Volaris Airlines, a Mexican low-cost carrier, has a cancellation policy that varies by fare type, timing, and booking origin. Below is a concise overview based on the latest information from Volaris’s official website (www.volaris.com) and other reliable sources, including web results provided.
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation:
- You can cancel any Volaris flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund without fees, provided the flight departs at least 7 days later (168 hours). This applies to all fare types (Zero, Basic, Plus), including non-refundable tickets, and is mandated by U.S. Department of Transportation rules (14 CFR § 259.2) for flights to/from the United States. Refunds are processed to the original payment method (credit/debit cards, PayPal) within 7–20 business days (7 for cards, 20 for other methods).
- This policy applies only to bookings made directly through Volaris’s website, mobile app, or Call Center. Third-party bookings (e.g., travel agencies like Alternative Airlines) must be canceled through the agency, and the 24-hour policy may not apply unless enforced by the agent.
Cancellations After 24 Hours:
- Non-Refundable Tickets (Zero, Basic): Cancellations are generally not permitted, and the ticket value is forfeited if unused. You may claim a refund for unused airport taxes and fees, minus a processing fee (typically $15–$30 USD). Cancellation fees, if allowed, range from $100–$400 USD per segment, depending on fare type, route (domestic or international), and timing.
- Within 4 Hours of Departure: No cancellations or refunds are allowed, and the ticket value is forfeited. You must notify Volaris at least 4 hours before departure and not have checked in (online or at the airport).
- Round-Trip Bookings: You must cancel the entire itinerary (both segments), not individual legs.
- Name Changes as an Alternative: Instead of canceling, you can change the passenger name for a fee (approximately $100 USD via the Call Center, 4+ hours before departure), allowing ticket transfer to another traveler. This can be a workaround to recover value via platforms like SpareFare.
Airline-Initiated Cancellations:
- For flights departing from EU airports, if cancellation occurs within 14 days of departure and is within Volaris’s control (e.g., technical issues, not weather or strikes), you may claim €250–€600 ($260–$650 USD) per person under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, unless a comparable alternative flight is provided. Volaris, as a non-EU airline, is exempt from this for flights outside the EU or to the EU from non-EU airports. Claims must be filed within 3 years.
- Recent data shows Volaris canceled 477 flights in a 24-hour period (12.99% domestic, 19.35% international), indicating potential disruption risks.
- Under Mexico’s Civil Aviation Law, airline-initiated cancellations entitle passengers to a full refund plus 25% compensation of the ticket price, though enforcement can be inconsistent.
No-Show Policy:
- Failure to cancel at least 4 hours before departure or checking in results in a no-show, forfeiting the ticket value. No refunds are available, including for taxes/fees.
Refund Process:
- Refunds for eligible cancellations (within 24 hours or airline-initiated) are processed within 7–20 business days to the original payment method. Travel credits are issued instantly and valid for 6 months.
- Non-refunded items include service fees for optional services (e.g., baggage, seat selection).
- CFAR refunds (80% or 100%) are processed only if the add-on was purchased at booking and the request is made 24+ hours before departure.
- Passengers report significant refund delays (up to 7 months) and issues with unannounced cancellations or unresponsive support. Credit card chargebacks or complaints to Mexico’s PROFECO may be necessary.
Special Circumstances:
- Cancellations due to documented emergencies (e.g., death, medical issues, government bans) may qualify for fee waivers with proof submitted
- During COVID-19, Volaris offered fee-free changes or credits for affected flights, but some passengers reported issues redeeming credits.
- CFAR cannot be used during “Specific Cancellation Periods,” acts of God, or when Volaris already owes compensation (e.g., EU/UK claims).
