Avianca Airlines Baggage Policy +1-877-491-4448

A gateway to a variety of places is provided by flying with Avianca Airlines Baggage Policy  a top airline in Latin America and beyond. Comprehending their baggage policy is essential for a smooth trip, guaranteeing that you prepare effectively and steer clear of unforeseen charges. Avianca's baggage allowances for carry-on, checked, and special items are covered in full in this guide, which also offers helpful advice for a hassle-free travel experience.

1. Carry-On Baggage: Your Essentials Onboard

Avianca permits one standard carry-on bag and one personal item for all passengers, regardless of fare type or destination. However, strict size and weight limits apply, and fees can be incurred if these limits are exceeded.

• Standard Carry-On Bag:
  • Size: Maximum dimensions of 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (22 in x 14 in x 10 in). This includes wheels, handles, and side pockets. The bag must fit easily into the overhead bin.
  • Weight: Maximum weight varies by cabin class:
    • Economy Class: 10 kg (22 lbs)
    • Business Class: 15 kg (33 lbs)
    • First Class: 18 kg (40 lbs)
  • Important: Strict enforcement is standard. If your carry-on exceeds either the size or the weight limit for your cabin class, it will be tagged at the gate and checked into the hold, incurring applicable fees.
• Personal Item:
  • Definition: A smaller item such as a handbag, laptop bag, purse, or small backpack.
  • Size: Maximum dimensions of 45 cm x 36 cm x 20 cm (18 in x 14 in x 8 in). This item must fit completely under the seat in front of you.
  • Weight: While no specific weight limit is stated for the personal item, it must be easily manageable for you to lift and stow.
  • Crucial Point: The personal item allowance is included in all fares. Only the standard carry-on bag is subject to potential fees if it exceeds the size/weight limits.
• Infant Allowance: Passengers traveling with an infant on their lap (without a separate ticket) are entitled to one additional standard carry-on bag (within the specified size/weight limits) for baby supplies.

2. Checked Baggage: Your Luggage in the Hold

Checked baggage allowances on Avianca are primarily determined by your ticket type (cabin class), route, and frequent flyer status (LifeMiles). Always verify your specific allowance on your booking confirmation or via "Manage My Booking" on the Avianca website, as significant variations exist, especially on flights to/from North America.

• Standard Allowances (Typical Examples - ALWAYS VERIFY YOUR ROUTE):
  • Economy Class (Basic Fare): Often 0 checked bags included. Requires pre-purchase or payment at check-in.
  • Economy Class (Plus Fare): Typically includes 1 checked bag (up to 23 kg / 50 lbs).
  • Economy Class (Flex Fare): Typically includes 1 checked bag (up to 23 kg / 50 lbs).
  • Business Class: Typically includes 2 checked bags (up to 32 kg / 70 lbs each).
  • First Class: Typically includes 3 checked bags (up to 32 kg / 70 lbs each).
• LifeMiles Elite Status Benefits:
  • Silver: Extra 10 kg in all cabins.
  • Gold: Extra 20 kg in all cabins + 1 extra checked bag in Economy; Extra 1 extra checked bag in Business/First.
  • Diamond: Extra 30 kg in all cabins + 2 extra checked bags in Economy; Extra 2 extra checked bags in Business/First.
• Maximum Weight & Size:
  • Weight: No single checked bag can exceed 32 kg (70 lbs). Bags over this limit require special handling arrangements and incur significant fees.
  • Size: Linear dimensions (Length + Width + Height) must not exceed 158 cm (62 in). Bags exceeding this size but under 203 cm (80 in) are considered oversized and incur extra fees. Bags over 203 cm (80 in) are not accepted.
• Important Considerations:
  • Route Variations: Allowances differ vastly, especially for flights to/from the United States, Canada, and Europe. This is the most common point of confusion. Double-check your specific route.
  • Pre-Payment: Adding checked baggage online via "Manage My Booking" is almost always significantly cheaper than paying at the airport.
  • Payment: Checked baggage fees can be paid online (recommended for savings), at check-in counters, or via the Avianca app.
  • Infants: Passengers traveling with an infant on a separate ticket receive the same baggage allowance as the adult passenger accompanying them.

