Southwest Airlines vs Viva Aerobus: fleets and facts compared
Southwest Airlines (United States) and Viva Aerobus (Mexico) side by side: fleet size, main aircraft type, founding year, hubs and status, each from our database with its source and date. Both are among the larger low-cost airlines in North America in our directory.
- 803Southwest fleet, as of 30 September 2026
- 109Viva Aerobus fleet, as of 30 June 2026
- United States · Hubs DEN · LAS · MDW +3 · founded 1971Active
- Mexico · Hubs MTY · MEX · CUN +3 · founded 2006Active
At a glance
Each fact from our database. A grey tint marks the larger value in a row; it is not a verdict.
Data last updated: Southwest Airlines · Viva Aerobus
Fleet breakdown
Aircraft types as each source reports them, largest first.
Southwest Airlines fleet
The source gives no aircraft-type breakdown.
Viva Aerobus fleet4 types
Baggage & fees compared
Human-reviewed summaries. Rules change, so check the airline's own site before you book.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest's help centre sets out these limits. Sizes and weights only; since 28 May 2025 checked bags are charged on most fares, so check what your fare includes.
- Carry-on bag: one bag of up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches (length x width x height), including wheels, handles and attachments. It goes in the overhead bin.
- Personal item: one item that fits under the seat in front, such as a purse, briefcase, laptop case or backpack. Southwest gives examples but publishes no dimensions for it. A pet carrier counts as either the carry-on or the personal item.
- Checked bags: standard limit of 62 inches (length + width + height, wheels and handles included) and up to 50 pounds per bag. Bags over these limits attract extra charges.
- Some countries are subject to baggage embargoes that restrict oversized, overweight and extra checked bags, and partner itineraries may follow the partner airline's rules.
Bags too large for the cabin, or a second carry-on or personal item, must be checked at the ticket counter before the gate. Source: Southwest Help Center, "Carryon and Personal Item Policy" and "Checked Bag Policy", read on 24 October 2026.
Source: airline baggage page, read 2026-10-24.
Viva Aerobus
Viva's baggage policy page (US English site) gives these limits. Sizes and weights only; what is included depends on the fare you choose.
- Personal item: included on every fare. It must fit under the seat in front and not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Examples are a handbag, laptop case or backpack.
- Carry-on bag: goes in the overhead bin. Maximum 22 x 16 x 10 inches including wheels and handles. Weight limit is 22 lb on the Switch fare, or 33 lb on Smart or with extra weight added.
- Checked bag: up to 33 lb when chosen on the Switch fare, or up to 55 lb on Smart. Extra weight can be bought up to 70 lb per bag. Maximum size is 62 linear inches (length + width + height), including handles and wheels.
- Flights to the United States: a maximum of three checked bags per passenger, and powders over 12 oz (350 ml) may not travel in the cabin.
- Medical equipment: carried in the cabin at no extra charge within the carry-on size (22 x 16 x 10 in) and weight (22 lb) limits.
Source: Viva, "Baggage Policies", read on 24 October 2026.
Source: airline baggage page, read 2026-10-24.
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Frequently asked
Which has the bigger fleet, Southwest Airlines or Viva Aerobus?
Southwest Airlines has the larger published fleet. Southwest Airlines 803 aircraft (Airline report, as of 30 September 2026); Viva Aerobus 109 aircraft (Airline report, as of 30 June 2026).
Is Southwest Airlines cheaper than Viva Aerobus?
Fares change by route, date and demand, so neither airline is always cheaper. This page compares fleets and published facts, not fares. To check prices for a trip, search both airlines for the same dates.
Which airline is older?
Southwest Airlines was founded in 1971, Viva Aerobus in 2006.
Do Southwest Airlines and Viva Aerobus share a hub airport?
Not in our data. Southwest Airlines lists DEN, LAS, MDW, BWI, PHX and DAL; Viva Aerobus lists MTY, MEX, CUN, GDL, TIJ and NLU.
Are both airlines currently flying?
Yes. Both are active in our directory.