Volaris, one of Mexico’s leading low-cost airlines, has built its reputation on providing affordable travel to both domestic and international destinations. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation, understanding when Volaris offers cheap flights can save you a significant amount of money.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through the best times to find cheap flights with Volaris, highlight their promotional sales, and share tips for booking affordable tickets. If you’ve ever wondered when to snag the best deals, this is your ultimate roadmap.
Key Takeaways
- Off-Peak Travel: Fly during late January to early March, mid-April to early June, or September to early November for the lowest fares.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for Volaris’ newsletter and follow their social media for updates on sales.
- Use Fare Bundles: Choose Classic or Plus bundles if you need additional services to save money.
- Leverage VClub Membership: Join VClub for exclusive discounts if you’re a frequent flyer.
- Flexibility Pays Off: Adjust your travel dates and consider alternate airports to find cheaper options.
Understanding Volaris’ Pricing Structure
To find the cheapest flights, it’s important to understand how Volaris prices its tickets. Like many low-cost airlines, Volaris operates on a dynamic pricing model, which means that ticket prices change based on factors such as:
- Demand: High-demand flights, such as those during holidays or weekends, are usually more expensive.
- Booking Time: Tickets tend to be cheaper when booked well in advance or during flash sales.
- Travel Seasons: Prices fluctuate depending on whether it’s peak or off-peak season.
By knowing how these factors affect pricing, you can better plan your travel to secure the best deals.
1. Off-Peak Seasons: The Best Time to Travel
Volaris flights are significantly cheaper during off-peak seasons when fewer people are traveling. These are the times when you’ll likely find the lowest fares:
Late January to Early March
After the holiday rush, travel demand drops sharply. Many people have already spent their budgets during the festive season, so airlines reduce fares to fill empty seats.
Mid-April to Early June
Before summer vacation begins, airlines see a lull in bookings. This pre-summer window is a great time to book affordable tickets for both domestic and international travel.
September to Early November
After the summer travel boom and before the holiday season kicks in, there’s another dip in demand. This period is ideal for snagging cheap flights with Volaris.
2. Shoulder Seasons: Hidden Gems for Cheap Flights
Shoulder seasons—those times just before or after peak travel periods—are excellent for finding discounted fares. With fewer travelers but still favorable weather in many destinations, these times combine lower prices with fewer crowds.
- Late Spring (May to June): Airlines lower fares to attract travelers during this quiet period.
- Early Fall (September to October): Families are back to school, and business travel hasn’t picked up, leading to reduced demand and cheaper tickets.
3. Keep an Eye on Volaris’ Sales and Promotions
Volaris frequently offers promotional sales that allow you to book flights at steep discounts. Here are some key promotions to watch out for:
“Vuela a la Vida” Sales
One of Volaris’ biggest sales events, “Vuela a la Vida” (Fly to Life), happens multiple times a year. These sales include discounts on domestic and international flights, sometimes up to 70% off the regular price.
Anniversary and Holiday Sales
- Anniversary Sales: Volaris celebrates its anniversary, typically in September, with special promotions and discounts.
- Holiday Promotions: Look for deals around major holidays such as Christmas, Día de los Muertos, and New Year’s.
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These shopping holidays often feature exclusive discounts on flights and packages.
Flash Sales
Volaris also offers flash sales, which are short-term promotions lasting 24-72 hours. These are great opportunities to secure last-minute deals.
4. Book Flights on the Right Days
The day you book your flight and the day you choose to travel can significantly impact the price you pay.
Cheapest Days to Book
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Airlines often release new deals mid-week, making these the best days to book flights.
- Late Night or Early Morning: Searching during these off-peak hours can sometimes yield better deals.
Cheapest Days to Fly
- Midweek Travel: Flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are typically cheaper than those on weekends or Mondays.
- Red-Eye Flights: Late-night or early-morning flights tend to have lower demand, leading to reduced prices.
5. Use Volaris’ Fare Bundles to Save
Volaris offers various fare bundles that can help you save money, especially if you’re traveling with luggage or require additional services.
Basic Fare
The Basic fare is the cheapest option and includes only a seat and a small personal item. It’s ideal for travelers who don’t need checked luggage or other extras.
Classic Fare
This bundle includes carry-on luggage, seat selection, and the option to change your flight (fees may apply). It’s a good option for those who need some flexibility.
Plus Fare
The Plus fare offers even more benefits, including checked luggage, priority boarding, and flexible changes. While it’s more expensive upfront, it can save you money compared to adding these services individually.
Pro Tip:
If you’re traveling with luggage or planning to change your flight, opt for the Classic or Plus bundles instead of paying for each service separately.
6. Leverage Volaris’ VClub Membership
VClub is Volaris’ subscription-based membership program that offers exclusive discounts on flights and additional services.
Benefits of VClub
- Discounted Fares: Members get access to lower ticket prices and baggage fees.
- Group Savings: Membership benefits extend to up to nine people traveling on the same reservation.
Is It Worth It?
If you fly with Volaris frequently, the annual VClub membership fee can pay for itself after just a few bookings.
7. Be Flexible with Your Travel Plans
Flexibility is one of the most effective strategies for finding cheap flights. Here’s how you can adjust your plans to save money:
Travel Dates
- Use Volaris’ “Flexible Dates” search feature to compare fares across a range of dates.
- Avoid traveling during peak holiday periods or school vacations.
Alternate Airports
- Check for flights to or from nearby airports, which can sometimes be cheaper.
- For example, if you’re traveling to Los Angeles, compare fares for nearby airports like Long Beach or Ontario.
Travel Light
- Pack efficiently to avoid additional baggage fees.
- If possible, travel with just a personal item included in the Basic fare.
8. Book Early, But Not Too Early
Timing is critical when it comes to booking flights.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
- Domestic Flights: Book 1-3 months in advance for the best prices.
- International Flights: Aim for 3-6 months ahead, as airlines release discounted seats during this window.
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t book too far in advance, as airlines may still be optimizing their pricing strategy.
- Similarly, avoid waiting until the last minute unless you’re targeting a flash sale.
FAQs About Cheap Flights on Volaris
1. When is the best time to book Volaris flights?
The best time to book is 1-3 months in advance for domestic routes and 3-6 months for international flights. Keep an eye out for promotions during off-peak seasons.
2. Does Volaris have regular sales?
Yes, Volaris frequently offers sales, including their “Vuela a la Vida” events, anniversary discounts, and holiday promotions.
3. What is VClub, and how does it work?
VClub is Volaris’ subscription program that offers discounted fares and baggage fees. It’s especially valuable for frequent travelers or group bookings.
4. Are there specific days when Volaris flights are cheaper?
Yes, midweek days like Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the cheapest to book and fly.
5. How can I avoid extra fees on Volaris?
Travel light with just a personal item, book fare bundles if you need luggage or other services, and join VClub for member-exclusive discounts.
6. When does Volaris offer flash sales?
Flash sales happen periodically and often last 24-72 hours. These are announced via their website, newsletter, and social media channels.
7. What’s the cheapest time of year to fly with Volaris?
The cheapest times are during off-peak seasons, including late January to early March, mid-April to early June, and September to early November.