**Is the Volaris Annual Pass Worth It? A Year of Experience**
Are you thinking about getting a Volaris Annual Pass and pondering its worth? After a year of travel with it, I can provide some insights drawn from my own experiences.
The Volaris Annual Pass permits you to make a one-time payment for unlimited flights on the Mexican low-cost airline over the course of a year. Nevertheless, the reality of flying as often as you “can” instead of as often as you “desire” quickly becomes evident. Flights are only accessible if they aren’t nearly full, making last-minute trips more difficult.
For a straightforward determination regarding the pass’s value, opinions differ. In our household, one individual deemed it “not really worth it,” while another found it “worth it, although it required some effort.”
**How the Volaris Annual Pass Works**
Introduced in the summer of 2023, the pass was originally priced at 5,999 pesos (approximately $350). Currently listed at $500, you need to fly sufficiently to cover this cost before taxes and additional fees. The pass includes the ticket fare but excludes extras such as luggage, seat selection, or airport taxes. Booking is limited to 24 hours in advance for domestic flights and three days for international flights, restricting its application for planned trips or business engagements. Only direct flights without connections are permitted, complicating the process and increasing fees for connected routes.
**Pros of the Volaris Annual Pass**
If you’re situated near a Volaris-served airport and can travel on a whim, the pass may be advantageous. It facilitates travel to any of the airline’s destinations, which cover eight countries. Generally, the system functions as expected, with flights accessible within the booking window. One or two international routes could validate the $500 price, but it’s prudent to calculate the costs beforehand.
**Cons of the Volaris Annual Pass**
The limited booking window is a major disadvantage, making it inappropriate for most travelers. Flights may become unavailable if they are nearly full, restricting your choices. The pass solely covers the flight cost, with additional taxes and fees applied later. Luggage charges are notably steep, categorized as last-minute purchases. On one occasion, a carry-on bag incurred a fee of $79, diminishing the savings from the pass.
**Was the Pass Worth It for Us?**
For me, the pass resulted in approximately $500 in savings, although luggage charges could have decreased this amount. My wife achieved only a $50 savings, deeming the process more trouble than it was worth. Over the year, I took five flights, including three international ones, resulting in a savings of 9,000 pesos (around $500). However, at the current price, the savings would be less impactful.
**Another Perspective**
A friend who acquired the pass at an introductory rate of 3,999 pesos found it to be a good investment, utilizing it frequently across Mexico, Colombia, the U.S., and El Salvador. As a travel content creator, the pass aligned well with her spontaneous travel style, enabling her to visit more locations.
**Conclusion**
Determining whether the Volaris Annual Pass is worth it hinges on your location, travel objectives, and flexibility. If you’re interested, it’s advisable to review the current price and restrictions on the Volaris website.