REVIEW: Flying VIP Priority on VivaAerobus, Tijuana - Los Cabos

[@andylopez142]

For an airline that is claiming it is a budget airline. The staff and crew actually treated me quite nicely. I also booked with the smart fare when I flew and sat in the front as well because of the extra legroom.

[@alantorres3601]

Hi! Mexican here who flies Vivaaerobus frequently. I saw some things in your video that I wanted to clarify. 1. The "advertising" pasted on the seat was talking about VivaPlay which is a new service where you download an app, you pay for it while booking your ticket and from there you can watch movies and TV series. I've never tried it but know about it. 2. Viva Smart, the most expensive ticket, doesnt include VIP Priority seats, it only allows you to get most of the seats for free as long they are not VIP nor other seats with more space like the ones at the emergency exit. So it makes sense that they charged you for it. 3. Its the first time I hear about the tipping issues, I have never noticed that before, i will have to check that to see if its true 0_0 4. I also hate tecate light, you should try Modelo Especial or Indio, cheers!

[@Paul_Lucas]

Thank you! Let me know if you can manually tip zero, a few people I know have come up against this issue now 😆

[@jon123etc]

You should be able to manually select 0%. Card readers in almost all Mexican restaurants and bars (and I guess this is basically a flying restaurant lol) make you select a tip. The choices are usually 20%, 15%, 10% and other.

[@alantorres3601]

@@Paul_Lucas ive never had this issue where you have to do this, thats why im surprised. My experience here in Mexico is that in restaurants, the waiter would ask you how much percentage you want to tip and thats it. But i have never encountered this when flying, thats why i was so surprised. I havent flown since September in Viva so it might be new, idk lol

[@NP-dt9db]

@@Paul_Lucas hey Paul I’m not trying to be rude but how come you are still allowed to fly in a pandemic? I thought only special people can go travelling or people that have a special exemption pass or something

[@Paul_Lucas]

No idea where you've got that from, there is no restriction on British people leaving the country and travelling. There isn't even a red list any more.

[@Luisgtm95]

I´ve overall found Viva to be a lot more pleasant than Volaris, extras are very reasonably priced and improve the experience quite a lot, they also the deliver the most consistent quality in Mexico´s market. I still fly Aeromexico everytime they´re available where I need to fly to. Viva however has grown from cheap equals nasty back when it started to fly, cheap and surprisingly decent and also offer a very varied route network with many direct flights previously not served in Mexico

[@IlIlIlIlIlIlIlIl-v9h]

Yeah Volaris is terrible mostly because of the gross passengers.

[@reubenblanco3021]

Cheaper smaller lines and a more newer fleet .

[@keithlivingstone2525]

Budget strap line....“Well, we got you here didn’t we”.....😁

[@airplane564]

The average wait time at that border crossing you see from the air at 6:50 can be from 6-8 hours depending on the day you go, the longest waiting time was once 10 hours

[@oscaraldretee]

You have no clue what your talking about and are just spewing non sense. In the several crossings family and friends have done in recent trips even during holiday weekends the wait at its peak has never been more than 4 hours.

[@robertcurrie9977]

After you posted it on social media, I used the "Old and Bearded" menu translation as an example of "what not to do" in a web design class I am teaching - it was a nice little puzzle for the students to figure out how it got that way.

[@simondavey7787]

I love the CBX crossing and have done it many times. I do find the translation errors on Viva Aerobus to be quite funny; I've only flown them twice (I prefer Volaris), but had no real problem with them.

[@Baellitoo16]

Your very lucky. I got robbed from volaris.

[@sandrosoler4275]

​@Gaellitoo how?

