Volaris Seat Upgrade Guide: Premium Seats, Fees and Extra Legroom Options

When you book a flight with Volaris, your seat choice shapes your entire travel experience — from the moment you board to the second you step off the plane. Whether you're a tall traveler who needs extra legroom, a frequent flyer who wants to be first off at the destination, or a family trying to sit together, understanding how the Volaris seat upgrade system works puts you in full control of your comfort before you ever reach the gate.

Volaris is an ultra-low-cost carrier serving Mexico, the United States, Central America, and South America. While it doesn't operate a traditional business class or first class cabin, it offers a well-structured tiered seating system that gives every passenger meaningful upgrade options — at prices that won't cancel out the savings from your original ticket. This guide covers every seat category, every method for upgrading, and every rule you need to know to get the best seat on your Volaris flight.

Does Volaris Have a Business Class or First Class Upgrade?

This is one of the most common questions passengers search for and the answer is worth understanding clearly before your trip. Volaris does not feature First Class or Business Class in any of its aircraft. Volaris flight seats are available in two cabins: Economy and Premium.

This is not a limitation — it's a deliberate design choice consistent with Volaris's ultra-low-cost model. Instead of a traditional premium cabin with flat beds and dining service, Volaris has structured its Premium seating to offer genuine, meaningful comfort improvements over standard economy seats at a fraction of the cost of a traditional business class upgrade on a legacy carrier.

While Volaris doesn't operate a traditional first class or business class upgrade, it does offer premium seating options that function similarly in terms of improved onboard comfort.

So when passengers ask about a Volaris business class upgrade, what they're actually looking for — and what Volaris delivers — is a tiered premium seating experience within a single-cabin aircraft. Understanding exactly what each tier includes is the key to choosing the right one for your trip.

The Four Volaris Seat Categories: What Each One Offers

Volaris officially recognizes four seat types: Premium+, Premium, Seats with More Space (emergency exit rows), and Standard seats. Each serves a different type of traveler, and each comes with a distinct set of benefits and a corresponding price point.

Premium+ (Rows 1–2): The Most Exclusive Upgrade on Volaris

Premium+ seats are available in rows 1 and 2. When you choose a Premium+ seat, you get extra space, priority access, an empty middle seat, and a free snack and drink onboard.

This is the closest equivalent to a premium cabin experience on Volaris. The empty middle seat provides additional personal space — a rare benefit on an ultra-low-cost carrier. Priority boarding means you get overhead bin space secured before the general rush. The complimentary snack and drink adds a touch of in-flight service that standard economy passengers don't receive.

Think of this option as ideal for business travelers, passengers on longer Volaris routes, or anyone who simply values personal space and a smoother boarding experience above everything else.

Premium (Rows 3–5): Front-of-Cabin Access Without the Top Price

Premium seats are located in rows 3 to 5. Since they're at the front of the plane, passengers can exit quickly when they arrive at their destination.

The Volaris front row seat upgrade in the Premium tier is particularly popular with connecting passengers who need to clear immigration, collect bags, or make a tight connection. Being among the first off the aircraft saves meaningful time, especially at busy hubs like Mexico City's Benito Juárez Airport.

These seats also sit in the quieter forward section of the fuselage — away from the galley noise at the rear — which makes for a noticeably more comfortable experience on longer segments.

Seats with More Space (Emergency Exit Rows): Maximum Legroom

Emergency exit row seats offer additional space for your comfort. For passengers whose primary concern is stretching out — particularly taller travelers — this Volaris emergency exit seat upgrade is one of the most practical choices on the aircraft.

The extra legroom in exit rows is typically the most generous available on any economy-class aircraft, and Volaris is no exception. The tradeoff is a set of eligibility requirements (covered in detail below) that not every passenger can meet.

Volaris flight seats are 30–32 inches pitch and 18 inches width in standard configuration. Exit row seats offer noticeably more pitch — the measurement of legroom from seat back to seat back — making them a particularly smart choice for anyone over 6 feet tall or anyone who has found standard economy seating uncomfortable on previous flights.

Standard Seats: Flexible Choice Throughout the Cabin

Standard seats are described as the best seat that suits each passenger individually — the option to pick a favorite seat in a preferred row. These seats are spread throughout the main cabin and are the most budget-friendly paid selection option. If you have a preference for window or aisle but don't need to be at the front of the plane, a standard seat selection lets you lock in your preferred position without paying premium pricing.

Standard seats give passengers the flexibility to select their preferred seating arrangement and avoid the middle seat, enhancing overall comfort during the journey.

