VivaAerobus Baggage, Cancellation & Seat Policy: Complete Guide

VivaAerobus Overview

VivaAerobus (stylized as viva aerobus) is a Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) and the third-largest airline in Mexico by passenger numbers after Aeromexico and Volaris. Like all ULCCs, the airline separates its base fare from every add-on service — bags, seat selection, meals, and even check-in at the airport can incur fees.

VivaAerobus Baggage Policy

VivaAerobus uses an unbundled fee model:

• Personal item (all fares): One item (40 cm × 35 cm × 25 cm) included. Must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Carry-on bag: Not included. Adding a cabin bag (55 cm × 40 cm × 25 cm, up to 10 kg) costs approximately $20–$50 USD depending on route and purchase timing.
• First checked bag (up to 25 kg): $20–$60 USD online depending on route.
• Second checked bag: $40–$90 USD online.

VivaAerobus strictly enforces size limits. If your carry-on doesn't fit in the gauge at the gate, you'll pay a significantly higher gate-check fee. This is particularly common at busy Mexican airports like MEX and MTY.

Bags between 25–32 kg incur an overweight fee. Bags over 32 kg are not accepted.

Cancellation and Change Policy

VivaAerobus offers the following flexibility options:

• Basic fares (Viva Smart): Non-refundable. Changes cost a fee plus any fare difference.
• Viva Más (flex): Reduced change fees. Travel credit for cancellations.
• Viva Premium: Best flexibility, including free changes and credits.

As a ULCC, VivaAerobus does not generally offer cash refunds on basic fares. The airline provides travel credit in most cancellation scenarios outside the 24-hour window.

Seat Selection

Seat selection costs $5–$35 USD per flight depending on seat location. Standard seats are at the lower end; exit rows and front seats with extra legroom are at the higher end. Without selecting a seat, you are randomly assigned one at check-in.

VivaAerobus 'XL' seats (exit rows) offer extra legroom (typically 5–6 extra inches) and cost more than standard seats. These are popular on longer domestic routes within Mexico.

Viva Fan Club

VivaAerobus offers Viva Fan Club, a subscription-based membership (similar to Volaris' V-Club) that reduces fees and provides access to exclusive discounts. Members pay a monthly fee to access discounted add-ons including cheaper baggage rates and priority boarding. For frequent VivaAerobus travelers, the subscription quickly pays for itself.

VivaAerobus Route Network

VivaAerobus operates an extensive domestic Mexico network with hub operations at Monterrey (MTY), Mexico City (MEX), and Guadalajara (GDL). The airline also serves transborder routes between Mexico and the US, including Houston, Los Angeles, Dallas, and other major US cities. International expansion has continued with routes to Central America.

Pro Tips for Flying VivaAerobus

• Add all bags and services at initial booking — the price difference between booking-time add-ons and airport-day fees can be substantial (sometimes 3× more).
• Viva Fan Club membership saves money for regular travelers — calculate break-even based on your typical bag fees.
• VivaAerobus has a strong presence at Monterrey (MTY) and often offers the most competitive fares between Monterrey and US destinations.
• The personal item allowance (40 × 35 × 25 cm) is workable for short trips with careful packing — bring your smallest daypack as the 'personal item' and avoid bag fees entirely.
• Compare VivaAerobus vs. Volaris total cost (including all fees) on overlapping routes — prices vary and neither is consistently cheaper.