VB · Mexico · Ultra low-cost

Viva Aerobus Baggage Policy

Cabin Bag, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Viva Aerobus, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.

Quick answer

  • Carry-on: up to 22 x 16 x 10", max 10 kg, free
  • Personal item: up to 18 x 14 x 8", free on every fare
  • Basic economy: Zero allows a personal item only

Carry-on baggage

Max dimensions (in)
22 x 16 x 10"
Max dimensions (cm)
55 x 40 x 25 cm
Weight limit
10 kg (22 lb)
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
High

Zero fare includes personal item only. Light and Smart include a 10 kg cabin bag. Smart package allows combined carry-on up to 15 kg.

Viva Aerobus carry-on maximum size, 22 x 16 x 10 inches (55 x 40 x 25 cm) 22" (55 cm) 10" (25 cm) 16" (40 cm) L H W
Viva Aerobus maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Viva Aerobus cabin bag dimensions and bag size

The maximum Viva Aerobus carry-on size is 22 x 16 x 10 inches, which works out to 55 x 40 x 25 cm. Those measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on Viva Aerobus match the published limits closely, so a bag listed as "22 inch" by a luggage brand can fail if its wheels push the total past 22 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

Viva Aerobus cabin bag weight limit

Viva Aerobus limits carry-on bags to 10 kg (22 lb). Most domestic check-in counters do not weigh carry-ons, but gate agents can pull bags that look heavy. If your bag is over the limit, expect to be asked to check it, sometimes at the higher gate-check fee.

Does Viva Aerobus charge for cabin bag bags?

No. Viva Aerobus includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only. Check your specific fare rules before you book.

Viva Aerobus carry-on by fare class

Fare Carry-on Personal item Notes
Zero Not included Included Personal item only, no bin bag.
Light Included Included Cabin bag up to 10 kg.
Extra Included Included Cabin bag plus 1 checked bag.
Smart Included Included Combined cabin allowance up to 15 kg and 25 kg checked.

Viva Aerobus overhead bin size by aircraft

All-Airbus A320ceo and A321neo narrowbody fleet. A321neo has roomier overhead bins than older A320s. Seat pitch is tight at 29 to 30 inches.

Avoiding gate-check on Viva Aerobus

Pay for priority or pick Smart to board early. Zone boarding otherwise. Trim any roller bag at the counter to avoid paying gate-side carry-on fees, which are much higher than prepaid.

What counts as a personal item on Viva Aerobus

Allowed

  • Backpack 45x35x20 cm
  • Purse
  • Small diaper bag

Counts as a second carry-on

  • Standard roller bag on Zero
  • Oversized duffel

Common Viva Aerobus carry-on mistakes

  • Booking Zero assuming a free overhead carry-on is included.
  • Paying at the airport instead of prepaying online, fees can more than double.
  • Exceeding the 10 kg cabin bag limit, agents weigh aggressively.

What happens if your bag does not fit on Viva Aerobus

Agents at the gate measure and weigh bags. Over-limit bags are checked to the hold with an airport-rate surcharge, typically the most expensive way to buy a bag.

Viva Aerobus vs Volaris carry-on

Viva Aerobus and Volaris are Mexico's two ULCC slugfest carriers, both selling sub-100 USD fares on US-Mexico routes. Viva's base carry-on sits at 55x40x25 cm and 10 kg versus Volaris at 57x40x25 cm and 10 kg, so sizes are nearly identical. Volaris's base fare historically included a cabin bag, while Viva's Zero fare strips it entirely, making Viva more punishing for unprepared travelers. Viva hubs MTY with heavy US expansion, while Volaris centers on MEX, GDL and TIJ with deeper US Pacific coverage. For MTY-bound travelers from Texas, Viva is usually cheaper. For Los Angeles or the Bay Area, Volaris generally has more frequencies.

See Volaris baggage policy

Personal item

Max dimensions (in)
18 x 14 x 8"
Max dimensions (cm)
45 x 35 x 20 cm
Included
Yes, free on every fare

Must fit under the seat. The only free cabin item on Zero fare.

Does your bag count?

Bag typeTypical sizeFit
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Fits
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Fits
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Fits
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
 18 x 11 x 11" Too big
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
 12 x 10 x 5" Fits
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Fits

Checked baggage fees

Compare fees across airlines →
Domestic economy
1st bagNot published
2nd bagNot published
Long-haul / international
1st bag$84
Weight limit55 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lbNot published
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 inNot published

Checked bag fees vary by route and how early you prepay. International second bag around 84 USD. Oversize surcharge roughly 34 to 39 USD. Standard piece 25 kg on Smart. Extra and Smart bundles include checked baggage.

Ways to skip the Viva Aerobus checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Viva Aerobus carry-on size.
  2. Use a Viva Aerobus co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

Special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
$150
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments travel in cabin within carry-on rules. Larger instruments must be checked or booked as cargo.

Pet in cabin 150 USD each way domestic, 200 USD each way on select international routes. Pet plus carrier max 12 kg. Sports items like surfboards, golf, bikes run roughly 60 to 75 USD.

Basic economy restrictions

Zero Viva Aerobus's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
No
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
Not published
  • Only a single personal item under the seat
  • No overhead bin carry-on unless upgraded
  • No seat selection included
  • No changes or refunds

Frequently asked questions

What is the Viva Aerobus carry-on size limit?

Viva Aerobus allows a carry-on bag up to 22 x 16 x 10" (55 x 40 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 10 kg (22 lb).

What is the Viva Aerobus personal item size?

The personal item on Viva Aerobus must fit within 18 x 14 x 8" (45 x 35 x 20 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Must fit under the seat. The only free cabin item on Zero fare.

Does Viva Aerobus charge for carry-on bags?

No. Viva Aerobus includes one free carry-on bag plus one personal item on most fares. Basic Economy fares on some routes are limited to a personal item only, so check your fare rules.

What is the Viva Aerobus carry-on weight limit?

Viva Aerobus limits carry-on bags to 10 kg (22 lb). Overweight carry-ons are typically asked to be checked at the gate.

Can I bring a carry-on on Viva Aerobus Zero?

No. Viva Aerobus Zero passengers are limited to one personal item that fits under the seat. A full-size carry-on either is not allowed or costs an extra fee.

How can I avoid Viva Aerobus checked bag fees?

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Viva Aerobus carry-on size of 22 x 16 x 10"); (2) hold a Viva Aerobus co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Viva Aerobus?

Viva Aerobus currently has a high gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Plan on your carry-on being sized at the gate and be prepared to pay if it does not fit the sizer.

Pack for your Viva Aerobus flight

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Viva Aerobus hubs & focus cities

Major US airports where Viva Aerobus operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.

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Sources & verification

Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with Viva Aerobus before flying.