Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Fines against Viva Aerobus mounting as airline continues charging for carry-ons

The stand-off continues between the federal consumer protection agency Profeco and the airline Viva Aerobus, which faces mounting fines as it continues to charge for hand baggage.

Viva Aerobus has accumulated more than 20 million pesos (nearly US $960,000) in fines for charging passengers for carry-ons weighing 10 kilograms or less.

Profeco first accused Viva Aerobus and two other airlines of committing the “abusive practice” of charging for hand baggage in November, and initiated proceedings against Volaris and Viva Aerobus. While Volaris and Aeroméxico have since fallen into line, Viva Aerobus continues to charge, saying that its practice does not violate the law.

“Unfortunately Viva Aerobus continues to be stubborn, but we are now applying sanctions,” Profeco chief Ricardo Sheffield said. “… We sent a warning and they will end up paying the fines.”

But Viva Aerobus continues to insist that their baggage fees are in line with the law.

“Viva Aerobus does not charge for ‘hand baggage.’ The airline respects the rights of passengers as established in the Civil Aviation Law, in which it is clearly specified that if the passenger decides to travel without baggage, they obtain a preferential rate as a benefit,” the company said in a December 3 statement.

“Rather than assisting the consumers, [Profeco’s actions] hurt them,” the airline said.

With reports from Reforma

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
Cans of Cororna Extra beer lying on a bed of large ice cubes

Trump announces new US tariffs on Mexican… beer

2
Mexico didn't end up on Donald Trump's "liberation day" list of enemy countries, although the U.S. did impose tariffs on a surprising Mexican item: beer in cans.
A polluted Mexico City skyline with smog hampering visibility

Amid worsening air quality, Mexico City’s mayor pledges to lower emissions

0
As Mexico City enters its fourth environmental contingency alert since January, Mayor Clara Brugada and the private sector signed an accord to improve the city’s notoriously poor air quality. 
Parked bikes.

Ecobici operator fined for failing to maintain its bike fleet in the capital

0
Broken seats, loose chains, flat tires, faulty brakes and broken pedals are common complaints from users of Mexico City's popular public bicycle network.