You should never, EVER book a flight with Volaris Airlines. Here’s why.
Why You Should Never Ever Book A Flight With Volaris
Let me start by saying I am a premium status type flier. Why then, you may ask, would I book a budget airline? Well, here’s the sitch. First off, it was recommended by the bride as a cheap and easy way to get to Mexico. Second, they were the only airline offering a direct flight and the flight times were more convenient than any other airline. However, had I known then what I know now, I would much rather have a long layover with a legitimate airline business than deal with this unprofessional and fraudulent company.
My one tip for you if you do choose to take a chance on a budget airline is this: pay for the option to cancel. I mean, I clearly had no idea what happened would happen. However, knowing this is not a major airline, I should have really thought through the possibilities.
What I Was Charged To Book A Flight With Volaris
My original flight was to Guadalajara and honestly, booking with Volaris did not save me one penny. In fact, I paid MORE than I would have paid with Delta, my airline of choice. But again, I thought it was “worth it” for the route and flight times. In my original booking, I paid a basic fare ($154.06), which includes a checked bag ($44) and other fare benefits and VAT. The total for all of that was $342.23. I also pre-paid the TUA (airport usage tax) of $73.37. That makes a grand total of $415.60.
A week before I was set to fly, I decided to pay the upgrade for a premium plus seat to board early and also allow me to bring a carryon – as I was afraid I would not be able to get everything into the 33lb allowed check back. That charge totaled $102.60. So, now I’m in for a grand total of $518.02.
The week of the wedding, a cartel boss was killed in the Jalisco area of Mexico, causing civil unrest. This caused concern for everyone traveling for the wedding and the bride and groom ultimately canceled the wedding. I spent two days contacting the airline. While I would prefer a flight credit, the only option the airline gave was to change my flight at no additional cost. When I was finally able to get their antiquated website to work correctly, I was able to change the dates and city of my original flight to book a new trip for later in the year.
Why Volaris is Fraudulent
But here’s the deal. The original flight invoice and payment was erased from the system. While my credit card was not charged again, the new flight invoice shows a completely different amount and does not include what I originally paid for. In fact, the invoice includes a flight change fee and my TUA payment was removed. Therefor, the new invoice is for $500.92. You may recall that what was charged to my credit card was $518.02. Additionally, the new invoice does not show that I pre-paid the TUA fee. Therefor, I must pay a new TUA fee of $65.41 in order to check in for the flight.
As if the money isn’t enough, I have now been communicating with the airline (via X, btw, because you cannot call or email) for five days. FIVE DAYS! They continually say that I did not pay a TUA fee originally because they are such an unprofessional company that they DELETED my original invoice and replaced it with the new one. However, as mentioned, the invoice is for an amount that isn’t even what was charged to my credit card.
That, my friends, is fraud. Also, that is why you should never EVER book a flight with Volaris Airlines.
Featured photo: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International.