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When traveling on Avianca Airlines, it is important to understand the Avianca Airlines baggage policies to avoid unnecessary fees or problems at the airport.
This in-depth guide shares the policies and fees that affect personal items, carry-on luggage and checked bags. You'll also learn how Avianca's elite status can help you avoid fees while flying.
Avianca Airlines baggage policies
Avianca Airlines' baggage policies vary depending on the type of bags you're traveling with, their size and weight, and whether you have elite status.
On February 1, 2024, Avianca updated its flight options and the benefits included in each fare. These changes affect your baggage allowance, leading to unexpected fees if you don't know what's included in your ticket.
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Baggage inclusions by fare type
Under the new Avianca flight classes, your baggage allowance varies based on your fare type and travel location. The airline has different policies for flights within the Americas (except Brazil) and flights to and from Europe or originating in Brazil.
Flights within the Americas (except Brazil)
On flights within the Americas, except Brazil, there are three economy fares and one business class. This chart shows the Avianca Airlines baggage policies for each fare type.
| Personal Item | Carry-On | Checked Baggage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 1. | 0. | 0. |
| Classic | 1. | 1. | 1. |
| Flex | 1. | 1. | 1. |
| Business | 1. | 1. | 2. |
Flights to and from Europe or originating in Brazil
Avianca Airlines has different policies for flights originating in Brazil and when they involve travel to Europe. Review this chart if your flight involves one of these airports.
» Learn more: How to make the most of Avianca Business Class
Avianca personal item policy
All of the airline's fares allow passengers to bring a personal item for free, meaning there are no Avianca Airlines baggage fees for these items. However, your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and have a maximum dimension of 18 x 14 x 10 inches (45 x 35 x 25 centimeters).
Avianca carry-on bag policy
Many travelers prefer to bring their bags on the plane and use the overhead bins instead of checking them. All Avianca fares, except for Basic, include one free carry-on bag.
To carry on your luggage, it cannot weigh more than 22 pounds (10 kilograms), with maximum dimensions of 22 x 14 x 10 inches (55 x 35 x 25 centimeters), including the wheels and handles. If your bag does not meet these restrictions, it must be checked.
» Learn more: Checked bag vs. carry-on
Avianca Airlines checked bag policy
When flying on the airline, the Aviana Airlines checked bag policy allows for luggage with a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23 kilograms) in economy and 70 pounds (32 kilograms) in business class. Additionally, the checked bag dimensions must not exceed 62.2 inches (158 centimeters), as measured by the length plus width plus height.
One checked bag is included when traveling on a classic, flex or business fare. If you need to purchase a checked bag, the Avianca Airlines checked baggage fees are the lowest when paying online at Avianca.com.
You can purchase extra baggage allowance when buying your ticket, by managing your reservation online or during online check-in. You can also pay at the airport.
To find out how much your checked bag will cost, use the Avianca Airlines baggage fees calculator. Enter your departure and arrival airports, flight date and LifeMiles status level to calculate the cost.
Sports equipment
Starting on February 1, 2024, Avianca passengers can substitute eligible sports equipment for their first checked bag allowance if it meets the weight and dimension limits. Eligible items include:
- Ski equipment.
- Hang-glider.
- Surf equipment.
- Diving equipment.
- Golf or polo equipment.
- Bicycle.
If your sports equipment exceeds the allowed weight or dimensions, you'll pay fees based on it being a domestic or international flight. Additionally, there is a discount when paying online versus at the airport.
| Buy it | Domestic flights in Colombia | Domestic flights in Ecuador | International flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| On Avianca.com and other channels | $17.81 (COP 70.000). | $25. | $100. |
| At the airport | $22.90 (COP 90.000). | $35. | $120. |
Additional checked bags
Avianca Airlines travelers sometimes want to bring additional bags on their trips. In high season, travelers are limited to checking up to three additional bags.
Avianca allows passengers to check up to a fifth additional bag during the low season on certain routes. However, any additional bags beyond the third piece are subject to space constraints.
The fees for checked bags also vary based on your departure and arrival airport, travel dates and elite status. Use the Avianca Airlines baggage fees calculator to determine how much an additional bag may cost for your flight.
For example, a passenger without LifeMiles elite status traveling on a flight from Bogota, Colombia to Los Angeles in November 2024 would pay the following fees. Note that additional baggage fees increase within 48 hours of departure.
| Additional bag number | From ticket purchase until 48 hours before the flight | 48 hours before the flight until departure |
|---|---|---|
| 1st bag | $50. | $120. |
| 2nd bag | $85. | $200. |
| 3rd or additional bags | $160. | $250. |
Oversized and overweight baggage rates
Avianca Airlines baggage policies require passengers to pay extra fees if their bags exceed weight limits or are too large. The fees and restrictions vary depending on whether the flight is a domestic flight in Colombia or Ecuador or an international flight.
Dimensions allowed
Bags are considered overweight if they weigh more than 50 pounds in economy or 70 pounds in business. When your bag is more than 62.2 linear inches (158 centimeters), it is too big.
Your bag cannot fly if it is over 99 pounds or 90.5 linear inches (230 centimeters). For bags larger than the allowed dimensions, consider shipping them via Avianca Cargo.
Overweight or oversized baggage fees for domestic flights
| Destination | Oversized | Overweight |
|---|---|---|
| Colombia | $21.46 (COP 85.000) per piece. | $21.46 (COP 85.000) per piece. |
| Ecuador | $30 per piece. | $30 per piece. |
Overweight or oversized baggage fees for international flights
Avianca Airlines baggage fees for international flights vary based on your departure country and whether the bag is oversized or overweight.
| Departure | Oversized | Overweight |
|---|---|---|
| From the United States | From $80. | From $80. |
| From Canada | From $79.22 (CAD 107). | From $79.22 (CAD 107). |
| From Mexico | From $95. | From $95. |
| From Central America | From $80. | From $80. |
| From the Caribbean | From $80. | From $80. |
| From South America | From $85. | From $85. |
| From Spain | From $135.63 (EUR 125). | From $135.63 (EUR 125). |
| From Great Britain | From $126.84 (GBP 100). | From $126.84 (GBP 100). |
Checked bags for Avianca's elite members
Travelers who fly on Avianca Airlines regularly can earn elite status, which includes additional perks based on their status level. Some of these benefits eliminate the fees or enhance service levels from the Avianca Airlines baggage policies. This chart highlights the perks related to baggage by elite status.
| Red Plus | Silver | Gold | Diamond | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additional Checked Bag | N/A. | +1 up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms). | +1 up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms). | +1 up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms). |
| Priority Baggage Handling | N/A. | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Star Alliance Complimentary Checked Baggage | N/A. | N/A. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Star Alliance Priority Baggage Handling | N/A. | N/A. | Yes. | Yes. |
The bottom line about Avianca Airlines baggage policies
Avianca Airlines sells differing levels of fares to match a traveler's budget, and each fare includes different baggage allowances. The airline's fees and policies vary based on:
- Ticket type.
- Departure and arrival cities.
- Bag weight and dimensions.
- Elite status.
Additionally, if you want to bring additional luggage, the number of extra bags you can travel with depends on when and where you're flying.
It is important to understand the Avianca Airlines baggage policies to avoid unexpected fees or issues when attempting to check bags or bring them onto the plane. If Avianca baggage fees apply to your flight, save money by purchasing baggage allowances online and at least 48 hours before departure.
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