Volaris refunds depend on your ticket type and reason for cancellation
Volaris, Mexico's largest low-cost airline, does issue refunds—but only under specific conditions and only for certain ticket types. If you booked a non-refundable fare (the cheapest option), you cannot get cash back if you cancel. If you booked a refundable ticket or if Volaris cancelled your flight, the airline will refund you, though the timeline and method depend on how you paid and what happened.
The key distinction is between voluntary cancellations (you cancel for any reason) and involuntary cancellations (Volaris cancels the flight). Volaris treats these very differently. Involuntary cancellations almost always result in a refund or rebooking; voluntary cancellations on non-refundable tickets result in nothing.
Key Takeaways
- Non-refundable fares (Volaris's cheapest tickets) cannot be refunded if you cancel, though you may receive a travel credit instead.
- Refundable fares and tickets purchased with a credit card are may be able to access for cash refunds if you cancel before departure.
- When Volaris cancels a flight, you can request a full refund to your original payment method or accept a rebooking on another flight.
- Refunds typically take 7 to 30 days to appear in your account after Volaris processes the request, depending on your bank and payment method.
- You must contact Volaris directly through their website, phone, or airport counter—the airline does not process refunds through third-party sites.
Refundable versus non-refundable Volaris tickets
Volaris offers multiple fare levels, and refundability is tied to which one you bought. The lowest-priced fares—often labeled as basic or economy fares—are non-refundable. If you purchased one of these and then cancel your trip, Volaris will not return your money. Instead, you may receive a travel credit that you can use toward a future Volaris flight, usually valid for one year from the original booking date.
Higher-tier fares (sometimes called Plus or Premium fares depending on the route) are refundable. If you booked one of these and cancel before your flight departs, you can request a cash refund. The refund goes back to your original payment method—credit card, debit card, or bank account, depending on how you paid.
If you are unsure which fare type you purchased, log into your Volaris booking on their website using your confirmation number and email address. The booking details will show whether your ticket is refundable or non-refundable. You can also call Volaris customer service to confirm.
How to request a refund for a cancelled flight
If Volaris cancelled your flight, you have the right to a refund or rebooking. Contact Volaris through one of these channels: their website (volaris.com), their phone line (which varies by country—Mexico is +52 55 1102 8000), or in person at the airport. You will need your booking confirmation number and the email address or phone number associated with your reservation.
When you contact them, state clearly that you want a refund rather than a rebooking. Volaris will ask you to confirm your original payment method. If you paid by credit or debit card, the refund will go back to that card. If you paid by bank transfer or another method, Volaris will process the refund to that account.
Do not assume the refund is automatic. You must request it. If you do nothing after a cancellation, Volaris may hold your money as a travel credit or rebook you on another flight without asking.
Refunds for voluntary cancellations on refundable tickets
If you cancel a refundable Volaris ticket before your flight departs, you can request a refund through the same channels: the Volaris website, phone, or airport counter. Log into your booking, find the cancellation option, and select it. The system will ask whether you want a refund or a travel credit. Choose refund.
Some refundable tickets allow you to cancel and receive a refund online immediately; others require you to call or visit the airport. Check your booking confirmation email—it will state the cancellation policy for your specific ticket. If the email says you can cancel online, you can usually do so up to 24 hours before departure. If it requires a phone call or in-person visit, contact Volaris at least a few hours before your flight.
Cancellations made very close to departure (within hours) may not process in time to prevent the flight from charging your card. If this happens, contact Volaris after the flight departs to request a refund for the unused ticket.
How long refunds take to reach your account
After Volaris processes your refund request, the money does not appear instantly. The timeline depends on your payment method. Refunds to credit cards typically take 7 to 14 business days to show up, though some banks take longer. Refunds to debit cards follow the same timeline. Refunds to bank accounts (if you paid by transfer) may take 10 to 30 business days.
The delay is not always Volaris's fault. Once the airline sends the refund, your bank or card issuer controls how quickly it posts to your account. If you do not see the refund within the expected timeframe, contact your bank first to confirm they received it. Then contact Volaris with your confirmation number and ask for proof that the refund was sent.
Keep your refund confirmation number from Volaris. You will need it if you have to follow up or dispute the refund with your bank.
What to do if Volaris denies your refund request
Volaris may deny a refund if you booked a non-refundable ticket and cancelled voluntarily. This is their policy, and it is legal under Mexican aviation law. However, if you believe the denial is incorrect—for example, if Volaris cancelled the flight but is claiming you cancelled—gather your evidence and contact the airline again.
If Volaris cancelled the flight, you have a right to a refund under Mexican law (Ley de Aviación Civil). If the airline refuses, you can file a complaint with PROFECO (Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor), Mexico's consumer protection agency. PROFECO can investigate and order Volaris to refund you. You can file a complaint on their website (gob.mx/profeco) or by phone.
If you paid by credit card and Volaris refuses to refund a charge you believe is invalid, you can also dispute the charge with your card issuer. This is called a chargeback. Your bank will investigate and may reverse the charge if they agree the refund should have been issued.
Travel credits versus cash refunds
Volaris sometimes offers a travel credit instead of a cash refund. A travel credit is a voucher you can use to book another Volaris flight, usually valid for one year. Travel credits are not the same as cash—you cannot withdraw the money or use it with other airlines.
If you prefer cash and Volaris offers only a credit, ask whether you can convert it to a refund. If the flight was cancelled by Volaris, you have the right to choose a refund over a credit. If you cancelled voluntarily on a non-refundable ticket, Volaris is not required to offer either, but they may offer a credit as a courtesy.
If you accept a travel credit, write down the credit number, expiration date, and amount. Store this information somewhere safe. Travel credits can be lost if you do not use them before they expire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I booked through a travel website like Expedia or Kayak?
You must contact Volaris directly, not the third-party website. Volaris processes all refunds. The travel website cannot refund you; they only sold you the ticket on behalf of the airline. Go to volaris.com or call Volaris with your confirmation number. If the third-party site charged you a booking fee, that fee is usually non-refundable even if Volaris refunds the ticket itself.
What if I missed my flight—can I get a refund?
No-shows (missing your flight) are treated as voluntary cancellations. Volaris will not refund you. You may receive a travel credit if your ticket was refundable, but this varies. Contact Volaris to ask, but expect no refund for a missed flight.
Does Volaris refund baggage fees if the flight is cancelled?
Yes, if you paid a baggage fee and the flight is cancelled, that fee should be refunded along with your ticket. If you requested a refund but the baggage fee was not included, contact Volaris and ask them to add it to the refund. Keep your receipt showing the baggage charge.
How do I check the status of my refund?
Log into your Volaris booking on their website using your confirmation number and email. The booking page will show whether the refund has been processed. If it shows "refunded" but the money has not reached your account, wait a few more business days, then contact your bank. If the booking page does not show a refund status, call Volaris customer service with your confirmation number.
Can I request a refund more than a year after I booked?
Volaris's refund window closes after a certain period, typically one year from the original booking date. After that, the airline is not required to refund you. If your flight was cancelled and you did not request a refund within that time, contact Volaris anyway—they may still process it as a courtesy, but there is no may provide.