What is Volaris Baggage Allowance in 2026?
- Jean Will
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
If you are flying with Mexico’s ultra-low-cost carrier in 2026, there is one rule you need to memorize: Volaris sells travel, but they rent the space under the seat. Unlike traditional airlines, the volaris airlines baggage policy strictly follows the à la carte model. In 2024/2025, Volaris tightened enforcement on sizers and scales, and in 2026, that trend continues. Unless you upgrade your fare or pay at booking, you are strictly limited to one personal item. Here is exactly what you can bring without getting hit with surprise fees at the gate.
👉 Quick Overview: Volaris Baggage Policy 2026
✈ Stay Airline-Ready: Avoid stressful check-ins by pre-booking your bags. Volaris charges significantly more at the airport than online.
✔ Personal Item: Free for all fares (must fit under the seat: 17.3 x 13.3 x 9.8 in / 44 x 34 x 25 cm).
✔ Carry-On Bag: Not included in Basic fare. Only included in Plus, Combo, and Clean fares.
✔ Checked Bags: Strict weight limit of 55 lbs (25 kg) per bag for domestic; international varies slightly.
✔ Cutoff Times: Pre-purchase bags online up to 4 hours before departure.
📲 Don’t wait until check-in! Secure the best baggage rates and exclusive flight deals by calling toursntravelpro at +1-866-679-5070 to bundle your airfare and luggage today.
Volaris Baggage Allowance: Personal Item vs. Carry-On
The biggest mistake American tourists make flying to Cancun or Guadalajara is assuming "carry-on" is free. Under the volaris airlines baggage allowance for 2026, this is no longer true for basic economy tickets.
Personal Item (Included for Everyone)
You are allowed one small item such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack.
Max Dimensions: 17.3 in x 13.3 in x 9.8 in (44 cm x 34 cm x 25 cm).
Weight Limit: No official weight limit, but you must be able to lift it into the bin without assistance.
Tip: If your backpack looks like it could hold a weekend’s worth of clothes, the gate agent will likely flag it as a carry-on.
Volaris Carry On Size Limit (Paid Item)
If you want access to the overhead bin, you must pay for it.
Max Dimensions: 21.6 in x 15.7 in x 9.8 in (55 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm).
Weight Limit: 22 lb (10 kg).
Cost: Varies by route. Buying online during booking is 50% cheaper than buying at the counter.
Volaris Baggage Policy by Fare Type (2026)
Not all tickets are created equal. Here is how the volaris baggage policy basic fare compares to higher-tier tickets.
Basic Fare (Zero-Included)
Personal Item: ✅ Yes
Carry-On: ❌ No (Must pay fee)
Checked Bag: ❌ No
Plus Fare
Personal Item: ✅ Yes
Carry-On: ✅ Included
Checked Bag: ❌ Not included (available for discounted purchase)
Combo / Clean Fare
Personal Item: ✅ Yes
Carry-On: ✅ Included
Checked Bag: ✅ 1 x 25kg bag included
Expert Tip: If you are checking skis, golf clubs, or musical instruments, the volaris baggage policy plus fare often offers better over-sized rates than purchasing sports equipment fees separately.
Volaris Checked Bag Weight Limit & Fees
Understanding the Volaris checked bag weight limit is crucial. Unlike US domestic carriers that allow 50 lbs, Volaris operates on a 55 lb (25 kg) standard for most routes.
Domestic Flights (Mexico)
Standard Checked Bag: 55 lbs (25 kg)
Excess Weight: Bags over 25kg but under 32kg incur a heavy volaris overweight baggage fee (approx. $40–$70 USD depending on the exchange rate).
Volaris Baggage Allowance International Flights
For flights to/from the US, Central America, or Colombia, the allowance is similar, but the volaris baggage fees international flights are slightly higher than domestic rates.
First Checked Bag (pre-paid): Usually $35–$55 USD.
Second Checked Bag: Higher rate; pre-purchase to save.
