# Is the Volaris Annual Pass Worth It? A Detailed Review
For those who often travel or fly domestically within Mexico and abroad, the prospect of an annual flight pass can be quite appealing. In 2023, Volaris, a budget airline in Mexico, launched its **Annual Pass**, which offers unlimited flights for a single upfront fee. But does it live up to the hype? After a year of utilizing the pass, here’s a thorough exploration of its functionality, advantages and disadvantages, and if it’s a wise investment.
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## **What Is the Volaris Annual Pass?**
The Volaris Annual Pass is a subscription model that permits passengers to reserve unlimited flights with the airline for a one-time cost. Upon its introduction, the pass was offered at an enticing price of **5,999 pesos (approx. $350 USD)**, but the standard price has escalated to around **$500 USD**.
This pass includes the base fare for flights but comes with several important conditions:
– **Taxes and fees** are separate and must be settled for each flight.
– Additional services such as luggage, selecting seats, and priority boarding are not included.
– Flights can be booked only **24 hours in advance for domestic travel** and **72 hours in advance for international travel**.
– Eligibility is restricted to **one-way flights without connections**.
The pass is applicable for flights to all locations that Volaris services, encompassing Mexico, the United States, Central America, and South America.
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## **How Does It Work?**
In theory, the Volaris Annual Pass gives you the freedom to fly as often as you wish. However, the practical application is a bit different. Here’s how it operates:
1. **Booking Flights:** You are required to use a dedicated Annual Pass portal for reservations. The options are confined to flights that are not nearing full capacity, which means you may not always secure your chosen route or schedule.
2. **Fees and Extras:** The base fare is included, but you’ll be responsible for taxes, luggage, and additional charges. For instance, carry-on bags can cost up to **$79 USD**, while checked baggage fees can be even steeper.
3. **Flexibility Required:** The limited booking timeframe (24-72 hours) necessitates a flexible and spontaneous approach. This setup may not suit business journeys, group trips, or those needing advance planning.
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## **Pros of the Volaris Annual Pass**
Despite its limitations, the pass boasts several noteworthy benefits:
### 1. **Cost Savings**
Frequent flyers may find that the pass quickly pays for itself. For instance, just a couple of international trips could surpass the upfront $500 investment. Travelers who purchased the introductory offer at $350 realized even greater savings.
### 2. **Unlimited Travel**
The pass permits you to book as many flights as your schedule allows, given availability. This is especially advantageous for individuals residing near a Volaris hub who can exploit last-minute travel opportunities.
### 3. **Extensive Network**
Volaris operates routes to **eight different countries**, including Mexico, the U.S., Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Peru. The pass allows you to discover various locations without the burden of airfare expenses.
### 4. **Encourages Spontaneity**
For those who love to travel on a whim, the pass provides an excellent means to visit new destinations. It’s highly beneficial for travelers who do not need to sync plans with others or adhere to strict itineraries.
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## **Cons of the Volaris Annual Pass**
While the pass offers advantages, there are notable drawbacks that could deter some travelers:
### 1. **Limited Availability**
Flights are only accessible if they aren’t close to full. This indicates you could be left without a seat on your desired flight, even when tickets are up for sale. This introduces an element of uncertainty, particularly during busy travel periods.
### 2. **Short Booking Window**
The restrictive 24-hour (domestic) and 72-hour (international) booking timelines make advance trip planning challenging, particularly for international journeys where accommodations, tours, and transportation need to be coordinated.
### 3. **High Fees for Extras**
Although the base fare is included, the additional costs can accumulate rapidly. Luggage fees, in particular, can be quite steep if purchased at the last moment. For example, a carry-on bag may approach **$80 USD**, significantly diminishing the savings associated with the pass.
### 4. **One-Way Flights Only**
The pass exclusively covers one-way flights without connections. Consequently, you’ll be required to book each segment of your trip independently, increasing the time and effort involved. Should your travel plans necessitate a layover, two separate flights must be booked, leading to added costs.