Is the Volaris Annual Pass Worth It? A Comprehensive Review After One Year
If you’ve ever imagined flying as often as you desire for a fixed rate, the Volaris Annual Pass may seem like a perfect option. But is it genuinely the travel solution it claims to be—or merely a cleverly advertised risk? After utilizing the pass for a year, I’ve gathered valuable insights to aid you in determining if it’s a worthwhile purchase.
What Is the Volaris Annual Pass?
Introduced in mid-2023, the Volaris Annual Pass permits travelers to pay a one-time fee—currently around $500 USD—and then reserve unlimited flights on Volaris for an entire year. The catch? Reservations can only be made for flights that aren’t nearly full, and you need to book within a very limited timeframe: 24 hours in advance for domestic itineraries and 72 hours for international flights.
When the pass launched, the initial cost was 5,999 pesos (approximately $350 USD), and some fortunate early users even acquired it for as little as 3,999 pesos. However, at the current price, you’ll need to fly enough to justify the upfront expense of $500—before considering taxes, luggage, and other fees.
How It Works (In Theory vs. Reality)
Theoretically, the pass offers access to all Volaris routes throughout eight countries, including the U.S., Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. You are only responsible for the airport taxes and additional services like seat selection or checked baggage. In reality, however, the availability is restricted to flights with available seats, and you may only book non-stop one-way flights.
This means that if you reside in cities like Mexico City or Guadalajara, where there are numerous direct options, you’ll benefit significantly. However, if your travel requires connections, you must arrange each leg separately—resulting in increased effort and costs.
The Booking Process
To use the pass, you have to navigate a dedicated Annual Pass portal, which does not permit adding extras such as luggage or seat selection at the time of booking. You’ll have to return to the main Volaris site for those additions, often facing higher rates because they are treated as last-minute purchases.
Pros of the Volaris Annual Pass
1. Excellent for Spontaneous Travelers
For those living in Mexico or U.S. cities serviced by Volaris who can travel with little notice, this pass can be incredibly beneficial. It’s especially advantageous for digital nomads, travel bloggers, or retirees with adjustable schedules.
2. Savings on International Travel
I personally took advantage of the pass for five flight segments, including three international routes (Mexico to Costa Rica, Costa Rica to Guatemala, and Guatemala to Mexico City). The total value of these flights was about 15,000 pesos (~$850 USD), so I ended up saving nearly $500 after the initial fee.
3. Promotes Exploration
The pass motivated me to explore destinations I might not have otherwise considered, simply due to the flexibility and incentives provided.
4. Accommodates Emotional Support Animals
For pet owners, Volaris permits emotional support animals to travel outside of carriers, a rare benefit among low-cost airlines.
Cons of the Volaris Annual Pass
1. Very Limited Booking Window
The major downside is the extremely short booking window. Organizing a trip just one day in advance (for domestic flights) or three days (for international flights) is impractical for many travelers—especially those coordinating with others or arranging accommodations and activities.
2. No Guaranteed Seat Availability
Even if a flight appears to have plenty of space a week before, it might not be accessible once your booking window opens. Volaris prioritizes paying customers and provides leftover seats to passholders.
3. No Connecting Flights Allowed
You cannot reserve connecting flights, which complicates travel between lesser-served cities and results in higher costs since each leg counts as a distinct flight with separate taxes and fees.
4. High Baggage Fees
This was the deal-breaker for us. Due to late bookings, baggage fees are considered last-minute charges and can be exorbitantly high—up to $90 for checking a bag or $79 for a carry-on on shorter flights.
5. Complex Booking Process
You cannot include extras like luggage or seat selection during the initial booking. You must return to the main Volaris website, which adds time and frustration—and frequently results in increased fees.
Was It Worth It for Us?
For me, yes—just barely. I saved about $500, but only by traveling light and being highly flexible. For my wife, it wasn’t worth it. She saved merely $50 after factoring in all the fees and missed opportunities due to unavailable flights. The hassle and uncertainty outweighed the advantages for her.
Another Perspective: A Travel Blogger’s Insight
Lora, a Canadian travel content creator living in Mexico, had a superior experience. She obtained the pass at the incredibly low price of 3,999 pesos (~