What Is Volaris Airlines Infant Policy

Flying with a baby for the first time is one of the most logistically demanding travel experiences a parent can face — and choosing a low-cost carrier like Volaris adds a layer of questions that even seasoned travelers may not know the answers to. How much does the infant fee cost on a domestic versus international flight? Can you add your baby after you have already booked? What happens at check-in with a stroller? Do you need a separate seat, and is a car seat allowed on board?

This guide answers every one of those questions clearly and completely. Whether you are planning your first trip with a newborn or are a regular Volaris traveler expanding your family travel routine, the Volaris infant policy has specific rules, fees, and processes that are worth understanding before you arrive at the airport. Getting these details right before you travel makes every step — from booking to boarding — significantly smoother.

Who Qualifies as an Infant on Volaris? Age, Classification, and What It Means for Your Booking

Understanding how Volaris defines an infant is the starting point for everything else in this guide — because the classification determines your fare, your seating options, your baggage allowance, and your documentation requirements.

Volaris defines an infant as a child who has not yet reached their second birthday on the date of travel. The key phrase is on the date of travel — not the date of booking. If your baby turns two between when you book the ticket and when you fly, they will no longer qualify for infant rates on the travel date and will need their own seat purchased at the standard child or adult fare. Parents who are booking close to a child's second birthday should pay careful attention to this distinction to avoid fare surprises at check-in.

Once classified as an infant, a child can travel in one of two ways on Volaris: as a lap infant (sitting on the accompanying adult's lap throughout the flight, held in place with an extension seat belt during takeoff, landing, and turbulence) or in their own purchased seat (requiring an FAA- or transport authority-approved child restraint system installed at the window seat). The majority of parents on Volaris choose the lap infant option because it is significantly cheaper — but the separate seat option exists and is recommended for longer flights where comfort and safety are a priority.

One additional rule that catches many families off guard: Volaris limits lap infants to one per accompanying adult. If you are traveling with two children under the age of two, you cannot hold both on your lap. One of the two infants must have a separate purchased seat with an approved car seat. Families traveling with twins or two young children in this age bracket need to budget for an extra seat in their planning.

Volaris Infant Fee — What Does It Cost to Fly with a Baby?

The Volaris lap infant cost is one of the most frequently searched questions by parents planning their first trip with a baby. Unlike some airlines that allow infants to fly free domestically, Volaris charges an infant fee on both domestic and international routes — and the fee structure differs between the two.

Volaris Domestic Infant Fee

On domestic Volaris flights within Mexico, the Volaris lap infant cost is a flat fee rather than a percentage of the adult fare. The domestic infant fee varies by route and is generally modest compared to a full adult or child fare — it represents a token charge rather than a significant portion of the overall booking cost. Parents should confirm the current domestic infant fee at the time of booking, as Volaris may adjust these rates periodically.

The domestic infant fee covers the right for the baby to travel on the parent's lap for the duration of the flight. It does not include a seat, a meal, or standard baggage allowance — though parents do receive specific baggage benefits covered later in this guide. Taxes and government fees may be added on top of the base infant fee depending on the airport and route.

Volaris International Infant Charges

On international Volaris flights — routes between Mexico and the United States, Central America, or other international destinations — the Volaris infant fee is calculated differently. Rather than a flat fee, the Volaris infant international fee is typically a percentage of the adult base fare plus applicable taxes and government fees. This percentage-based model means the infant charges on international routes are generally higher than on domestic routes, particularly to popular US destinations where fares are already elevated.

Parents planning international travel with a baby should request the full infant fare breakdown at the time of booking — both on the Volaris website and via the call center — to understand the total Volaris baby ticket price before confirming the reservation. The infant fare is displayed separately from the adult fare during the booking process, making it straightforward to see the complete cost before payment.

One important financial note: the Volaris lap infant cost is generally non-refundable once paid, the same as most Volaris fares under their standard fare conditions. Parents who purchase a separate seat for their infant and then the baby does not travel should review the applicable cancellation and refund rules for that fare class. Parents who purchase a separate seat for their infant and then find their plans have changed should review the Volaris cancellation policy. It covers the 24-hour free cancellation window, what refund may apply by fare type, and how to cancel through My Trips before the flight.

