Understanding Volaris Airlines' Pet Policy: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers
Planning a flight with your furry companion? Volaris Airlines, one of Latin America's leading ultra budget carriers offers pet-friendly travel options for passengers flying across Mexico, the United States, Central and South America. But before you pack your pet's favorite toy and head to the airport, it's essential to understand the rules in detail. This detailed blog covers everything about Volaris Airlines pet policy from in cabin requirements to checked pet procedures, breed restrictions, documentation and service animal rules. Call Volaris Airlines pet policy phone number +1-855-865-2747 or reach AirCancellation at +1-888-826-0067 for any questions.
Does Volaris Airlines Allow Pets on Board?
Volaris does allow pets on board and more flexibly than many budget carriers. Pets are welcome to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage with Volaris. This dual option approach makes Volaris an appropriate choice for several pet parents whether you travel with a tiny lap cat or a mid sized dog that's too large for the underseat space. The key is knowing which category your pet falls into before you book since the requirements differ significantly between the two travel options.
It is to be noted that onboard and checked pet services are unavailable on Frontier operated flights which include both direct and connecting routes.
What Pets Are Accepted on Volaris Flights?
Volaris keeps its accepted pet list straightforward. Volaris accepts only dogs and cats. Pets are not allowed if they are under 4 months old, sick, deceased, aggressive or pregnant. A maximum of one animal is allowed per container. Additionally, pets that expel bad odor or are badly cleaned will not be accepted and pets must wear a collar and leash or harness at all times.
One lesser known rule is that pets will not be allowed if they have undergone any surgical procedures within 5 days before the flight. This is a significant detail for pet owners who may have recently visited vet so plan any procedures well before your travel date.
How Much Are Volaris Pet Fees?
Here are the Volaris pet fees from their official fee schedule (prices in MXN):
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Pet on Board (cabin) - for dogs or cats up to 22 lbs (pet + kennel combined):
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$1,000 MXN at booking
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$1,200 MXN (Low Season) / $1,400 MXN (High Season) pre-flight or at the airport
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Pet in Belly (cargo hold) - for pets up to 99 lbs (pet + kennel combined):
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$899 MXN for pre-booking and $1000 MXN at the airport
A few things to remember:
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Low Season = February, March, May, June, September, October and November
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High Season = January, April, July, August and December
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These prices apply to domestic Mexico routes and international routes to/from the US
It's always worth checking directly with Volaris before booking as fees can change.
What Are the Size and Weight Requirements for In-Cabin Pets on Volaris?
Volaris enforces specific size and weight limits for passengers who want to keep their pet close in the cabin. Small dogs and cats can accompany their owners in flight cabin if the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not surpass 26 lbs. Carriers should not exceed 44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm for pets traveling in the cabin.
The container must be placed under the seat in front of you and the rest of your belongings must be stored in the overhead bin. Your pet must stay inside the carrier for the entire flight duration no matter what. It should be able to move within the carrier meaning there should be enough room for it to stand as well as turn around and lie down comfortably.
Can Larger Pets Travel as Checked Baggage on Volaris?
Yes, this is one of the features that sets Volaris apart from airlines like Breeze, which prohibit checked and cargo pet transport entirely. Dogs and cats who exceed the weight limit to travel in the cabin with Volaris may be accepted for transport as checked baggage instead. The maximum combined weight of the pet and carrier should not exceed 100 lbs (45 kg) to travel as checked baggage.
For checked pets, the carrier must be rigid, clean, waterproof, well-ventilated, without wheels and free of objects that could hurt your pet. The carrier must also contain your contact information like name, phone and address and your pet's identification including name, age and sex. It's important to collect your pet promptly from the baggage claim area upon arrival.
How Many Pets Are Allowed Per Volaris Flight?
Only 2 pets can be taken on board in the passenger cabin per flight and only one will be allowed per passenger. Only 4 documented pets can be transported per flight for the cargo compartment. Given these tight limits, adding your pet to your reservation sooner is important in your pre-flight planning.
Volaris also restricts certain breeds particularly brachycephalic or short-muzzled animals due to the respiratory risks they face during air travel.
But if you still want to take your brachycephalic pet, Volaris allows representatives of short-muzzled breeds on board but passengers need to sign a waiver of liability. Always verify the latest breed restrictions directly with Volaris before booking.
What Documents Are Required to Travel with a Pet on Volaris?
Documentation is a major part of traveling with a pet internationally and Volaris is particularly thorough on this front. You must bring an original and a copy of an updated vaccination card. All pets receiving anti-rabies vaccination for the first time should be vaccinated at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the flight. Pets over fifteen (15) months or more should have listed previous anti-rabies vaccination.
Additional paperwork applies for international routes. For flights from Mexico to Central America, you must present an original and a copy of the export zoosanitary certificate issued by SAGARPA/SENASICA. A health certificate for the pet is not necessary if you fly from USA. Travelers from Colombia must also present a Sanitary Inspection Certificate issued by the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA). Always research destination country requirements well in advance.
How Does Volaris Handle Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals?
Volaris distinguishes clearly between trained service animals and emotional support animals. All people with a service dog have the right to travel with their service dog at no additional charge. It's recommended to notify the airline when the flight is booked and passengers should notify airport staff again upon arrival.
Requirements are more nuanced for emotional support animals. To take an emotional support dog or cat on board, you must provide a document from a mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker. It must be issued no more than one year before the departure date, must indicate that the person is under professional care and requires the animal to travel on the aircraft and must be issued on letterhead paper including the specialist's professional license number.
Dogs are allowed to travel in any window seat except those in premium and emergency exit rows. Cats are only allowed in the last row window seat, according to Volaris Airlines pet policy.
What Should You Do to Prepare for Flying with a Pet on Volaris?
Preparation is everything. Look for the option "Travel with your pet" during the seat selection step and choose between on board or checked when booking your ticket. You can also add this later in My Trips. Reach the airport early to complete paperwork and check in your pet at the counter. Feed and give water to your pet four hours before the flight. Let your pet familiarize with the container some days before traveling, placing absorbent material or sanitary stones inside to keep it clean.
Flying with your pet on Volaris can be seamless if you prepare carefully as per Volaris pet policy as well as keep the required documents and pick a fully compliant carrier. Contact Volaris at +1-855-865-2747 or AirCancellation at +1-888-826-0067 for any assistance.
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