[@amarsharma4209]

The best taxi and takeoff section on any aviation channcel

[@Roger_Stenning]

"Old and bearded". yup. I snorfled large 😂

[@jon123etc]

I’ve flown both Viva and Volaris many times and find them to be pretty nice for so-called “budget” airlines, though Viva usually tends to be a little cheaper. One thing I don’t like about them is how they both nickel and dime you, a la Spirit. They don’t include any taxes or airport usage fees in the fare until you get to the checkout. Viva also used to charge you an additional fee for using any credit or debit card other than their own co-branded card. Now they charge everybody the same fare but give their cardholders a discount - which seems fair enough. It pays to shop around between Viva, Volaris and even AeroMexico - especially on highly competitive routes like MEX-GDL or MEX-CUN. BTW - are you coming to Cancun after Mexico City? DM me if you are! 😃 🇲🇽

[@NoWay23548]

When Paul showed all that delicious food, and then skipped showing eating it, I had forgotten that this is a travel channel and not a food one.

[@andrewsaunders307]

The expression on your face sums up what you thought of the Beer 😂😂 Always fascinating to see you review an economy product. Thanks again!

[@jacobtapianieto9655]

Mexican here. Tecate Light is most probably the worst Mexican beer alongside Tecate 0.0. Tecate Original (the red one) used to taste kind of okay many years ago.

[@kamanama3671]

Wow that landed better than the last 2 flights I had on Delta

[@thefullsp77]

Loved the article in this months Airliner World ... congrats and may your success continue - love your content.

[@MrGreatplum]

Let’s go to Old and Bearded! Another excellent review :)

[@jacobtapianieto9655]

I had a big laugh with this big mistake!

[@zerog5993]

I've only just discovered your channel all thanks to an editorial in "Airliner World" magazine, I'm very impressed with what I've seen so far, keep up the good work.

[@LeyendasMusicales]

I love VIVA 6 Vip rows versus 1 row in Volaris

[@benjaminzeev3272]

I flew viva aerobus last month from Guadalajara to Cancun and it was awesome , goof leg room , everything on time and good service

[@dianeschroeder3980]

We traveled to Los Cabos and Cancun several times during the pandemic but never have flown out of Tijuana. I heard you can just walk across the border to return to the US rather than fly into the US and have to go through customs and the long lines that go with it. Great video ❤️👍✈️

[@jameshammons2354]

I always declare I’m an American citizen, it sometimes creates problems

[@haroldaranda8042]

Not really Diane. You pass US Immigration and Customs at the CBX bridge after your domestic Mexican flight. A huge time savings versus the San Ysidro land crossing.

[@Duohzy]

it’s also way cheaper

[@vodkadave69]

I need to travel to Old and Bearded, It looks stunning ✈️😎

[@haroldaranda8042]

Nothing here to dislike. A decent value proposition. One is aware they are onboard a ULCC so you can survive without wifi for a few hours. Eat before you board! And try chopsticks with Panda next time.

[@gunnersfan5035]

Hi, firstly, very well done for an exciting video/adventure. I'm not too sure as I've never been to Mexico. I read some other reviews and I think both are as good as each other. On the other hand, I was shocked when I found out that Tijuana airport was next to the Mexico-US border. Once again, excellent video, and I look forward to watching your Volaris vlog. All the best.

[@IlIlIlIlIlIlIlIl-v9h]

“Pander Express” says the Brit 😂😂😂😂

[@brigittelehmann9749]

lovely review i enjoyed it greetings from the netherlands

[@manaviation]

Great report Paul

[@chromebomb]

DUDE hell yea!!! Drinking Tecate on the plane to Cabo!!! SURFS UP!!!

[@Davehearne43]

Welldone keep up the good work stay safe

[@roberthamilton1301]

Thanks for the video Mate 👍

[@steve-marsh]

Call me sad but Panda Express is my favourite restaurant :D

[@curtbonnell4308]

I have previously meant to ask you why you always touch the plane while entering. I always look for it now, lol. Love your vlogs.

[@peepa47]

love these new slim seats, had it with Ryanair and it was much more space

[@tomforeman6779]

best travel youtuber

[@tammypearson4500]

Love learning from your videos. I had no idea the airport spanned both countries. Have to go look up this new information. Thanks for this series of flights ✈ I love these, not only because it's closer to me but because these are flights I might actually take myself. Cheers from South Mississippi 👍

[@suzettecalleja3122]

Translations are funny. In the states we used to have a TV commercial to get you to drink more milk, "Got Milk". Well translated into Mexican it reads, "Are you Lactating". Great fun.