How to Add an Infant to a Volaris Booking — Step-by-Step Guide

One of the most practical questions parents ask is whether they can add an infant to a Volaris flight booking and how the process works — both at the time of initial booking and after the reservation is already made. Here is a clear walkthrough of both scenarios.

Adding an Infant at the Time of Booking

The simplest and most recommended approach is to include your infant in the reservation from the beginning. During the passenger selection step on the Volaris website, you will see options to select the number of adults, children, and infants traveling. Selecting the infant option at this stage flags the booking for infant fare calculation and ensures the correct fee is applied from the start.

1.    Go to volaris.com and enter your departure city, destination, travel date, and passenger count.
2.    On the passenger selection screen, specify the number of infants (lap) or whether you need a separate seat for an infant.
3.    Volaris will include the infant in the booking with the appropriate fare — either the domestic flat fee or the international percentage rate — clearly displayed before payment.
4.    Complete payment for all passengers, including the infant fee, in a single transaction.
5.    After booking confirmation, you will receive a reservation that includes the infant's name and details. The infant is linked to the accompanying adult's booking reference.

Can You Add an Infant After Booking on Volaris?

Yes — you can add a lap infant to an existing Volaris reservation after the initial booking has been made. This is handled through the Volaris Manage Booking tool, accessible at volaris.com, or by contacting Volaris customer service directly. The process for adding an infant to an existing reservation through Volaris Manage Booking infant addition works as follows:

1.    Go to volaris.com and click on 'My Trips' or 'Manage My Booking.'
2.    Enter your booking confirmation number and the last name of the passenger on the reservation.
3.    Once your booking is displayed, look for the option to add a passenger or modify passenger details.
4.    Select the infant addition option, enter the baby's name and date of birth, and proceed through the infant fare payment.
5.    After payment, you will receive an updated booking confirmation showing the infant as an added passenger on the reservation.

If the Volaris add lap infant to reservation option is not showing in Manage Booking, or if you encounter a technical issue, calling Volaris customer service directly is the recommended alternative. An agent can add the infant to your booking over the phone and process the fee in the same call.

One important timing note: Volaris requires that infant additions be completed before check-in opens for your flight. Attempting to add an infant at the airport on the day of travel — without prior notification — creates complications and is not the recommended approach. The earlier you add the infant to the booking, the smoother your check-in experience will be.

Volaris Lap Infant Policy — Seating, Safety, and What Is and Is Not Allowed

The Volaris lap infant policy has specific safety and seating rules that all parents need to understand before their flight. These rules exist to protect both your child and the other passengers in the event of turbulence or an emergency, and they are enforced by cabin crew throughout the journey.

Extension Seat Belt Rule

All lap infants on Volaris must be secured to the accompanying adult using an extension seat belt provided by the cabin crew. This looped belt attaches to the adult's own seatbelt and creates a restraint loop for the infant. Extension seat belts are requested from the cabin crew before or during boarding — you do not need to bring your own. If you forget to ask, a flight attendant will proactively offer one when they notice you are traveling with a lap infant.

The extension belt must be fastened during takeoff, landing, and any period when the fasten seatbelt sign is illuminated — which includes all turbulence. When the seatbelt sign is off during cruise, you have more freedom to hold your baby in different positions, but the extension belt should remain accessible and ready.

Car Seat Policy for Infants with Their Own Seat

If you have purchased a separate seat for your infant, you must bring an approved child restraint system from home — Volaris does not provide car seats on board. The car seat must be approved by either the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in the United States or the equivalent transport authority for your country, and it must carry a visible certification label confirming its approval for aviation use. Booster seats, travel hammocks, and inflatable baby seats are not permitted on Volaris flights, regardless of whether a seat has been purchased.

The approved car seat must be installed in the window seat of the row, not the aisle seat. This is a safety requirement to ensure the car seat does not obstruct emergency egress along the aisle. Parents who are traveling as a pair often sit the adult at the aisle and the infant in the window seat with the car seat — this is a comfortable and safe configuration.