Volaris Baggage Cost: How to Avoid Paying Double
Nobody wants to pay $85 for a bag that should have cost $25. Here is the reality of volaris baggage cost calculations:
Buy online, early: The "Web Discount" rate is available up to 4 hours before departure.
Avoid the Airport: Paying at the counter adds a penalty fee. Paying at the gate (for carry-ons) is the most expensive option—often double the online price.
Join VClub: Members save roughly 15% on published volaris airlines baggage fees.
If you are traveling with family of four, those baggage fees add up fast. Call toursntravelpro at +1-866-679-5070 to check if bundling your flight with a baggage package saves you money compared to booking direct.
Volaris Oversized & Special Items
So, you are bringing surfboards to Puerto Escondido or scuba gear to Cozumel. Here is what you need to know about Volaris oversized baggage cost.
Sports Equipment: Flat rate applies based on weight. If your surfboard weighs under 55 lbs, you pay a fixed fee (approx. $50–$80) plus the standard checked bag fee.
Musical Instruments: Small instruments (violin/guitar) can count as your carry-on if they fit in the volaris carry on size limit. Larger cellos must be purchased a seat or checked as oversize.
Warning: If your bag exceeds 158 cm (length+width+height), it qualifies as oversized. Volaris oversized baggage cost is a flat fee plus the standard checked bag fee, and space is limited.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make
As a third-party travel guidance site, we see the same errors every week regarding the volaris airlines baggage policy:
The "Duty-Free" Trap: That giant bag of tequila and coffee you bought at the airport? It counts toward your hand luggage allowance. If you already have a backpack and a shopping bag, you will be forced to check one at the gate.
Weight vs. Pieces: Volaris is strict on weight. If you are traveling with two friends, it is usually cheaper to pack three separate 25kg bags than to pack two heavy 40kg bags.
Credit Card Confusion: Some travel credit cards offer reimbursement for checked bags on US airlines. Volaris is a Mexican carrier; this benefit almost never applies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does Volaris allow a free carry-on?
No, not anymore. Only personal items are free. If you need overhead bin space, you must select a Plus fare or purchase a carry-on add-on.
2. What is the Volaris hand luggage weight limit?
For personal items, there is no published weight limit, but it must fit under the seat. For paid carry-ons, the limit is 22 lbs (10 kg).
3. How strict is Volaris with baggage size?
Very strict in 2026. They use metal sizers at the gate. If your personal item doesn’t slide in easily, you will be charged a volaris baggage fee immediately.
4. What happens if my checked bag is overweight?
If you exceed 25kg (55 lbs) but stay under 32kg, you pay an volaris overweight baggage fee. If it exceeds 32kg, it must be repacked or shipped via cargo—it will not fly.
5. Is the Volaris baggage allowance for international flights different from domestic?
The weight limit (25kg) remains the standard for both, but the price of the volaris baggage allowance international flights is usually higher than domestic routes.
6. Can I pre-pay for bags after booking?
Yes. Log in to "My Trips" on the Volaris website. You can add bags up to 4 hours before departure. This is much cheaper than paying at the airport.
7. Does an infant get a baggage allowance?
Yes. Infants without a seat (on lap) usually get one checked stroller/car seat and one personal item for free. However, they do not get a paid seat carry-on allowance unless you purchase them a ticket.
8. I have a Basic fare but need to check a bag. What is the cost?
It depends on your route. A flight from LAX to Mexico City might cost $45 USD if pre-paid online, but $65+ USD at the counter.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the volaris airlines baggage policy doesn't have to be stressful. The golden rule for 2026 is simple: Measure your bag before you leave the house, weigh it, and pre-pay every single piece of luggage online. If you assume your suitcase is "close enough," Volaris will likely prove you wrong—and it will cost you.
Looking for a hassle-free booking experience? Let us handle the fine print. Contact toursntravelpro at +1-866-679-5070 to book your next trip with clear, upfront baggage options included.
Safe travels and pack light!
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