✓ 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.
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.
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