VB
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Last updated: January 22, 2025
About
VivaAerobus (operating as "Viva" since October 2024) is Mexico's second-largest ultra-low-cost carrier, offering domestic Mexican flights and international routes to the United States, Cuba, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Headquartered at Monterrey International Airport, the airline is fully owned by IAMSA, Mexico's largest bus company.
Founded in 2006, VivaAerobus operates one of the youngest fleets in the Americas with an average aircraft age under 5 years. The airline flies over 120 Airbus A320 family aircraft, including the fuel-efficient A320neo and A321neo, configured in high-density single-class layouts. The airline serves 45+ domestic destinations and 15+ international routes, primarily to US cities popular with the Mexican diaspora.
In December 2025, VivaAerobus and competitor Volaris announced a merger agreement that would create Mexico's largest domestic carrier. Both airlines are expected to continue operating as separate brands following the combination.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Airports where Birmingham European operates 5+ routes
Network
26 airports served
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Baggage Policy
Personal Item (Free on All Fares)
Dimensions: 18" x 14" x 8" (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
- Must fit under the seat in front of you
- Examples: Backpack, laptop bag, purse, briefcase
- Also allowed free: Umbrella, reading material, coat
Note: VivaAerobus' personal item allowance is slightly larger than Volaris (which allows 40 x 30 x 20 cm).
Carry-On Bag
Dimensions: 22" x 16" x 10" (55 x 40 x 25 cm) including handles and wheels
Weight limits:
- Light fare: 22 lbs (10 kg)
- Smart fare: 33 lbs (15 kg) combined with personal item
| Fare | Personal Item | Carry-On |
|---|---|---|
| Zero | Included | Not included - purchase required |
| Light | Included | Included (22 lbs max) |
| Smart | Included | 2 pieces included (33 lbs total) |
Gate enforcement: VivaAerobus actively weighs and measures bags at the gate. If your carry-on exceeds limits, you'll pay the gate fee (highest price tier).
Checked Baggage
Size limit: 62 linear inches (158 cm) - length + width + height Maximum weight: 32 kg (70 lbs)
| Fare | First Bag | Weight Included |
|---|---|---|
| Zero | Purchase required | Choose 15/20/25/32 kg |
| Light | Purchase required | Choose 15/20/25/32 kg |
| Smart | Included | 25 kg (55 lbs) |
Additional bags: Up to 3 checked bags per passenger. Each additional bag priced separately.
Overweight & Oversized Fees
| Weight Range | Fee (MXN) | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade to 32 kg | $200-400 | $10-20 |
| Over 32 kg (70 lbs) | Not accepted | Not accepted |
| Size | Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 62 linear inches | Oversized fee applies |
| Over 80 linear inches | Not accepted |
Special Items
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car seat | Free | Gate-check available |
| Stroller | Free | Gate-check available |
| Wheelchair/mobility aids | Free | |
| Golf clubs | Standard bag fee | Counts as checked bag |
| Surfboard | $1,500 MXN (~$75 USD) | Up to 3 meters (10 ft) |
| Musical instruments | Standard bag fee or seat purchase | Hard case required if checked |
In-Flight Experience
VivaAerobus operates an all-economy cabin across its Airbus A320 family fleet, configured for maximum capacity.
Standard Economy
- Seat pitch: 28-29 inches (tight, typical for ULCCs)
- Seat width: 17-18 inches
- Recline: Pre-reclined seats (no active recline function)
- Power: USB ports available on newer NEO aircraft
- Entertainment: None - no seatback screens, no streaming
VIP Priority Seats (Extra Legroom)
- Location: Rows 1-4 at front of aircraft
- Seat pitch: 32-34 inches (3-5 inches extra)
- Recline: Functional recline on these rows
- Additional fee: $299-599 MXN ($15-30 USD) depending on route
- Benefits: Priority boarding, extra space, recline capability
Exit Row Seats
- Location: Over-wing emergency exits
- Seat pitch: 32-36 inches (varies by aircraft)
- Requirements: Must be 18+, speak Spanish or English, able to assist in emergency
- Note: Often blocked until check-in
Fleet Composition (2025)
VivaAerobus operates one of the youngest fleets in the Americas:
| Aircraft | Configuration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320-200 | 180 seats | Legacy aircraft |
| Airbus A320neo | 186 seats | Most common |
| Airbus A321-200 | 220 seats | High-density domestic |
| Airbus A321neo | 240 seats | Newest, highest capacity |
The fleet averages under 5 years old. The A321neo aircraft with 240 seats offer the highest density in VivaAerobus' network.
Food & Beverage
All food and drinks are for purchase only:
- Snacks: $30-70 MXN (~$2-4 USD)
- Sandwiches/meals: $90-180 MXN (~$5-9 USD)
- Soft drinks: $40-60 MXN (~$2-3 USD)
- Alcoholic beverages: $100-180 MXN (~$5-9 USD)
- Coffee/tea: $40-50 MXN (~$2-3 USD)
Tip: Bring your own snacks and an empty water bottle to fill after security. Mexican airports allow outside food through security.