3. Special Baggage: Bringing Unique Items

Avianca accommodates special items, often with specific conditions and fees:

• Sports Equipment:
  • Golf Clubs: Typically charged as one standard checked bag (within the 23kg or 32kg limit). Must be in a hard case. Fees apply if exceeding weight/size limits.
  • Bicycles: Require disassembly (remove pedals, turn handlebars parallel, deflate tires). Fees apply, often based on the standard baggage rates. Must be in a bike box/bag.
  • Surfboards/Windsurfing: Usually charged as one standard checked bag. Must be in a dedicated bag/box. Limited to one board per passenger.
  • Diving Equipment: Regulators and gauges must be disconnected. Tanks must be empty. Fees apply, often based on standard rates.
  • Ski/Snowboard Equipment: Typically charged as one standard checked bag (for one pair of skis/snowboard + boots/poles).
  • Always declare sports equipment during booking or check-in. Fees are generally equivalent to the checked baggage fees.
• Musical Instruments:
  • Small Instruments (e.g., violin): Can be considered your personal item if they fit within the size limits (45x36x20cm).
  • Large Instruments (e.g., guitar, cello): Can be checked as standard baggage (paying applicable fees). Alternatively, you can purchase an extra seat for the instrument if it exceeds standard baggage dimensions. This requires paying the applicable fare for the seat.
• Other Special Items:
  • Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches are carried free of charge but must be declared at booking or check-in.
  • Assistance Dogs: Trained service dogs accompanying passengers with disabilities travel free in the cabin (subject to documentation and prior arrangement).
  • Unaccompanied Minors: Specific baggage allowances apply; check the UM policy.
  • Pets: Only service dogs are allowed in the cabin. Other pets travel as cargo – a separate, detailed policy applies.

4. Prohibited and Restricted Items

Avianca enforces strict international safety regulations:

• Prohibited in Cabin & Hold: Flammable items (lighters, fuels), explosives, corrosives, oxidizers, radioactive materials, strong magnets, infectious substances, non-safety matches.
• Prohibited in Cabin Only: Weapons (including replicas), cutting instruments (except small tools like nail files), blunt instruments.
• Restricted Items:
  • Lithium Batteries: Strict rules apply (spare batteries only in carry-on; power banks only in carry-on; limits on size/capacity). Damaged/swollen batteries are prohibited.
  • Alcoholic Beverages: Over 70% alcohol is prohibited. Duty-free purchases must be in sealed, tamper-evident bags.
  • Aerosols: Limited quantities (≤0.5kg net per aerosol, ≤2kg total).
  • Liquids/Gels: Adhere to the cabin liquid rules (containers ≤100ml, in a clear 1L bag).
  • Firearms & Ammunition: Must be declared, unloaded, in locked hard cases, and carried in the hold. Permits required.
  • Valuables/Cash: Carry in your cabin bag. Avianca's liability for checked baggage is limited.
  • Perishables: Generally not recommended in checked baggage due to temperature fluctuations.

5. Excess Baggage and Fees

Exceeding your allowance results in fees. Here's how to manage it:

• Excess Baggage Fees: Calculated per piece, per direction. Fees vary significantly by route (e.g., higher for long-haul flights to/from North America/Europe vs. regional flights). Check the latest fees on Avianca's official website.
• Excess Weight Fees: Charged per kg over the allowance. Often cheaper than paying for an extra bag if only slightly overweight.
• Oversized Baggage Fees: Charged for bags exceeding 158cm (62in) linear dimensions but under 203cm (80in).
• How to Avoid Fees:
  • Know Your Allowance: Double-check your ticket class, route, and LifeMiles status benefits.
  • Weigh Your Bags: Use a luggage scale at home.
  • Pack Light: Optimize packing to stay within limits.
  • Purchase Extra Allowance in Advance: Almost always cheaper than paying at the airport. Can be done online via "Manage My Booking."
  • Leverage LifeMiles Status: Silver, Gold, and Diamond members receive significant baggage benefits.
  • Consider Pre-Paid Bundles: Avianca sometimes offers discounted bundles for extra bags/weight during booking.

6. Tips for a Smooth Baggage Experience with Avianca

• Check Online First: Always verify your specific baggage allowance on the official Avianca website or your booking confirmation. Do not rely solely on general information.
• Tag Your Bags: Ensure your name and contact details are clearly visible on all tags.
• Arrive Early: Allow ample time for check-in and baggage drop, especially with special items or if you need to pay for excess baggage.
• Declare Special Items: Inform Avianca at booking or check-in about sports equipment, musical instruments, etc.
• Keep Essentials Handy: Pack medications, travel documents, valuables, and a change of clothes in your carry-on.
• Know Your Limits: Respect the size and weight restrictions for both cabin and checked baggage.
• Consider Insurance: Avianca's liability for checked baggage is limited. Consider travel insurance for valuable items.
• Track Your Bag: Use Avianca's baggage tracking service if your bag is delayed.

Conclusion

A wide range of travel requirements, from quick local trips to lengthy international flights, are catered for by Avianca Airlines' extensive baggage policy. Knowing your individual allotment, which is impacted by your fare type, route, and LifeMiles status, is essential to a stress-free baggage journey. Always pay in advance for extra baggage online to save money, weigh and measure your bags carefully, and keep in mind that the personal item limit is free but has size restrictions.