About Volaris
Volaris (IATA: Y4, ICAO: VOI) is Mexico's largest ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) by number of passengers transported. Headquartered in Santa Fe, Mexico City, the airline operates scheduled domestic and international flights across Mexico, the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean. Volaris holds a commanding share of over 40% in the Mexican domestic airline market, making it the country's leading carrier by passenger volume.
Founded as Concesionaria Vuela Compania de Aviacion in 2005, Volaris launched its first commercial flight on 13 March 2006 from Toluca to Tijuana. The airline is publicly traded on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Mexican Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol VLRS. Volaris operates an extensive network from its primary hubs at Mexico City International Airport (MEX), Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), and Tijuana International Airport (TIJ), with focus cities in Cancun, Monterrey, Leon, and Culiacan.
Airline Overview and History
Volaris was conceived in 2003 when Discovery Americas I and Columbia Equity Partners joined forces with TACA Airlines to create a new low-cost carrier for the Mexican market. Major initial shareholders included Grupo Televisa, Inbursa (an insurance group owned by Carlos Slim), TACA Airlines, and the Discovery Americas Fund. The airline was formally incorporated in August 2005 under the name Vuela Airlines, with ticket sales commencing in January 2006.
Key milestones in the airline's history include:
- March 2006 – First commercial flight from Toluca to Tijuana
- September 2010 – Began service to Mexico City after absorbing routes from defunct carriers Aerocalifornia and Mexicana de Aviacion
- March 2011 – Shifted primary hub from Toluca to Guadalajara
- September 2013 – Initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange and Mexican Stock Exchange
- November 2016 – Launched subsidiary Volaris Costa Rica, based at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose
- August 2019 – Launched subsidiary Volaris El Salvador, based in San Salvador
- 2021 – Ordered 39 additional Airbus A321neo aircraft at the Dubai Airshow
- 2023 – Disclosed an additional order for 25 Airbus A321neo aircraft
Volaris has consistently championed the ULCC business model in Latin America, offering unbundled fares that keep base ticket prices low while allowing passengers to customise their travel experience with optional add-ons. This approach has made air travel accessible to millions of first-time flyers in Mexico and Central America.
Fleet and Aircraft
Volaris operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet, one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the Americas. As of late 2025, the fleet comprised approximately 152 aircraft, with new-engine option (NEO) variants making up around 64% of the total.
The fleet includes the following aircraft types:
- Airbus A320ceo – Single-aisle workhorse for short to medium-haul domestic and international routes, configured in a high-density economy layout
- Airbus A320neo – Next-generation variant with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, seating approximately 186 passengers
- Airbus A321neo – Larger variant offering greater capacity with around 230 seats, ideal for high-demand routes
Over 90% of Volaris aircraft are equipped with fuel-saving sharklet wingtip devices. The airline holds a significant orderbook of over 120 aircraft with Airbus, with approximately 85% of incoming deliveries being A321neo jets. The airline is targeting an almost entirely NEO fleet composition by 2026, further reducing its carbon footprint and operating costs.
Top Flight Routes
Volaris connects travellers to a wide network of destinations across Mexico, the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean. The airline operates from its three main hubs in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Tijuana, serving over 100 routes.
Popular domestic routes include:
- Guadalajara to Tijuana – One of the busiest corridors, with over 260 flights per month connecting western Mexico
- Mexico City to Cancun – A high-demand leisure route linking the capital to the Caribbean coast, with around 200 monthly flights
- Mexico City to Monterrey – A key business route connecting Mexico's two largest economic centres
- Guadalajara to Cancun – Popular for holiday travellers heading to the Riviera Maya
- Mexico City to Guadalajara – One of the most frequently flown domestic corridors in Mexico
Popular international routes include:
- Guadalajara to Los Angeles – Approximately 121 flights per month serving the large Mexican diaspora in the US
- Tijuana to San Jose (Costa Rica) – Connecting Mexico with Central America via subsidiary operations
- Mexico City to San Salvador – Linking Central American business and leisure travellers
- Mexico City to Guatemala City – A key Central American corridor
Malaysian travellers looking to explore Mexico can search for connecting flight options on Traveloka. Popular routes from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong can serve as connecting points for onward travel to Mexico and the Americas.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Volaris uses an unbundled fare structure, meaning baggage inclusions vary depending on the fare type purchased. Understanding the baggage policy before booking helps avoid unexpected charges at the airport.