How to Upgrade Your Seat on Volaris: Every Available Method

Volaris offers passengers multiple pathways to select or upgrade their seat — both at the time of initial booking and after the reservation has been confirmed. There are three main ways to add a seat to your Volaris reservation: through the More Speed Combo during the booking process, by paying the corresponding fee during booking, or through My Trips after your booking is already confirmed.

Method 1: Upgrade Volaris Seat Online During the Booking Process

The most straightforward way to complete a Volaris seat selection upgrade is during the initial booking flow on volaris.com. After selecting your flight and entering passenger details, you'll reach a seat selection screen showing the full aircraft map. Each seat is color-coded by category, and pricing is displayed per passenger before you confirm.

Selecting your preferred seat during booking is almost always the most cost-effective approach. If you select your premium seat at the time of booking, it will cost you less and you get your preferred seat. Airport seat selection costs more than the online option.

Method 2: Add or Upgrade Your Volaris Seat After Booking via My Trips

If you've already completed your booking and want to add or change your seat, Volaris makes this possible through the "My Trips" section. If you already have a flight booked, you can also add your seat through My Trips by paying the corresponding fee.

To use this method:

1. Go to volaris.com and click on "My Trips"
2. Enter your booking reference number and last name
3. Select your flight from the reservation summary
4. Navigate to the seat selection section
5. Review the aircraft seat map and available upgrades
6. Choose your preferred seat and pay the applicable fee
7. Save your updated confirmation showing the new seat assignment

Method 3: Upgrade Volaris Seat Online at Check-In

Online check-in usually opens 72 hours before departure. You can upgrade through the Volaris website, mobile app, or customer service. During the online check-in process, you'll be given the opportunity to review and change your seat assignment before your boarding pass is issued.

Sometimes premium seats go unsold, making check-in prices quite attractive. If you're flexible and willing to wait, checking seat availability during the check-in window can occasionally surface Volaris premium seat upgrade opportunities at competitive prices — but this is a gamble, as popular seats are typically claimed long before check-in opens.

Method 4: The More Speed Combo — A Bundle Option

The More Speed Combo allows passengers to choose a seat during the booking process (except first row and emergency exits). This bundled option combines seat selection with other services and can offer better overall value for passengers who plan to purchase add-ons regardless.

Volaris Seat Upgrade After Booking: How Late Can You Change?

One of the most frequently asked questions from passengers is whether they can add or change a seat after their initial booking is complete. The answer is yes — and the process is simpler than many people expect.

Passengers can choose preferred seats from Premium or More Space cabin options as well during check-in without paying any additional cost. However, this free assignment at check-in is subject to what's available after paying customers have claimed their preferences — it should not be relied upon if you have a specific seat preference.

For a guaranteed Volaris seat upgrade after booking, use the My Trips section on volaris.com or the Volaris mobile app. The seat map will show you exactly which premium, more space, and standard seats remain available, and you can select and pay for your preferred option instantly. While you're managing your booking in My Trips, it's also worth double-checking that your passenger name reflects your current legal ID. If you've recently married and updated your documents, see our guide on the cost to change name on a Volaris ticket after marriage to avoid issues at check-in.

The one firm limitation: booking early is important to be able to get your preferred seat, as seats are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Popular seats like exit rows and front-row positions fill up quickly on busy routes, particularly during peak travel periods.

Volaris Seat Upgrade Cost: What You'll Pay by Seat Type and Route

The price for each seat is per passenger for a single journey (taxes included) and may vary depending on the route and the seat type: Premium, More Space, First-off, or Standard.

Volaris does not publish a single fixed price for all routes and all seat types — the Volaris seat upgrade cost is dynamic and route-dependent. Seats that provide extra legroom or other premium features are more expensive than standard seats. International routes may also carry a more expensive seat selection fee than domestic routes.

The Volaris seat selection fee for international flights ranges up to USD 35 to USD 60, depending on the choice of seat from different categories. Domestic Mexico routes typically carry lower fees, while longer international segments to the United States or Central America command the upper end of the pricing range.

The official and always-current seat pricing is listed under the Additional Services Fees section at volaris.com/Ancillaries/ServicesAndFees — this is the only source that reflects real-time pricing for your specific route and travel date.

Volaris Extra Legroom Seats and Emergency Exit Row: Who Can and Cannot Sit There

The Volaris upgrade to a more space seat in the emergency exit row is one of the most popular choices among passengers who prioritize physical comfort during flight. But it comes with binding eligibility requirements that every passenger must understand before selecting one.

Passengers who choose seats near the emergency exit must be able to assist the cabin crew in case of an emergency, and they could be asked to occupy another seat if necessary.

