Your Quick Guide to Understanding Volaris Seat Charts
Booking your flight on a budget airline like Volaris can seem like a great deal, but uncertainties around seat selection often leave travelers unsure of what to expect. If you’ve ever searched online for a “Volaris seat chart” hoping to get a better sense of your seat options, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll unveil what you need to know to decipher Volaris seat charts and choose the best seat for your needs.
Types of Seats on a Volaris Flight
Let’s start with the basics – the different types of seats available. Most Volaris aircraft have an “economy” cabin with typical coach seats divided into three main categories:
- Preferred seats – These are extra legroom seats located in the front few rows of the plane, usually rows 1-4. They offer a few inches of extra space for stretching out your legs. You’ll pay a small premium for these seats.
- Standard economy seats – The majority of seats fall into this middle section without extra legroom. Legroom is fairly limited here like on many budget carriers.
- Back economy seats – Toward the back end of the plane, space becomes even tighter. Try to avoid these if you’re taller or prefer more wiggle room.
Most Volaris planes are in a 2-3 seating configuration with 2 seats on one side of the aisle and 3 seats on the other. Avoid the middle seats if you want extra elbow space.
How Volaris Seat Selection Works
Unlike some airlines that assign you a seat when booking, Volaris requires you to choose and pay for your specific seat separately. Here’s the process:
- Book your flight but don’t select a seat yet. This locks in the lowest airfare.
- Closer to your departure date (usually 24 hours beforehand), go online to choose and pay for your seat. Better seats cost more.
- Tip: Check seat availability early before the best options sell out. You can also pay a little extra to select seats upon booking for convenience.
If you don’t choose a seat in time, Volaris will automatically assign one for you which is usually a middle or back economy seat. To avoid stress, I recommend selecting your seat as early as possible.
Decoding a Volaris Seat Map
Now let’s dissect a sample Volaris seat chart to understand what you’re looking at. The key things to note are:
- Row letters (A, B, C etc.) and numbers (1, 2, 3 etc.) to identify each seat
- Emergency exit rows are marked in yellow or orange and have more restricted recline
- A “K” in the shaded area of a seat means it is a potential middle seat with less personal space
- Seats toward the back have a “BULK” marking where under-seat space is reduced
- Rows highlighted in green are preferred rows with extra legroom (for a fee)
Taking time to learn how to read the seat map will help you make a more informed choice based on your needs like legroom, view or proximity to the bathroom.
Factors to Consider When Picking a Seat
From my experience flying Volaris many times, here are some things I take into account when selecting a seat:
- How tall I am – If 5’11”, I go for extra legroom in first 4 rows or risk feeling cramped.
- Traveling with kids – I choose a seat away from the bathroom to avoid interruptions.
- Solo journey – I select a window seat for more privacy without getting trapped by strangers.
- With a friend – We try to sit together if availability allows so we can chat during the flight.
- Peace and quiet – Some people like exit rows with fewer neighbors despite limited recline.
There’s no one-size-fits-all option, so consider your own body type, traveling companions and personality preferences.
Some Real-Life Situations I’ve Faced
To give you a sense of what could possibly happen, here are a few examples from my experience flying with Volaris:
- Once I chose a standard economy seat too late – ended up with middle seat in last row with no legroom. It was kinda brutal!
- Another time, two friends and I randomly got split up due to limited availability. Thankfully we met up once onboard.
- On a full flight, I got automatically assigned a preferred seat instead of standard – it was a nice surprise!
As you can see, seat selection is not always straightforward on low-cost carriers. Best approach is to be flexible and prepared for minor hassles now and then.
Final Thoughts on Decoding Volaris Seat Charts
With a bit of practice, understanding Volaris seat maps becomes quite simple. They give helpful clues about legroom, space and other amenities at various locations in the plane. Just remember to check availability early and you’ll be good to go!
If you’re still unsure, it also doesn’t hurt to call or message Volaris directly. While functional, their website isn’t always the most intuitive. Customer support can further clear up any confusion so you can relax and enjoy your low-fare flight. Have a safe journey!
Volaris Seat Chart Guide
Section | Legroom | View | Price | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
Emergency Exit | Most legroom | Great view | Highest price | Restrictions on reclining |
Front | Good legroom | Good view | Higher price | May block view for children |
Middle | Average legroom | Average view | Average price | Good choice for families |
Back | Least legroom | Window view only | Lowest price | Peaceful for long flights |
FAQ
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Do window seats have extra leg room?
Window seats don’t necessarily have more leg room than aisle seats. Seat width and leg room depend on each aircraft type and class of service. Check the seat map for details on each flight.
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How can I view the seat map for my flight?
You can check the seat map for your Volaris flight on their website after selecting your flights. The seat map allows you to see which seats are picked and get details on seat dimensions or features like extra legroom.
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Can I change seats after booking?
It is normally possible to change seats after booking for a fee. You can pay to select a seat when you check-in online or at the airport. However, the best seats may no longer be available. It’s smart to pick seats right away when booking if a certain area or type of seat is important.
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How much legroom do the different classes have?
Classes like “Solo+” offer generous legroom of up to 40 inches, while regular “Solo” seating provides around 32 inches. In “Doble” class, expect around 30 inches or less per person. Legroom can vary across planes, so examine the seat map for space on specific flights.
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What amenities are included with each seat?
Higher classes feature perks like extra legroom, priority boarding, snacks or drinks. However, even regular economy seats offer basics like adjustable headrests. Seat selection does not impact things like in-flight entertainment, wifi or basic refreshments that may be provided on certain routes. Check seat description for details on advantages.
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How can I get the best seat possible at checkout?
To snag great seats, sign up for Volaris email alerts about sales in advance. On the day, check-in right when registration opens to have first pick of openings. Consider “Solo+” seats towards the front offering legroom and less noise from wings. Window seats provide great scenery but aisle seats allow easier bathroom access.
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Is it worth paying more for a premium seat?
Whether splurging on extra legroom or amenities is worth it depends on individual priorities and budget. For a simply short trip, the standard seats may do. But for long international flights, comfort is important. Perhaps a middle ground like “Solo” provides value. Expert flyers say avoid back rows near bathrooms at all costs!