Personal Item (All Fares)
- Dimensions: Maximum 35 x 45 x 20 cm (14 x 18 x 8 inches)
- Requirement: Must fit completely under the seat in front of you
- Included: Free with all fare types, including the Zero fare
Carry-On Baggage
- Dimensions: Maximum 56 x 41 x 25 cm (22 x 16 x 10 inches)
- Weight (Basic fare): Combined personal item and carry-on must not exceed 15 kg (33 lbs)
- Weight (Plus fare): Combined personal item and carry-on up to 20 kg (44 lbs)
- Zero fare: Carry-on access must be purchased separately
Checked Baggage
- Standard allowance: 1 checked bag up to 25 kg (55 lbs) and 158 cm (62 inches) total linear dimensions
- Maximum checked bags: Up to 5 bags per passenger, each with the same weight and size limits
- Overweight baggage: Maximum permitted weight per bag is 45 kg (99 lbs), subject to overweight fees
Fare Type Inclusions
- Zero: Personal item only
- Basic: Personal item plus carry-on bag
- Classic: Personal item, carry-on, and one checked bag
- Plus: Personal item, carry-on with increased weight allowance, and one checked bag
Excess baggage can be purchased online in advance at a lower rate compared to airport counter prices. Always check the latest fees on the official Volaris website or search on Traveloka before travelling.
Check-in Guide
Volaris offers multiple check-in options to ensure a smooth travel experience for all passengers.
Online Check-in
- Domestic flights: Available from 72 hours up to 1 hour before departure
- International flights: Available from 24 hours up to 1 hour before departure
- Method: Via the Volaris website or mobile app to receive a digital boarding pass
Airport Counter Check-in
- Counter hours: Opens 4 hours before departure and closes 1 hour to 45 minutes before departure for both domestic and international flights
- Baggage drop (domestic): Complete at least 2 hours before departure
- Baggage drop (international): Complete at least 3 hours before departure
Passengers travelling with electric wheelchairs or mobility devices should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for domestic flights and 4 hours for international flights. You can check real-time departure and arrival information on the Traveloka Flight Status page.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
As an ultra-low-cost carrier, Volaris operates a single economy cabin class across its entire fleet. The airline does not offer a traditional business or first class. However, passengers can enhance their experience through optional upgrades and add-ons.
Seating Options
- Standard economy seats: Configured in a 3-3 layout on all A320 family aircraft, with a seat pitch of approximately 30 to 32 inches and a seat width of 18 inches
- Space Plus seats: Rows 1 and 2 offer additional legroom and priority boarding, along with a complimentary snack and drink, plus an empty middle seat guarantee when available
- Emergency exit row seats: Offer extra legroom for passengers who meet the eligibility requirements
In-Flight Services
- Buy on board (Entre Nubes): Volaris does not offer complimentary meals or beverages. Passengers can purchase snacks, light meals, and drinks from the onboard menu
- Entertainment: In-flight entertainment is available through the Volaris app and personal devices
- Wi-Fi: Select aircraft offer onboard Wi-Fi connectivity for purchase
The ULCC model means passengers enjoy ultra-low base fares and only pay for the extras they truly need, giving full control over the total travel cost.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Volaris provides a range of special services to accommodate the needs of all travellers.
