus |
Checked baggage & fees
| Included free | Plus fare only — 1 bag up to 25 kg (55 lb) |
| Weight limit | 25 kg (55 lb) per bag; max 158 cm (62 in) total dimensions |
| First checked bag (Zero/Basic) | ~US$30–50 typical when added at booking; varies by route, date and channel |
| Bought at the airport | Substantially higher — up to ~US$140 intl / MX$1,600 domestic per bag |
| Overweight 26–35 kg | Surcharge up to ~MX$2,000 / US$250 depending on route and timing |
Baggage by region & route
Checked-bag inclusion on the cheapest fare can depend on where you fly, not just the fare name. Here is what the lowest fare includes by route:
| Route / region | Cheapest fare includes |
|---|---|
| Domestic (within Mexico) | No checked bag (personal item only on Zero) |
| US – Mexico | No checked bag (personal item only on Zero) |
| Central / South America | No checked bag (personal item only on Zero) |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero | Yes | No | No |
| Basic | Yes | Yes (~10 kg) | No |
| Plus | Yes | Yes (~10 kg) | 1 x 25 kg |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
On a cheap Volaris deal fare you get a seat and one under-seat personal item. That’s it. The Zero fare has no overhead carry-on and no checked bag, and that’s true on every route Volaris flies — there is no long-haul exception that slips a free bag in. If your trip needs more than a backpack, budget for it before you reach the airport.
Plan on roughly US$30–50 for a first checked bag and up to ~US$100 for a carry-on when added during booking; both jump sharply (to ~US$140 carry-on / similar checked premiums) if you pay at the counter or gate. If you’ll have a roller bag plus a checked bag, compare the all-in price of a Plus fare (which bundles the carry-on and one 25 kg checked bag) against the Zero fare plus à-la-carte bags — on bag-heavy trips Plus is frequently cheaper than buying the same allowance piecemeal.
Oversize, sports & special items
Sporting equipment (golf, bikes, surfboards, ski gear) and musical instruments are accepted as special checked baggage for an additional fee and within weight/size limits; oversized items over 158 cm or overweight bags carry excess charges that climb steeply at the airport. A large instrument can alternatively buy its own seat. Always declare special items in advance through Volaris’s special-baggage process rather than turning up with them at check-in.
Volaris remains a strict ULCC with gate sizers actively enforced — an oversized personal item gets reclassified (and charged) as a carry-on on the spot. The fare ladder is built around stripping bags out of the headline price, so the lowest fare you see online is almost always bag-free; verify exactly what your specific fare includes in the booking flow before paying, as inclusions and fees shift by route, season and promotion.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the cheapest Volaris fare include a checked bag?
No. The Zero fare includes only a personal item that fits under the seat — no carry-on and no checked bag, on every route. A checked bag is included only on the Plus fare, or can be added for a fee.
What is the free personal item size on Volaris?
44 x 34 x 25 cm (about 17.3 x 13.3 x 9.8 in). It must fit under the seat in front of you and is free on all fares, including Zero.
Is a carry-on bag free on Volaris?
No. The overhead carry-on (55 x 40 x 25 cm, ~10 kg) is included on Basic and Plus fares but not on the cheapest Zero fare, where it must be purchased separately.
How much does a Volaris checked bag cost?
Roughly US$30–50 for the first bag when added at booking, varying by route, date and channel. Paying at the airport costs significantly more — up to around US$140 internationally or MX$1,600 domestically.
What is the Volaris checked baggage weight limit?
25 kg (55 lb) per bag, with a maximum size of 158 cm (62 in) including handles and wheels. Bags over 25 kg incur overweight surcharges.
Does Volaris include a free bag on international or long-haul flights?
No. Unlike some North American carriers, Volaris applies the same bag rules to every route — domestic, US–Mexico and Central/South America all strip the bag from the cheapest fare.
Which Volaris fare includes a checked bag and a carry-on?
The Plus fare bundles the personal item, an overhead carry-on (~10 kg) and one checked bag up to 25 kg. Basic adds the carry-on but not the checked bag; Zero is personal item only.
Can I bring sports equipment or a musical instrument on Volaris?
Yes, as special checked baggage for an extra fee within size/weight limits. Large instruments can buy their own seat. Declare special items in advance through Volaris’s special-baggage process rather than at check-in.