[@eduardotapia8668]

Hey! Paul, I just wanted to let you know that there is an option to not give tip, it's not mandatory to, but most of the passengers do not see the option, it's under the 3 first options, it says in spanish "I don't want to give a tip" and it's completely fare, I understand that you did not see it, but don't say that there is no option because there is one.

[@Franklin12211]

Thanks for the video. We are flying down in December and considering Viva... May seem like a weird question but how tall are you. I'm curious because I'm 6'4" tall and leg room is usually an issue to me.. Thanks

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video!

[@Miriammm93]

One time the plane landed but it was a hard landing but the crew is VERY nice so I rate it 8.5/10

[@GenkisTravels]

Interesting, didn't know about CBX in Tijuana. I've flown VivaAerobus, eh it wasn't bad. :) Cheap too

[@a.gproductions_official]

TIJ is an airport and City I know Very Well and Viva Aerobús Was the first airline i ever flew

[@htolas]

I initially wondered why you censored the vertical tail fin.

[@anthonylamesa7619]

One thing that's inconsistent on VivaAerobus' Web site is the personal item/carry-on weight. Some of their Web site suggests it's combined weight, but other parts suggest you get separate allowance for both the personal item and the carry-on item.

[@HectorGarcia-vr4wd]

I liked your video. Just one thing, in it you mention that Volaris (another Mexican airline) is the largest airline in Mexico and is not. That one is Aeroméxico. Though VivaAerobús is the one that has significantly grow more than the competition.

[@Paul_Lucas]

In the video I said Volaris is the biggest domestic airline. It has the highest domestic market share. Aeromexico is a bigger airline because it has far more international traffic, but it has a lower share of the domestic market than Volaris does.

[@anthonymondol7771]

I'm one of them who saw it right as uploaded

[@dsdonovan]

That face when tasting Tecate.... :)

[@FranciscoCamino]

Just back from Mexico, and posted something about Aeromexico in my channel. If had watched this before I would have switched to this cheaper option

[@jerome0929]

In Mexico you have to lower your standards, a priority VIP seat just seems like basic economy seats from any US airplane. Just like hotels label 5 stars are the equal to a 3 star hotel in the US.

[@ecclestonsangel]

How was the landing on this airline compared to Ryanair? Was it as spine-jarring?🤣 I am looking forward, myself, to coming to Manchester in the spring. I have really missed my cousins, and visiting your lovely country. I'll be flying Virgin to England. I've heard so many good things about that airline I'm worried that now my expectations will be too high! Are you going to fly BA's 380 now they've brought it back into service, Paul?

[@theglobalpeasant]

Looks like a pretty decent ULCC.

[@wehojm7320]

I wonder what the price difference btwn going out of LAX and going down to S.D. then crossing over to TJ and fly to CABO. I remember almost 36 yrs ago when, for whatever reason, we flew out to TJ to Puerto Vallarta. I have to say the airport was a bit of nightmare. However it looks like standard operating for any medium size airport. Thanks for sharing.

[@manuelvalencia9407]

TIJ looks better than some fo the US airports. It seems that the B-747 SP has been there for the longest time.

[@tobyleach176]

I had no idea this was Mexico's version of "Spirit" airlines. They might have the cheapest fare but in the long run it costs you much more. These guys will cancel your flight in a heart beat and leave you hanging for days. They cancel without any explanations and I even seen the manager actually turn his back on paying customers and walk away. I fly over 100,000 miles per year and by far They were the worst experience I have ever had. I'd recommend paying extra for a trust worthy airline and avoiding Viva Aerobus!

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

VIP treatment is a treat now and again.

[@DD-dq5hp]

Is it check in for free of charge in Aerobus?? Merci

[@torgeirbrandsnes1916]

Great vlog as always!

[@Carman670]

2:48 For those who are unaware, this aircraft was once operated by China Airlines and was involved in the notorious China Airlines Flight 006 while flying from Taipei to Los Angeles where the aircraft plunged over 30,000ft over the Pacific Ocean after an engine failure.