Key Lap Infant Rules at a Glance

• Maximum one lap infant per adult: You cannot hold two infants on your lap simultaneously. A second infant under two requires a purchased seat.
• No bassinets available: Volaris aircraft are not equipped with bassinet hooks or in-flight cribs. Parents need to be prepared to hold their infant throughout the flight or use an approved car seat in a purchased seat.
• No infant in emergency exit rows: Passengers with lap infants may not sit in emergency exit rows under any circumstances. Seat selection at booking or check-in automatically blocks these rows for infant passengers.
• Infant must be awake during takeoff and landing: Cabin crew may ask you to rouse a sleeping infant to ensure the extension belt is properly secured during high-risk flight phases.
• Formula and breast milk are permitted: Volaris follows standard security screening rules that exempt infant formula, expressed breast milk, and baby food from the 100ml liquid restriction. Carry a reasonable quantity and be prepared to declare it at security.

Volaris Infant Baggage Allowance — Strollers, Car Seats, and Baby Essentials

Traveling with an infant means traveling with a lot of gear — and understanding what Volaris allows, what is free, and what incurs additional charges saves families from unpleasant surprises at the check-in counter.

Strollers and Pushchairs

Volaris allows parents to bring a stroller or pushchair to the aircraft at no additional charge. Compact, collapsible strollers can be taken all the way to the boarding gate and checked at the gate itself — the stroller is tagged and placed in the aircraft hold, then returned to you at the gate door upon arrival at your destination. This gate-check process is the most convenient approach for parents who need the stroller actively in use through the terminal before departure.

Larger, non-collapsible strollers must be checked at the main baggage counter during check-in rather than at the gate. If your stroller has battery components — for example, an electric or motorized model — the battery must be removed before checking, as lithium batteries are not permitted in the hold. Pack the battery in your carry-on instead.

Car Seats

An FAA-approved car seat that you plan to use in a purchased infant seat can be brought on board at no additional charge. If you are not using the car seat in flight but want to check it as luggage for use at your destination, it is also accepted as free checked baggage. Car seats should be protected with a travel bag or case for the hold, as baggage handling can cause surface wear.

Baby Essentials as Carry-On

Lap infants on Volaris are permitted to bring one small bag of baby essentials as an additional carry-on item, separate from the accompanying adult's standard carry-on allowance. This bag should contain items essential to the infant's well-being during the flight: diapers, formula, baby food, a change of clothes, pacifiers, a small blanket, and similar items. Keep this bag compact and within reasonable dimensions — it is intended as a baby supply bag, not a second standard carry-on.

Traveling Internationally with an Infant on Volaris — Documents You Cannot Leave Home Without

International Volaris travel with an infant requires a higher level of documentation preparation than domestic travel. Immigration authorities at destination countries — particularly the United States, where Volaris operates several cross-border routes — apply strict document requirements to all passengers, including newborns. Being unprepared at passport control can result in delays, questioning, or in extreme cases, being denied entry.

Passport Requirements for Infants

Every infant traveling internationally on Volaris must hold a valid passport in their own name. There are no exceptions to this rule — a baby cannot travel on a parent's passport on an international flight. The passport must be valid for the full duration of the trip and, in many cases, for a period beyond the return date (some countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the planned departure from their territory). Parents should apply for the infant's passport well in advance of travel, as processing tim

es can extend to several weeks depending on the country and time of year.

Visa Requirements

Visa requirements for infants mirror those of adult passengers — if a visa is required for the destination country based on the infant's nationality, the same applies to infants. Parents sometimes assume that babies do not need visas because they are not independent travelers. This is incorrect. An infant's visa requirements are identical to those of any other passenger of the same nationality. Check the specific visa requirements for your infant's passport nationality and destination well in advance of travel.

Traveling with One Parent — Notarized Consent Letter

If only one parent is traveling internationally with an infant — without the other parent or legal guardian — many countries and immigration authorities require a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent. This letter typically states the other parent's name, the child's name, the travel dates, the destination, and explicit consent for the child to travel. Without this document, a solo-traveling parent with an infant may be questioned at customs or immigration, particularly at Mexican departure points and US arrival points.

Even when it is not strictly mandatory by law, having a notarized consent letter is strongly recommended for any international solo parent travel with a child. The cost and time of obtaining the letter are far outweighed by the risk of a difficult encounter at immigration without it. Newly married parents should also confirm that the name on their own ticket matches their updated passport, a common oversight after a recent marriage. Our detailed guide on how to change your name on a Volaris ticket due to marriage walks through the required documents, deadlines, and the exact correction process.

