Avianca Airlines’ baggage policy, varies by fare type, route, and elite status, with specific rules for carry-on and checked baggage. Below is a concise summary based on the latest information from their official website and other reliable sources.
Carry-On Baggage (Free):
- Personal Item: All fares include one personal item (e.g., purse, laptop bag, backpack, diaper bag) free, with maximum dimensions of 45 x 35 x 25 cm (18 x 14 x 10 inches), including handles and wheels. It must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Standard Carry-On:
- XS Fare (Basic): No carry-on bag included; only a personal item is allowed. Adding a carry-on (up to 10 kg/22 lbs, 55 x 35 x 25 cm/22 x 14 x 10 inches) costs $30–$125, depending on route and purchase timing (cheaper online, pricier at airport).
- S, M, L, XL, XXL Fares: One carry-on bag included free, maximum 10 kg (22 lbs) and 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 10 inches), including handles and wheels, to fit in the overhead bin.
- Business Class: One carry-on bag (same size/weight limits) plus one personal item.
- If carry-on exceeds size/weight limits or cabin space is limited, it may be checked into the hold at no extra cost if within allowance, or as additional baggage with fees. Valuables (e.g., electronics, vapes) should be in your personal item.
- Liquids: Follows the 3-1-1 rule (100 ml/3.4 oz containers in a 1-liter transparent bag). Exceptions include liquid medications, baby formula, breast milk, or special dietary foods. Duty-free bags (≤45 x 35 x 20 cm) can replace the personal item.
Checked Baggage (Free Allowance):
- Size and Weight Limits: Maximum size per bag is 158 cm (62 inches, length + width + height). Maximum weight is 23 kg (50 lbs) for Economy (M, L fares), 32 kg (70 lbs) for Business and XL/XXL fares. Bags over 99 lbs (45 kg) or 230 cm (90.5 inches) must be shipped via Avianca Cargo.
- Allowance by Fare Type
- XS (Basic): No free checked bags.
- S (Economy): No free checked bags; 1 bag costs $15–$80 (domestic Colombia/Ecuador) or $40–$100 (international), depending on route and season.
- M (Economy): 1 bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- L (Economy): 1 bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- XL (Economy): 2 bags, each up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- XXL (Economy)/Business: 2 bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
- Infants/Children: One collapsible stroller, car seat, or bassinet (≤115 cm/45 inches) plus one bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Multi-Airline Trips: The baggage allowance of the airline operating the longest or most significant route applies. For U.S./Canada routes, the first airline’s rules may apply. Show proof of payment to avoid duplicate charges on connections.
Excess Baggage Fees:
Domestic (Colombia/Ecuador):
- Extra bag: $65–$100 (first), $95–$150 (second), $100–$150 (lounge carry-on).
- Overweight (23–32 kg): ~$13–$22 or COP 90,000 per bag.
- Oversized (159–230 cm): ~$22 or COP 100,000 per bag.
International:
- Extra bag: $60–$280, depending on route (e.g., Central America: $60–$75; U.S./Europe: $100–$280).
- Overweight (23–32 kg): $50–$150; 32–45 kg: $100–$200.
- Oversized (159–230 cm): $100–$200.
Special Items:
- Sports Equipment: Items like bowling, fishing, tennis, or archery gear count as one checked bag if within 23 kg/158 cm. Oversized (159–230 cm) or overweight (23–32 kg) items incur fees ($100–$200). Must be properly packed with prior authorization.
- Musical Instruments: Small instruments (≤115 cm) count as carry-on. Larger ones can be checked (subject to fees) or require an extra seat purchase. Contact Avianca in advance.
- Pets: Small pets (≤8 kg including carrier, ≤115 cm) allowed in cabin for $30–$150, depending on route. Larger pets in hold cost $100–$200. Advance reservation required.
- Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, scooters, and medical devices (e.g., CPAP) are free and don’t count toward limits. Notify Avianca 48 hours in advance.
- Prohibited Items: Aerosols, air guns, ammunition, axes, and flammable substances are banned in carry-ons. Check Avianca’s restricted items list for details.