[@JamesSymmonds]

Mentour Pilot just did a video on that.

[@records26]

Well, I mean, it plunged 30,000 feet due to pilot error and spatial disorientation AFTER the engine failure. The engine didn't have much to do with it other than distracting the pilots long enough to become disoriented.

[@andyrob3259]

@@records26 it still plunged 30,000 feet. And it was so over the Pacific. I’m not sure everyone was looking for a full write up of the causes and effects - that they can look up themselves.

[@scottyerkes1867]

Another enjoyable review. Thanks Paul😀😀

[@TheOddVideoChannel]

It's a shame that Interjet does no longer exist. It nicely filled the gap between the budget and legacy airlines. The price wasn't much higher but they had free drinks, snacks and a sandwich. Also, no annoying advertisement all the time...

[@wassupr0ckers]

💯 agree Sucks that the ran away with everyone’s 💰

[@martymcfly256]

Paul, Basel/Mulhouse (BSL/MLH) is not only bi-national, it has two airport codes. While it's technically in France, there is an access road from Switzerland which is Swiss territory and part of the airport is considered to be Swiss territory as well. Before Switzerland joined the Schengen area, you could even get your passport stamped at the "border" inside the terminal. To this day, Swiss and French rental cars are available at opposite ends of the terminal, as each end is in a different country.

[@derisleybrittain]

Excellent 😀😀😀😀💖💖💖👍👍👍👍🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@IsoscelesKramer]

Try Tecate rather than Tecate Light, it's so much better!

[@jeannearc9879]

Does anybody know the difference between the express line and VIP? I bought the express line

[@wren460]

That beer you had is the worst beer in Mexico : Tecate light....terrible is an understantement

[@Paul_Lucas]

I figured!!

[@johnguevara6160]

Light beer has always been a thing in Mexico but it has never been popular. Except for the American tourists

[@jeannearc9879]

Yeah im planning to fly TJ to cabo cuz i think that will save me money😅 n direct flights cuz if i do SD to cabo omg not only expensive lots of layover n stops. Lol

[@gazza1858]

‘lovely jubbly’

[@louisthetravelspotter]

paul i think you liked voluraris more than viva aerobus

[@joeblades4331]

Great review... can't go wrong with Panda!

[@SkiDaBird]

You didn’t need to try that Tecate lol. It sounds like it’s no better in Mexico than the US.

[@rezaalan3991]

Great flight. That's Old and Bearded Country on website. I hope in the future when you visiting Asia again, you should try Lion Air, they are same group with Malindo where you have on board with it but the difference they are low cost.

[@vmaxlegends549]

love your videos Paul

[@louisthetravelspotter]

what a amazing aircraft i think its worth the money

[@shutup2751]

you ever fly on transavia paul, any decent ?

[@Paul_Lucas]

Never flown them no!

[@shutup2751]

@@Paul_Lucas there's some new video content for you so

[@SuperalbsTravels]

Ahhh, I remember 08:10 on your Twitter! 😂

[@barryalexander6956]

Another enjoyable review. Always love the locations you identify as you fly over them. The joys of Google mapping! 😁

[@TekindusT]

The seats have seatback pockets, which automatically makes Viva Aerobús better than Ryanair.

[@Brettski_1234]

Even Jetstar in Australia have seat back pockets so did Tiger when they were around

[@doritomuncher234]

Plus their landings are pretty smooth

[@Markstaxidiaries]

I like the way you pixelated out the logo on tail planes 😉

[@andrewmurray1550]

actually I thought that too then realised that was the genuine livery

[@LotusLady9]

Thank you Paul🌞

[@ClaudiaRosani]

Call me sentimental but I really miss Tecate beer... I guess like Brits miss Marmite when they move abroad.

[@scrambledegg81]

Ugh, I do NOT miss seeing the San Ysidro crossing. That place is a nightmare to get through regardless of the time or day.

[@alexsbikesandmotors]

I just got back from a trip to cancun. I was surprised how seriously they take the whole corona virus thing in mexico. I thought they would be a lot more chill about it

[@SharonMartinez1000]

Why would they be more chill about dying in Mexico?

