CRAMPED: Volaris A321neo review - the WORST legroom ever?

Volaris has the MOST CRAMPED A321neo in the world, I'm fairly sure. If you know of an airline that puts more than 230 seats in one...let me know!

This really was a soulless and bone-shattering experience. At just 5 feet 8 inches, I can tolerate budget economy better than most. Flying cheaply means accepting service might be a bit weak and legroom won't be great...but this takes it to a new level!

0:00 Introduction and SJD Airport
0:49 VIP Lounge
1:42 Planespotting
2:21 Arrival of our aircraft
3:09 Boarding
5:20 Taxi and takeoff
6:41 The food situation
6:59 Laughably bad seat design
7:34 No BEER emergency
8:04 Fare talk
9:30 Volaris recorded announcement
10:05 Approach and landing
10:33 Conclusion and thanks for watching!

Date of Travel: 20 SEP 2021
Airline: Volaris
Livery: Standard Volaris PIXEL livery
Route: SJD-MEX
Aircraft: Airbus A321neo
Flight Number: Y4 783
Miles: 731
Airborne time: 1h40m

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[juanmaurogarzagarza]

As I’m originally from Mexico but living in the United States, Volaris became the most inexpensive form of travel for my family of 5 to visit family or go on holiday in Mexico. It’s been a couple years since I’ve flown on Volaris, but despite its poor legroom, no IFE/Wifi, etc …, at the end of the day, it’s a budget airline. You get what you pay for. For my family of 5, there was no way we’d spend hundreds more to fly Aeromexico. But, if you’re flying alone or simply paying for your own fare, I would suggest avoiding Volaris, and Vivaaerobus for the reasons mentioned in the video. I’ve not flown on Aeromexico yet, nor Interjet which is also a Mexican budget airline, but hopefully that will change soon. Thanks for uploading this report Paul! Great stuff as always.

[drizztcat]

The best part of flying Volaris is deplaning after the flight.

[gmb]

“They squeeze 230 seats onto an A321 neo”
easyJet: ‘Hold my Beer’ 😂

[marcoschavez]

Volaris used to be decent about 18 years ago. They had roomier seats, baggage included, and free snack service. Now, Volaris along with VivaAerobus has replaced many long distance bus routes in parts of Mexico. Aeroméxico is the best option for flights within México.

[idanceforpennies]

Low-cost airlines outside of Europe and North America would make me extremely nervous. I'm pretty damn sure the cost-cutting extends to the maintenance, training and crew selection. The deliberately confusing booking systems are probably also full of traps, like "Oh you got a check-in bag? That'll be an extra $6000 please".

[howardscott]

When I flew out of Luton for the first time in the early 70s the domestic check-in was an actual tent!

[battlehawk]

Makes the coach seats on a Delta 757 seem commodious by comparison. Yikes!
I think I'd spend a little extra and take Aero Mexico instead.
Keep up the good work. :)

[nmpls]

The secret to volaris is you need to get the front or exit rows. They have way more leg room and actually recline. They do fly some fairly long flights in the 5-6 hr range.
They are my only real choice for a route I fly, but I will not fly on days when aisle or window seat are not available in row 1 or the exists.
Also, if you have a carry on, you really, really want early boarding because the bins are a fucking shit show.

[kp]

Thank you for setting a huge focus on the actual flying with your great shots of the airport and nature and as well with your interesting facts. That really sets you apart!!

[theplanesguy]

Wizz Air actually has 240 seats so their’s is the most crammed A321neo, and somehow their legroom isn’t terrible

[dr.danchallice]

These low-buget airlines have turned into the Greyhound buses of the air. It's your money, so it all comes down to just how much torture you can withstanding.

[chatomorgan]

Just had a friend fly for the first time using Volaris from L.A. direct Oaxaca, MX. A nearly perfect 4 hr flight where he said they charged for bottled water and the peanuts. I thought he was joking, and laughed, but no, he said he was serious. He laughed saying, yeah, I thought I would have to insert some coins to use the restroom, but he said that was so far still free.

[laurenhw]

Oddly the worst pitch I've had is on one of the BA LGW old 777 that they crammed more big thick seats into. My knees were touching the seat in front and I'm barely 5ft 4! 10 hours was absolute hell.

[ryanboulton-lear]

There is three toilets on the A321/A320 jets but very well hidden. As you enter the rear of the aircraft the second toilet has a crew seat on it so not easy to spot!

[novelero]

Really good review. I live in Chicago and my family lives in México in the capital of Morelia, located in the state of Michoacán. Volaris is the only airline that flies direct to Morelia from Chicago. I won’t lie, they are not so budget in certain moments because a flight during Christmas break is easily over 900 bucks if you get it with almost a year ahead of time and it can reach almost whomping 1700 bucks as the date nears. I can fly economy at a much cheaper price during the same season to Madrid, Spain. So, these budget airlines are a yes and a no, depending where you go.

[Bad_Karma]

Paul I’m glad you did this trip for us
It was interesting as always
I am certain there is a regulation somewhere against turning an aircraft into a sardine can
I will never understand why one would ever willingly go back of the bus

[tawtsai]

Hi Paul! Thank you for the video. I believe Volaris flies from Seattle to Guadalajara, which I think qualifies as longer end of the routes? Nonstop, over 5 hours. Seems like a nightmare to fly that long of a time with these seats!

[janellek]

Paul, you're 5'8" and you were uncomfortable. I'm 5'11" and would have to be pried out of my seat with a crowbar. I'll stick with Aeromexico next time I fly to Cabo!

[jaimemontano]

Volaris is a great airline but you need to consider that the Low Cost service it´s really a nightmare if you´re flying long distance or when you have luggage and carry on to check in.
Great video!

[patsadventures]

Great honest you said, no drama. I just did some reviews on my channel of Egypt Air, which I had heard a lot of bad about...all the flights turned out to be good. Now that was a surprise. Thanks, good content. I subscribed.