Birth Certificate

While the infant's passport is the primary identification document for international travel, it is advisable to also carry an original or certified copy of the birth certificate. This is particularly important if only one parent is traveling, as it provides proof of the parent-child relationship in addition to the consent letter. Some countries explicitly request the birth certificate in addition to the passport at immigration.

The Volaris Infant Booking Process and Check-In — What to Expect From Start to Finish

Understanding the Volaris infant booking process from reservation through airport check-in helps parents avoid common mistakes and ensures a smooth start to the journey.

Step 1 — Book Your Adult Ticket First, Then Add the Infant

The standard approach for the Volaris infant booking process is to add the infant as a passenger at the time of booking your adult ticket. The passenger selection step at the start of the Volaris booking flow asks for the number of adults, children, and infants — selecting the appropriate number ensures the infant is included in the reservation from the beginning and the correct fare is applied.

If you add the infant separately after booking through Volaris Manage Booking infant tool, the same infant fare will apply — there is no penalty for adding later, as long as it is done before check-in. The Volaris Manage Booking infant addition is accessed through the 'My Trips' section of the Volaris website using your confirmation number and last name.

Step 2 — Confirm the Infant's Details Are Correct

After adding the infant to the reservation, review the confirmation email to ensure the baby's name and date of birth are entered correctly. The name on the infant's record must match the name on the birth certificate or passport that will be presented at check-in. Any discrepancy — even a minor spelling difference — can slow down the check-in process and may require correction at the counter, adding time you do not want to lose when traveling with a baby.

If you discover a name error in the booking — whether for the infant or for yourself — it is important to correct it as early as possible before the flight. Our guide on the Volaris name change policy explains how corrections are handled, what fees apply based on the type of change, and how to submit the request online or by phone.

Step 3 — Check-In and Airport Process

Volaris strongly recommends online check-in for all passengers, including those traveling with infants. Online check-in for Volaris opens 48 hours before departure and closes approximately 4 hours before departure. You can complete check-in on the Volaris website or mobile app by entering your confirmation number and last name.

If online check-in is not available for your booking because of the infant's status or international documentation requirements, you will need to check in at the Volaris airport counter. In either case, arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would when traveling with a baby — the recommendation is at least 2.5 to 3 hours before a domestic departure and at least 3 hours before an international departure. The additional time accounts for the infant-related documentation review at check-in, stroller check-in, and the typically slower progress through security when traveling with a young child.

What Happens at the Check-In Counter

When you reach the Volaris check-in counter with your infant, the agent will ask to verify the baby's age — typically through a birth certificate or passport. For domestic Mexican flights, a birth certificate is usually sufficient. For international flights, the infant's passport is mandatory. The agent will also confirm your seat selection and tag the stroller if you are checking it at the counter rather than the gate.

Priority boarding is available for families traveling with infants on Volaris. At most Volaris-served airports, families with young children are invited to board before the general passenger groups — allowing you to install your car seat (if applicable), settle your baby, and stow your carry-on without the pressure of other passengers filing in around you. Families traveling with an infant who are also accompanying an elderly grandparent or a passenger with reduced mobility can request both priority boarding and dedicated mobility support in the same trip. Our guide on how to request wheelchair assistance on Volaris covers the advance notice requirements, what the service includes, and how to add it to an existing booking. 

Flying with Your Baby on Volaris — In-Flight Services and Practical Expectations

Volaris is a low-cost carrier, which means the in-flight service model is leaner than a full-service airline. Parents traveling with infants should calibrate their expectations accordingly and pack self-sufficiently for the flight.

What Cabin Crew Can Provide

• Extension seat belt: Provided by the cabin crew at boarding or upon request. Always ask if one is not offered automatically.
• Hot water for bottles: Volaris cabin crew can provide hot water to warm a bottle if requested. The water is provided in a cup — bring a bottle warmer bag if you prefer a more consistent warming method.
• Assistance with overhead bins: Flight attendants will assist you with stowing your carry-on bag so your hands are free to hold your baby during boarding.
• Changing facilities: Most Volaris aircraft have at least one lavatory equipped with a fold-down changing table. These lavatories are typically in the rear of the aircraft. The changing table is not large — a compact changing pad from your baby bag helps make the process cleaner and more comfortable.