[@matthiasredler5760]

Whats up with Transsib?

[@waaahl]

3:51 Absolutely not - United will turn things around.

[@nielsdamen2956]

Blue bridge?! From my perspective it's purple 😅

[@David-ld4ql]

You should have selected Old and Bearded.

[@RoyalFlushFan]

Wouldn’t have been wrong, would it?

[@andyrob3259]

Of all the good junk food you could choose; you go with Panda Express. Lol.

[@Solaaris1]

Always found Viva Aerobus way way better than Ryanair. Interjet was awful so no wonder it went bust!

[@dougm.635]

we literally have reservations with this airline this week and get cutoff on BOTH their phone #s to ask questions ...Spent 4 hrs rambling thru their prompts on both their US phone number and Mexcio number...horrible service

[@NX6FLY]

Angry Panda!

[@jacksonkuster3805]

I’ve seen Viva Aerobus multiple times at EWR and DFW so I’ve always wondered what they were like!

[@jerryquezada625]

Oh hell no! That airlines is worse than Ryan air and Spirit put together

[@val91201]

Old and Bearded!

[@GusCarlson]

Antigua and Barbuda means old and bearded, well I didn't know that! Cool to see the border and everything else!

[@hoof2001]

Isn’t Geneva a cross border airport too?

[@Paul_Lucas]

No, it's entirely within Switzerland. Tijuana is the only airport in the world which literally spans two countries. From Geneva's website: IS IT POSSIBLE TO EXIT DIRECTLY FROM THE FRENCH SIDE WHEN ARRIVING ON AN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT WITHOUT PASSING THROUGH SWISS TERRITORY? No, you must pass through Swiss territory from an international flight.

[@hoof2001]

@@Paul_Lucas Interesting. Thanks for the reply 👍

[@RoyalFlushFan]

„Yes you can exit directly in France if your are coming from a French airport.“ There‘s French facilities (currently temporarily closed, I believe), including a french sector parking lot that’s only accessible from France. But the airport seems to be entirely on Switzerland‘s territory…

[@sheilacrosby4894]

Your videos are awesome!!!

[@Paul_Lucas]

Thank you so much!

[@sheilacrosby4894]

You are really good on camera and have a great delivery

[@ingchatboy]

Tecate light is basically water :\ Should've gotten red Tecate or Indio

[@philipwykes8713]

The touchdown looked a fair old way off to the left of the runway centerline... Was there windshear on final? Once again, great video! Gotta love "old and bearded" language... I wish they taught that in schools😂

[@luisfer9361]

1:43 those restaurants are quite common all throughout the country and not only in Tijuana airport because of CBX... And about the priority pass lounge, what were you expecting? Tijuana is one of the biggest airports in the country and is served by international airlines and legacy carrier Aeroméxico... It seems you went there with a bit of prejudice expecting to find the stereotype of Tijuana westerners tend to have

[@Paul_Lucas]

Unfortunately Mexico has very little cultural punch outside of North America and the Hispanic world. Most Brits are clueless about the Spanish speaking world. There is no stereotype of Tijuana whatsoever in the UK because nobody really knows anything about it; remember that we are not Americans! Tijuana Airport is surprisingly busy thanks to CBX but only has one full-service carrier serving two cities, and four budget carriers; in most parts of the world you wouldn't expect to find a lounge at such an airport with that market segmentation and I am sure that most entries are from people who have PP from their Amex Platinum card, many of whom must come from across the border in the USA. My main takeaway from flying in Mexico was that it was effective and very, very cheap, so perhaps it is much cheaper in Mexico to run a profitable lounge, too.

[@DClean]

Panda Express isnt Chinese food. But forget nationality, I wouldn't really consider it food at all

[@pluto_vr7250]

btw areomexico is is the number 1 Mexican airline viva is like a side project although Mexico has very good airlines including areamexico ,interjet although it did go bank robbed ofcorse vivva is the worst Mexico has

[@joermnyc]

Old and Bearded? Gandalf?