According to the official Volaris policy, the following categories of passengers are not permitted to sit in emergency exit row seats:

Minors under 15, pregnant women, customers traveling with pets, customers traveling with babies, customers with any illnesses or medical conditions, and customers with any disability. Whether cognitive, visual, auditory, speech, or physical are not permitted to sit in the emergency exit row. Passengers with a disability have dedicated seating options and full assistance available throughout the airport. Check our complete guide on Volaris wheelchair assistance at the airport to understand the support available and how to request it before your flight.

This list is comprehensive and non-negotiable. If any of these conditions apply to you or a member of your travel party, the Volaris emergency exit seat upgrade is not available for your booking, and a Volaris gate agent has the authority to reassign you to a different seat if one of these conditions is discovered at the airport.

For passengers who do meet the eligibility requirements, the exit row represents outstanding value: the maximum legroom in the aircraft, the ability to fully stretch out, and more personal space than any other non-front-row seat on the plane.

If you're traveling with an infant, the exit row is off the table. But there are still smart seating strategies for families with babies. Our Volaris infant policy guide covers everything you need to know about flying with a lap child, including seating arrangements and fees

Volaris Preferred Seating for Window and Aisle Lovers: Making the Right Call

Not every seat upgrade is about legroom or cabin position. Many passengers simply want to ensure they get a window seat or a Volaris aisle seat upgrade — and are willing to pay the standard seat selection fee to lock that in rather than leave it to random assignment.

Whether you prefer a window seat to enjoy the view, an aisle seat for easy access, or a seat with extra legroom, Volaris provides various options to accommodate your preferences.

The case for a window seat is straightforward: views, a wall to lean against for sleeping, and no one climbing over you during the flight. The case for an aisle seat is equally clear — freedom to stand, stretch, and use the restroom without disturbing neighboring passengers.

For families traveling together, if you are traveling with kids, it's a good idea to reserve seats ahead of time to ensure you are sitting together. Volaris does not guarantee adjacent seating for families or groups who don't pay for seat selection in advance, meaning members of the same travel party could find themselves spread across the aircraft if they rely on random assignment.

A practical scenario worth considering: a family of four flying from Los Angeles to Cancún boards without pre-selected seats. Two adults and two children end up in different rows, with no guaranteed adjacency. The simple solution — selecting seats during the booking process — costs a modest fee but ensures the family travels together from takeoff to touchdown.

How to Select Premium Seats on Volaris: Step-by-Step Instructions

Whether you're a first-time Volaris passenger or you've just never used the premium seat selection feature before, the process is designed to be intuitive. Here's a complete walkthrough.

Selecting Premium Seats During Booking:

• Go to volaris.com and search for your flight by entering origin, destination, travel date, and passenger count
• Select your preferred flight from the results and proceed through the booking steps
• On the passenger details screen, complete all required information
• When you reach the seat selection screen, the full aircraft seat map will appear
• Seats are color-coded: Premium+ (typically purple or gold), Premium (blue or similar), More Space/Exit Row (green), Standard (grey or white)
• Click on your preferred seat to see the per-passenger fee for that specific seat
• Confirm your selection and the fee will be added to your total booking cost
• Complete payment and save your confirmation — it will include your assigned seat

Selecting or Changing Premium Seats After Booking:

• Visit volaris.com and click "My Trips" in the main navigation
• Enter your booking confirmation number and the last name used during booking. Make sure the last name you enter matches exactly what's on your ticket. If there's any discrepancy due to a typo or a recent update, review the Volaris ticket name change cost before proceeding so your booking details are accurate ahead of travel.
• Locate your flight and select "Manage Booking" or "Seat Selection"
• Review the current seat map for available upgrades
• Select your preferred premium seat, confirm the fee, and complete payment
• Download or save your updated booking confirmation

During Online Check-In (72 Hours Before Departure):

• Open volaris.com or the Volaris mobile app
• Select "Check-In" and enter your booking details
• When prompted for seat selection, review available seats on the aircraft map
• Choose and pay for any available upgrade or confirm your existing assignment
• Complete check-in and save your boarding pass with the new seat indicated

Best Seats on Volaris Flights: Which to Choose Based on Your Travel Situation

The best seat on any Volaris flight isn't a single fixed answer — it depends entirely on what matters most to you on that specific journey. Here's a practical guide to matching your travel situation to the right Volaris seat selection upgrade.

For the Business Traveler on a Day Trip Choose Premium+ (Rows 1–2). Priority boarding means overhead bin space is guaranteed. The empty middle seat gives you room to open a laptop. You'll be first off the aircraft, through immigration, and on your way to the meeting while others are still waiting in the aisle.

