When planning your trip with Avianca Airlines, understanding their baggage allowance policy is essential to avoid unnecessary fees and ensure a smooth travel experience. Avianca, one of Latin America’s leading airlines, provides different baggage allowances depending on your fare class, route, and frequent flyer status. Let’s break it down so you’re fully prepared before you fly.

1. Carry-On Baggage Allowance

Avianca Airlines offers a generous carry-on policy, allowing passengers to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item onboard for free. Here are the details:

  • Carry-On Bag Dimensions:
    • Maximum size: 22 x 14 x 10 inches (55 x 35 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels.
    • Maximum weight: 22 lbs (10 kg) for Economy Class and 35 lbs (16 kg) for Business Class.
  • Personal Item:
    • Examples include a handbag, small backpack, laptop bag, or briefcase.
    • Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you.

Note: If your carry-on bag exceeds the size or weight limits, it will need to be checked, and additional fees may apply.

2. Checked Baggage Allowance

Avianca’s checked baggage policy depends on your fare type, route, and class of service. Here’s a simple breakdown:

  • Economy Class:
    • Basic Fare: No checked baggage included.
    • Economy Flex: Includes 1 free checked bag.
  • Business Class:
    • Includes 2 free checked bags.
  • Star Alliance Gold Members:
    • Eligible for an additional free checked bag across all fare classes.

Checked Baggage Weight and Size Limits

  • Weight Allowance:
    • Economy Class: 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag.
    • Business Class: 70 lbs (32 kg) per bag.
  • Size Restrictions:
    • Maximum dimensions: 62 linear inches (length + width + height).

Important: If your bag exceeds these limits, Avianca charges oversize and overweight baggage fees (see below).

3. Fees for Extra, Oversized, or Overweight Bags

If you’re traveling with more luggage than your allowance, or if your bags exceed weight or size limits, you’ll incur additional fees:

  • Extra Baggage Fees:
    • Fees range from $30–$150, depending on the destination and when you purchase.
  • Oversized Bags:
    • Bags larger than 62 linear inches incur a fee of $100–$200, depending on the route.
  • Overweight Bags:
    • Bags weighing 51–70 lbs (23–32 kg): $100–$200 per bag.
    • Bags over 70 lbs (32 kg) are not accepted as checked baggage.

4. Special Items and Sports Equipment

Avianca allows passengers to check special items like sports equipment and musical instruments. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Sports Equipment:
    • Items such as bicycles, surfboards, and golf clubs are accepted as checked baggage if they meet size/weight restrictions. Additional fees may apply, typically between $50–$150.
  • Musical Instruments:
    • Instruments can be checked as part of your standard baggage allowance or carried onboard if they fit in the overhead bin. Oversized instruments incur additional charges.

5. Tips to Save on Baggage Fees with Avianca

  1. Choose the Right Fare: If you know you’ll need to check a bag, opt for a fare that includes baggage to save money.
  2. Prepay for Baggage: Purchase additional baggage online before arriving at the airport to avoid higher last-minute fees.
  3. Join LifeMiles: Avianca’s frequent flyer program offers benefits like extra baggage allowance for elite members.
  4. Weigh Your Bags: Make sure your luggage meets the weight limits to avoid costly overweight fees.
  5. Pack Light: Take advantage of your carry-on allowance to minimize the need for checked baggage.

6. Final Thoughts

Avianca Airlines' baggage allowance policy is customer-friendly, especially for Business Class passengers and frequent flyers. However, if you’re flying on a Basic Economy fare or carrying extra luggage, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid unexpected fees. Always check the specific baggage rules for your route, as they may vary depending on the destination.