Flying Viva Aerobus on a $190 budget—what you really get
A recent flight with Viva Aerobus showed how budget travel works on the low-cost carrier. The airline offers three fare types—Zero, Switch, and Smart—each with different perks. One passenger tested the service on a one-way trip from Dallas to Monterrey, paying just under $190 in total.
The journey began with booking the cheapest option, the Zero fare, for $93.62. This basic ticket included no extras, leaving seat selection and baggage as add-ons. The passenger later paid an extra $38 for upgrades and $57 in taxes and fees, bringing the total to $189.
After downloading the Viva app, a check-in reminder arrived 24 hours before departure. The flight itself lasted two hours in a 3-3 economy layout, with seats offering 28 to 29 inches of pitch. The traveller ended up in a middle seat but had considered paying $12 or more to pick a better one during booking. Unlike some airlines, Viva Aerobus does not provide free drinks or snacks, even with the pricier Smart fare. However, it does participate in TSA PreCheck, speeding up security for eligible passengers. The Switch fare, a mid-tier option, includes extra baggage weight and seat selection, but the passenger stuck with Zero to keep costs low.
The trip confirmed that Viva Aerobus keeps prices low by charging for most extras. With no complimentary services and fees for seat choices, passengers must weigh convenience against cost. For those willing to forgo frills, the airline delivers a straightforward, no-nonsense flight.