For the Tall Passenger on a 3+ Hour Route Choose a More Space (exit row) seat. The extra legroom pitch makes a significant physical difference on longer segments. Just confirm your eligibility — if you meet the requirements, this is the most practical upgrade on the aircraft.

For the Family of Four Flying Together Choose Standard seats in the same row or adjacent rows. Book early, select all seats at once during the initial purchase, and confirm the seat map shows your party together before paying. The modest seat selection fee per person is far less disruptive than an in-flight rearrangement.

For the Passenger with a Tight Connection Choose Premium (Rows 3–5) or Premium+. Being among the first passengers off the aircraft buys crucial minutes during a layover, especially at large connecting airports where the walk between gates can be significant. If your connection is especially tight, choosing a front-of-cabin seat can make a real difference. But it's also wise to know your options if things don't go to plan. Our guide on what to do if you miss a Volaris flight walks you through rebooking steps and your rights as a passenger.

For the Budget Traveler Who Wants a Preferred Position Choose a Standard seat — window or aisle — early in the booking process. You'll pay the lowest available seat fee while still avoiding the uncertainty of random middle-seat assignment.

For the Passenger Traveling on a Short Domestic Route Consider whether any seat upgrade is necessary at all. On a 45–90 minute domestic Mexico flight, the cost-benefit of a premium upgrade is lower than on a 3–4 hour international segment. Standard seat selection for an aisle position may be the most sensible and cost-effective choice.

Volaris Preferred Seating and the V.Club Loyalty Program: Do Members Get Benefits?

Passengers who are members of Volaris's V.Club loyalty program should check their membership benefits when selecting seats, as loyalty status can interact with add-on service pricing. Visit the V.Club section on volaris.com to review current member benefits and whether any seat-related perks apply to your membership level.

Additionally, Volaris offers subscription products such as the Annual Pass and bundled fare options that may include seat selection as part of the package. The More Speed Combo includes seat selection during the booking process (except first row and emergency exits) — making it a useful option for passengers who plan to purchase add-on services and want to roll seat selection into a single bundled purchase.

Volaris Seat Upgrade: Key Rules Every Passenger Must Know

Before making your seat selection, there are a few official rules that apply to all Volaris passengers regardless of which seat category they choose.

Seats Are Non-Transferable

The price for each seat is per passenger for a single journey (taxes included). A seat selection fee paid for one passenger cannot be transferred to another passenger or applied to a different flight. Since seat fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, it's important to be confident in your travel plans before upgrading. If there's any chance your trip might change, reviewing the Volaris flight cancellation policy first will help you understand what costs you could recover and what you'd lose.

Exit Row Eligibility Can Be Revoked at the Gate

If you choose seats near the emergency exit, you must be able to assist the cabin crew in case of an emergency, and they could ask you to occupy another seat if necessary. Selecting an exit row seat online does not guarantee you'll sit there if an agent determines at the gate that you don't meet the eligibility requirements.

No Random Free Seat Guarantee

Passengers who do not select a specific seat until check-in get randomly assigned seats without any additional cost. If you don't pay for seat selection, you will still receive a seat — but it will be wherever the system assigns you, which is typically a remaining middle seat in the main cabin.

Prices Vary by Route

International routes may carry a more expensive seat selection fee than domestic routes. Always check the current fee on the Volaris Additional Services page before assuming the cost based on a previous booking or a different route.

Seats Near Rows with Service Tables

Passengers who require two seats due to their size can buy an extra seat anywhere in the flight, except the emergency row seats, the first row seats, and the seats with service tables in the armrest.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Volaris Seat Upgrade Work for You

The Volaris seat upgrade system is built around flexibility and passenger choice. Whether your priority is maximum legroom in an exit row, the prestige of a Premium+ seat in row 1 with a guaranteed empty middle seat, the practical advantage of front-of-cabin positioning in rows 3–5, or simply the certainty of a specific window or aisle seat anywhere on the plane, Volaris has a paid option that matches your preference.

The clearest advice this guide can offer: don't wait. Seat selection operates on first-come, first-served availability, and the best Volaris extra legroom seats and premium positions are claimed early — often within hours of a new booking window opening on popular routes. Selecting your seat at the time of initial booking is both the most cost-effective and the most reliably available approach.

Check your eligibility for exit rows before selecting, confirm your fee on the official Additional Services page, and complete your upgrade through My Trips if you've already booked without a seat. Your comfort on a Volaris flight starts with the seat you're in — and with this guide, you have everything you need to make exactly the right choice.