Children and Infants
- Infants (under 2 years): May travel free of charge on the lap of an accompanying adult. One infant per adult is permitted
- Children (2-12 years): Require their own seat and a full-price ticket
- Unaccompanied minors (5-12 years): Must use the “Volaris is With You” service. Children aged 2 to 4 may travel as unaccompanied minors only when accompanied by a family member aged 13 to 17
- Teens (13-17 years): The unaccompanied minor service is optional for this age group
Pregnant Passengers
- Domestic flights: A medical certificate is required after the 28th week of pregnancy or if within 7 days of the expected delivery date
- International flights: A medical certificate is required after the 36th week for uncomplicated pregnancies and after the 32nd week for pregnancies with complications
- Colombia routes: A medical certificate is required after the 30th week regardless of complications
- Pregnant passengers may not sit in emergency exit rows
Special Assistance
- Wheelchair assistance: Available at no additional charge. Request at least 48 hours before departure. Wheelchairs are checked in as baggage free of cost
- Mobility devices: Electric wheelchairs and battery-powered devices are accepted with advance notice. Only dry and non-spillable batteries are permitted; lithium battery details must be provided at check-in
- Passengers with disabilities: Seated closest to the boarding door when available. Travellers who need continuous assistance must travel with a companion
- Senior citizens (over 60): Eligible for special assistance at the airport upon request
Frequent Flyer Programme
Volaris offers two loyalty programmes designed for different types of travellers:
v.club Membership
The v.club is a subscription-based programme that provides access to exclusive lower fares and travel deals. Membership options include:
- Individual: Approximately USD 29.99 per year, offering reduced fares on every booking
- Duo: Approximately USD 49.99 per year, covering discounts for two travellers
- Friends and Family: Approximately USD 149.99 per year, extending benefits to a larger group
Members enjoy savings of up to MXN 500 per flight segment, exclusive Thursday deals, and additional baggage benefits including one extra checked bag up to 10 kg (22 lbs) on select fares.
Altitude by Volaris
Altitude is a points-based loyalty programme where members earn 10 points for every USD 1 spent on Volaris purchases. Points can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and add-on services. This programme rewards frequent flyers with increasing benefits as they accumulate points over time.
Why Book Volaris Flights on Traveloka
Traveloka offers a seamless booking experience for Volaris flights, with several advantages for Malaysian travellers:
- Competitive pricing: Compare Volaris fares alongside other airlines to find the best deals for your trip to Mexico and the Americas
- Flexible payment options: Pay using major credit and debit cards, online banking, or e-wallets including Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay
- Instant e-ticket confirmation: Receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket immediately after payment
- 24/7 customer support: Access help from the Traveloka support team at any time before, during, or after your trip
- Price alerts: Set up fare alerts to be notified when Volaris flight prices drop on your preferred routes
- Bundle deals: Combine your Volaris flight with hotel bookings and travel insurance for additional savings
- Traveloka Points: Earn loyalty points on every booking that can be used for future travel purchases
Volaris Promotions and Deals on Traveloka
Finding affordable Volaris flights is easy when you know where to look. Here are some tips to secure the best deals:
- Book early: Volaris fares tend to be lowest when booked well in advance, especially for peak travel periods
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday flights often have lower fares compared to weekend departures
- Use Traveloka Price Alert: Set up notifications for your desired routes and travel dates to catch fare drops
- Check the promotions page: Traveloka regularly features exclusive Volaris deals and promo codes on the app and website
- Travel during off-peak seasons: Avoid Mexican holiday periods like Semana Santa (Easter week) and Christmas for lower fares
- Choose the Zero fare: If you are travelling light with just a personal item, the Volaris Zero fare offers the lowest base price
- Pay with e-wallets: Traveloka sometimes offers cashback promotions when paying with Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay
- Compare connecting routes: Search different connection options via Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur to Seoul for competitive multi-stop itineraries to Mexico
How to Book Volaris Tickets on Traveloka
Booking Volaris flights on Traveloka is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
- Open the Traveloka app or visit the Traveloka website at www.traveloka.com
- Select the “Flights” tab from the main navigation menu
- Enter your departure city, destination in Mexico or the Americas, travel dates, and number of passengers
- Click “Search” to view available flights, including Volaris options
- Use the filters to sort by price, departure time, or number of stops to find the best Volaris flight for your needs
- Select your preferred Volaris flight and review the fare details, baggage inclusions, and flight schedule
- Enter the passenger details as shown on valid travel documents, including passport information for international flights
- Choose any add-ons such as travel insurance, extra baggage, or seat selection if available
- Select your preferred payment method, including credit or debit card, online banking, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay
- Confirm your booking and receive your e-ticket and booking confirmation via email and the Traveloka app
After booking, you can manage your reservation through the Traveloka app, including viewing your itinerary, checking flight status, and contacting customer support for any changes or assistance.