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Colombia’s flagship carrier connects Latin America with the world, but recent fare restructuring has created confusion about what’s actually included in your ticket. The Avianca baggage policy now operates on a tiered system where your fare type determines everything from carry-on privileges to checked bag allowances. Understanding these distinctions before booking prevents airport surprises and helps you choose the fare that actually saves money when baggage costs are factored in.
Avianca Airlines Baggage Policy: Understanding Fare Types
Avianca updated its flight options in February 2024, creating fare categories that significantly impact baggage allowances. The airline operates different fare names depending on your route. Basic becomes Light on certain international routes, while domestic Colombian flights use their own naming structure.
This complexity means checking your specific ticket’s baggage inclusion rather than assuming all Economy fares work identically. Your booking confirmation clearly states what’s included, so verify before packing.
Avianca Personal Item Size and Carry-On Rules
Every Avianca passenger brings one personal item free of charge, regardless of fare type. The Avianca personal item size allows maximum dimensions of 18 x 14 x 10 inches (45 x 35 x 25 cm). This smaller bag fits under the seat ahead of you and accommodates purses, laptop bags, small backpacks, or diaper bags.
The Avianca carry on size permits bags measuring up to 22 x 14 x 10 inches (55 x 35 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels, with a maximum weight of 22 lbs (10 kg). This standard carry-on goes in the overhead bin and provides sufficient space for weekend trips or short business journeys.
Avianca Carry-On Baggage Policy by Fare Type
| Fare Type | Personal Item | Carry-On Bag |
|---|---|---|
| XS (Basic)* | ✓ Free | ✗ Purchase required |
| S / Light | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
| M (Classic) | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
| L (Flex) | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
| XL / XXL (Business) | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
* XS/Basic fares only include a personal item; carry-on must be purchased separately or at the gate.
If cabin space runs short, carry-on bags may be gate-checked into the hold at no additional cost, though you should secure valuables in your personal item before boarding.
Avianca Baggage Allowance: Checked Bag Inclusions
The Avianca baggage allowance for checked luggage varies dramatically by fare type and route. All checked bags must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg) for economy fares or 70 lbs (32 kg) for business class, with maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).
Checked Baggage Allowance by Fare
| Fare Type | Domestic Colombia | International Routes | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS / Basic | 0 bags (purchase) | 0 bags (purchase) | 23 kg / 50 lbs |
| S / Light | 0–1 bag* | 1 bag | 23 kg / 50 lbs |
| M / Classic | 1 bag | 1–2 bags* | 23 kg / 50 lbs |
| L / Flex | 2 bags | 2 bags | 23 kg / 50 lbs |
| XL / XXL Business | 2 bags | 2 bags | 32 kg / 70 lbs |
* Varies by specific route; Europe, Brazil, and select Americas routes may operate as Light fares with different inclusions.
Avianca International Baggage Policy
The Avianca international baggage policy introduces regional variations that affect fees and allowances. Routes to/from Europe, Brazil, or select Americas destinations rename Basic fare as Light, which includes both a personal item and 10 kg carry-on, but charges for checked bags.
Long-haul international passengers flying Classic fare or higher typically receive at least one free checked bag, making these fares better value for trips requiring more luggage than carry-on allows.
Avianca Baggage Weight Limits and Overweight Fees
Understanding Avianca baggage weight restrictions prevents expensive surprises. Economy passengers face 50 lb (23 kg) limits per bag, while Business Class allows 70 lbs (32 kg).
Bags exceeding weight limits now incur flat fees rather than per-kilogram charges. Overweight fees vary by route but typically range from $60-$130 USD for international flights. Colombian domestic overweight bags cost COP 65,000 for the first excess piece.
The Avianca baggage fees structure becomes complex across different regions:
Avianca Baggage Fees by Region
| Route Type | First Extra Bag | Second Extra Bag | Overweight (over 23kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia Domestic | COP 65,000 | COP 95,000 | COP 5,000/kg |
| South America ↔ North America | $130 USD | $245 USD | $130 USD |
| Within South America | $80–$130 USD | $130–$245 USD | $130 USD |
| Europe Routes | $100–$120 USD | Varies | $100–$120 USD |
| Central America ↔ Caribbean | $40–$80 USD | $80–$95 USD | Varies |
Note: Peak season (holidays) may increase second and third bag fees due to limited hold space.
Avianca Baggage Prices: When and Where to Buy
The Avianca baggage prices vary significantly based on purchase timing. Buying baggage allowances online at least 48 hours before departure saves substantial money compared to airport counter purchases.
Best Purchase Options:
- During initial booking (cheapest)
- Online up to 8 days before (early booking discount)
- Online within 48 hours (standard online rate)
- Airport counter (most expensive)
- Gate (highest cost, limited availability)
Always add required bags during ticket purchase for maximum savings, the price difference between online and airport can exceed $50 per bag.
Avianca Airlines Baggage Fees: Elite Member Benefits
LifeMiles elite status substantially reduces baggage costs. Diamond and Gold members (plus Star Alliance Gold) receive 2 additional 50-lb bags on S/M/L fares or 1 additional bag on XXL fares. Silver members get 1 additional 50-lb bag on applicable fares.
These elite benefits don’t apply to Basic/Light fares or sports equipment, limiting their usefulness for budget travelers.
Special Items and Sports Equipment
Classic, Flex, and Business fares allow substituting first included bag with sports equipment not exceeding 23 kg and 158 cm. Popular items include golf clubs, skis, snowboards, and diving equipment.
Items exceeding standard limits face oversize charges. Register sports equipment in advance to ensure aircraft storage availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Tips for Managing Avianca Baggage Costs
Calculate Total Trip Cost Compare fare types including baggage fees rather than just ticket prices. Classic fare with included bag often costs less overall than Basic fare plus purchased baggage.
Measure and Weigh at Home Verify bags meet size and weight limits before airport arrival. Redistributing 5 lbs between bags beats paying overweight fees.
Pack Carry-On Strategically Maximize your free 10 kg carry-on and personal item to avoid checked bag purchases entirely for short trips.
Join LifeMiles Program Even Silver status provides valuable baggage benefits, and the Avianca LifeMiles credit cards offer complimentary Silver status.
Buy Bags Early Purchase any needed checked bags during booking or at least 8 days before departure for significant savings over airport rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, XS/Basic includes only personal item, standard carry-on must be purchased separately.
No, Avianca prohibits combining allowances between passengers even on the same reservation.
Even 1-2 kg over triggers flat overweight fees ranging from $60-$130 depending on route.
Yes, strollers and car seats don’t count against baggage allowances for passengers traveling with infants.
Limited availability exists, but it costs significantly more than an online purchase; always buy in advance.
Conclusion
The Avianca baggage policy rewards travelers who understand fare types and purchase bags strategically. With XS/Basic fares limiting you to personal items only and premium fares including generous checked allowances, choosing the right ticket type based on your packing needs often saves more money than selecting the cheapest base fare.
Calculate total costs, including baggage fees, buy additional bags during booking rather than at airports, and leverage elite status when available to maximize value on your Avianca journeys throughout Latin America and beyond.