Southwest Airlines vs Volaris: fleets and facts compared
Southwest Airlines (United States) and Volaris (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
- 155Volaris fleet (group), as of 30 June 2026
- United States · Hubs DEN · LAS · MDW +3 · founded 1971Active
- Mexico · Hubs GDL · TIJ · MEX +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 · Volaris
Fleet breakdown
Aircraft types as each source reports them, largest first.
Southwest Airlines fleet
The source gives no aircraft-type breakdown.
Volaris 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.
Volaris
Volaris's baggage policy page (Spanish-language Mexico site) sets out the following. Sizes and weights only; the same limits apply on domestic and international flights.
- Personal item (all fares, Zero, Básica and Plus): one small item such as a backpack, handbag, briefcase or laptop case that fits under the seat in front, maximum 35 x 45 x 20 cm.
- Carry-on bag: included with Plus, or added to Zero and Básica. Maximum 55 x 40 x 25 cm and 10 kg. The personal item and carry-on together must not exceed 20 kg.
- Checked bag included in the fare: Básica includes one bag of up to 15 kg and Plus one of up to 25 kg. Zero includes no checked bag. Maximum size is 158 cm (length + width + height).
- Extra checked bags: up to five per booking, each up to 25 kg and 158 linear cm. The absolute maximum per piece, including overweight, is 45 kg.
- Special items: musical instruments up to 200 linear cm and sports equipment up to 280 linear cm.
Source: Volaris, "Política de equipaje", 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 Volaris?
The two figures count different things (one covers a whole airline group), so they are not a like-for-like comparison. Southwest Airlines 803 aircraft (Airline report, as of 30 September 2026); Volaris 155 aircraft, a group figure (Airline report, as of 30 June 2026).
Is Southwest Airlines cheaper than Volaris?
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, Volaris in 2006.
Do Southwest Airlines and Volaris share a hub airport?
Not in our data. Southwest Airlines lists DEN, LAS, MDW, BWI, PHX and DAL; Volaris lists GDL, TIJ, MEX, CUN, MTY and BJX.
Are both airlines currently flying?
Yes. Both are active in our directory.