CM vs VB · 2026 comparison
Copa vs Viva
Copa wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and cheaper checked bags; Viva wins on a bigger carry-on and a bigger personal item. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Copa
CMWins 2 categories
- A carry-on on its cheapest fare
- Cheaper checked bags
Viva
VBWins 2 categories
- A bigger carry-on
- A bigger personal item
Quick verdict
Copa wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and cheaper checked bags; Viva wins on a bigger carry-on and a bigger personal item. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.
- Carry-on size
- Copa: 22 × 14 × 10 in · Viva: 55 × 40 × 25 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Copa: Included on every fare · Viva: Costs extra on basic fares
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- Copa: 1 free bag · Viva: $38–$65
Side by side
| Copa | Viva | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 22 × 14 × 10 in | 55 × 40 × 25 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Costs extra on basic fares |
| Carry-on weight limit | 10 kg (22 lb) | 10 kg (22 lb) |
| Personal item | 17 × 10 × 9 in | 45 × 35 × 20 cm |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | 1 free bag | $38–$65 |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | Star Alliance | None |
| Loyalty program | ConnectMiles | None |
| Main hubs | PTY | MTY, MEX |
Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.
Bags and fees
Copa allows a carry-on up to 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm), and Viva up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 in), so Viva's is roomier.
Copa includes it on every fare, while Viva charges for it on its cheapest fare.
Carry-on weight limits: 10 kg (22 lb) on Copa, 10 kg (22 lb) on Viva.
Personal items: 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 23 cm) on Copa, and 45 × 35 × 20 cm (17.7 × 13.8 × 7.9 in) on Viva.
Copa includes one bag with Economy Classic on flights between the U.S. and Latin America, and a first checked bag on Viva costs $38–$65 on flights between the U.S. and Mexico.
Basic economy
Copa (Economy Basic): Economy Basic includes a carry-on and a personal item, but no checked bag.
Viva (Zero): The cheapest fare includes only a personal item.
Loyalty and where they fly
Copa is in Star Alliance and Viva is not in an alliance.
Loyalty programs: ConnectMiles (Copa) and none (Viva).
Copa's main hubs are Panama City (PTY). Viva's are Monterrey (MTY), Mexico City (MEX). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Copa if you want…
- a carry-on on its cheapest fare
- cheaper checked bags
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from PTY
Choose Viva if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- a bigger personal item
- nonstops from MTY, MEX
On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.
Copa vs Viva FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Copa wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and cheaper checked bags; Viva wins on a bigger carry-on and a bigger personal item. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Connecting at their hubs
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Copa Airlines official baggage policy
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- Viva Aerobus official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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