The Guide to Avianca Airlines Baggage Policies and Fees

Knowing an airline’s baggage policies and fees can help you understand how to pack and give you some certainty about how much you’re going to need to pay for your bags.

Understanding Avianca Airlines’ checked baggage policies and fees comes down to knowing what kind of fare you’re purchasing, where you’re flying and how much your bag weighs. Here, we break down the baggage policies on Avianca so that you can know what to expect.

Avianca baggage inclusions by fare type

Avianca sells five fare types, designed to give you the option to buy only as much service as you need. Each fare type offers a specific checked and carry-on baggage allowance.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Any bags you bring in excess of your baggage allowance will incur an excess baggage fee. (See more on excess baggage fees below.) Pricing of each of the fare options varies by route.

Avianca personal item policy

Avianca allows a small personal item to be carried on board for free on all of its fares. Generally a personal item is a small item like a purse, backpack, diaper bag, laptop bag or package that can be placed under the seat in front of you.

Personal items may not exceed 18 x 14 x 10 inches (45 x 35 x 25 centimeters). If your personal item exceeds these dimensions, you may check it for an additional charge.

Avianca carry-on bag policy

With all but its lowest-cost XS fares, Avianca includes one carry-on bag free of charge. Carry-on bags may be placed in the overhead bins.

Avianca has a weight limit and a dimensional limit for carry-on baggage. Here are the details:

• Maximum weight: 22 pounds (10 kilograms).

• Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 10 inches (55 x 35 x 25 centimeters), including wheels and handles.

If your carry-on baggage exceeds the maximum weight or dimensions, or you have more than the one allowed carry-on bag, Avianca will check your bag. If your bag is checked, additional checked baggage fees will apply.

Excess carry-on baggage rates

If you purchase an XS fare and want to carry on a bag, your carry-on bag will be subject to Avianca’s excess carry-on baggage rates, which are listed below by region.

All carry-on fees below are based on one-way travel.

» Learn more: Credit cards with free baggage

Avianca additional carry-on baggage fees on domestic flights

Here are Avianca’s fees for carry-on luggage when traveling on a domestic flight within Colombia or Ecuador.

Within Colombia

Within Ecuador

Avianca additional carry-on baggage fees on flights from North America

Avianca’s fees vary for carry-on luggage for flights originating from North America, including the United States, Canada and Mexico, except Cancun.

You can save money depending on when you purchase your carry-on bag.

• When buying a ticket or managing a booking at avianca.com: This is the cheapest way to purchase carry-on luggage. Prices range from $15 to $50 if you purchase it in advance.

• When you check in online or at the airport. Expect to pay more if you purchase carry-on baggage privileges at check-in online or at the airport. These fees generally range from $30-$85.

Avianca checked bag policy

Avianca includes a checked baggage allowance on its M, L and XXL fares. If you need more than your included checked baggage alliance, you can purchase additional checked bags. Fees vary based on your origin and destination.

Like with carry-on baggage, Avianca has limits on the size and weight of your checked baggage. Here are the specifications for checked baggage on Avianca.

• Maximum weight (economy class fares): 50 pounds (23 kilograms).

• Maximum weight (business class and XXL fares): 70 pounds (32 kilograms).

• Total linear dimensions (height + length + width) cannot exceed 62 inches (158 centimeters).

If your baggage is overweight or oversized, you can still transport it on Avianca if it does not exceed 99 pounds (45 kilograms) and 91 linear inches (230 linear centimeters). Your baggage will be subject to overweight baggage fees. If your baggage is larger than that, Avianca suggests transporting it using a cargo carrier.

» Learn more: How to make the most of flying in Avianca’s economy class

Checked bags for elite members

If you are an elite member in Avianca’s LifeMiles frequent flyer program, you may receive one or more additional pieces of luggage because of your loyalty to Avianca and LifeMiles.

The number of additional checked bags you can bring for no fee depends on your elite status and the fare you purchase. Note that XS fares do not include a checked baggage allowance for elite members.

Here are the details on the luggage allowance for elite members:

» Learn more: How to make the most of Avianca business class

Additional checked baggage fees

If the number of bags you check exceeds your baggage allowance, Avianca will charge you for additional checked bags.

Avianca may charge higher checked baggage fees during peak travel seasons. These dates vary by region, but generally include travel from June through September.

All checked baggage fees are charged each way of travel.

The bottom line

Avianca sells a variety of fares with differing checked and carry-on baggage allowances. Knowing how many bags are included in your airfare and what the size and weight restrictions on your luggage are can help you plan.

If you need more than your allowed luggage, the tables above can help you determine how much you’ll pay for your luggage.