What You Must Bring Yourself

As a low-cost carrier, Volaris does not provide complimentary meals, baby food, formula, diapers, or other infant supplies. Everything your baby needs during the flight must come from your carry-on bag. A well-packed baby bag is the single most important preparation step for a smooth Volaris flight with an infant.

⦁    Diapers — bring more than you think you will need. Delays happen.
⦁    A complete change of clothes for the baby — and ideally a spare top for yourself.
⦁    Prepared formula or expressed breast milk in quantities sufficient for the full journey plus extra for delays.
⦁    Baby food in appropriate containers if your infant has started solids.
⦁    Pacifier (and a backup) — invaluable during takeoff and landing when ear pressure changes.
⦁    A light blanket for temperature comfort — aircraft cabins can be cool.
⦁    A few small, quiet toys or a teether to provide stimulation on longer flights.
⦁    A compact changing pad for the lavatory changing table.

Managing Ear Pressure During Takeoff and Landing

Infants are particularly susceptible to ear discomfort during the pressure changes of takeoff and landing. The most effective solution is nursing or bottle-feeding during these phases — the swallowing action equalizes the pressure in the ears and reduces discomfort. If your baby is not feeding, a pacifier during takeoff and landing serves the same purpose. Parents who are aware of this and plan for it typically have a much calmer experience during these critical flight phases.

Practical Tips for Traveling with an Infant on Volaris — What Experienced Parents Do

Parents who have navigated Volaris infant travel multiple times share a consistent set of strategies that make the experience significantly more manageable. Here are the most effective:

• Book nonstop flights when possible: A connecting flight doubles the number of takeoffs, landings, boarding processes, and security screenings — all of the most demanding moments for parents with babies. If a direct Volaris route is available for your journey, the premium over a connecting fare is almost always worth paying.
• Choose a flight time that aligns with your baby's schedule: Early morning flights often coincide with a baby's sleepiest period of the day, making the aircraft an extension of the crib. Mid-day flights around nap time can work well too. Avoid late evening flights if your baby is naturally unsettled in the hours before bedtime.
• Request or select a bulkhead or front-row seat: Request or select a bulkhead or front-row seat: These seats offer more floor space, easier access to the aisle, and quicker deplaning at the end of the flight. Parents wanting to secure a premium front-row or extra-legroom seat can find a full breakdown of available options, costs, and how to upgrade after booking in our guide on Volaris seat upgrade options.
• Feed during takeoff and landing without fail: Nursing, a bottle, or a pacifier during these two moments is the most reliable method to prevent ear-pressure crying. Have the feed ready before the plane even begins its taxi roll.
• Pack your diaper bag as your personal item: Use your carry-on allowance for the essentials bag and keep it under the seat in front of you — not in the overhead bin — so you can access it without standing up during the flight.
• Arrive at the airport significantly earlier than usual: Budget an extra 45 to 60 minutes beyond your standard check-in arrival time when traveling with a baby. Security with a stroller, formula, and baby gear takes longer than expected, and boarding with an infant benefits from the extra time buffer. Despite best efforts, unexpected delays can still cause a family to miss their departure — if that happens, knowing your options in advance makes a stressful moment far more manageable. Our guide on the Volaris missed flight policy explains what to do immediately, how rebooking works, and what happens to the rest of your itinerary
• Dress your baby in layers: Aircraft cabin temperatures vary widely and can change between boarding (often warm) and cruise altitude (often cool). Layers allow you to adjust without disrupting a settled baby.

Traveling with an infant on Volaris is entirely manageable — thousands of families do it every week across Mexico's domestic network and on international routes to the United States and Central America. The Volaris infant policy is clear, the fees are transparent, and the booking process is straightforward once you know where to look and what to prepare.

The parents who have the smoothest experience are consistently those who prepared in advance: they added the infant to the booking before arriving at the airport, confirmed their documentation for international flights, packed their diaper bag with generous quantities of everything, chose a flight time aligned with their baby's routine, and arrived at the airport with time to spare. None of these steps are complicated — they simply require knowing the rules and acting on them before travel day.

If you are traveling with Volaris for the first time with a baby, take the time to confirm the current infant fee for your specific route, verify that all documents are correct and matching, and give yourself the gift of extra time at every step. A calm, prepared parent is the most powerful ingredient in a positive flight experience with an infant.