Avelo Airlines has quickly become a favorite for budget travelers, offering ultra-low fares to smaller, convenient airports.
However, like most ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs), the price you see on the ticket is rarely the price you pay if you bring luggage.
Avelo’s “a la carte” model means you pay for everything beyond a seat and a small backpack.
Avelo Baggage At-A-Glance
If you only read one section, make it this one. Here are the hard numbers for your upcoming trip.
| Bag Type | Allowance | Max Dimensions | Max Weight | Fee (Approx.) |
| Personal Item | 1 Free | 17″L x 13″H x 9″W | N/A (Must fit under seat) | FREE |
| Carry-On Bag | Paid | 22″L x 14″H x 9″W | N/A (Must lift overhead) | $45 – $77 |
| Checked Bag | Paid | 62 linear inches (L+W+H) | 50 lbs (22 kg) | $42 – $77 |
| Overweight | Fee Applies | 63″ – 80″ | 51 – 70 lbs | +$100 |
The Free Allowance: Personal Items
Avelo is strict, but their personal item allowance is actually slightly more generous than some competitors (like Spirit or Frontier).
Every passenger gets one free personal item.
- Size Limit: 17″ L x 13″ H x 9″ W (43 cm x 33 cm x 22 cm).
- Rule: It must fully fit under the seat in front of you.
- Examples: A purse, a laptop bag, a small backpack, or a briefcase.
Warning: If your “personal item” is a stuffed duffel bag that sticks out into the aisle, gate agents will charge you a carry-on fee to put it in the overhead bin.
Carry-On Bags (Overhead Bin)
Unlike legacy carriers (like Delta or American), carry-on bags are not free on Avelo.
If you want to use the overhead bin, you must purchase a carry-on allowance. You are limited to one carry-on bag per passenger.
- Size Limit: 22” L x 14″ H x 9” W.
- Cost: Dynamic pricing usually ranges between $45 and $77.
- Timing Matters: The price is lowest during your initial booking. It increases if you add it later, and it is most expensive if you pay at the airport.
Pro Tip: Purchasing a carry-on also gets you Priority Boarding (Group 1). This ensures you get first dibs on overhead bin space.
Checked Luggage Rules
Checking a bag is often slightly cheaper than a carry-on, but it comes with strict weight limits.
Domestic vs. International Limits
Avelo now flies internationally (e.g., Jamaica, Mexico, Dominican Republic). The rules differ based on your destination:
- Domestic Flights: You may check up to 10 bags.
- International Flights: You are limited to only 1 checked bag.
Weight and Size Limits
- Standard Weight: 50 lbs (22 kg).
- Standard Size: 62 linear inches (Length + Width + Height).
Overweight and Oversize Fees
If your bag exceeds the standard limits, you will be hit with hefty fees on top of the base bag price:
- Overweight (51–70 lbs): +$100 fee.
- Oversize (63–80 inches): +$100 fee.
- Both Overweight & Oversize: +$200 fee.
Hard Stop: Avelo will not accept any bag weighing more than 70 lbs or measuring more than 80 inches.
Special Exceptions & Items
Not everything fits neatly into a suitcase. Here is how Avelo handles specific travelers and items.
Active-Duty Military
Avelo offers excellent benefits for active-duty military members (with valid ID):
- 1 Free Carry-On.
- 2 Free Checked Bags.
- No Excess Fees: Military bags do not incur oversize or overweight charges (up to 70 lbs).
Parents and Infants
- Strollers & Car Seats: You can check a stroller and a car seat/booster seat for free at the ticket counter or the gate.
- Diaper Bags: A diaper bag does not count toward your carry-on limit.
- Breast Pumps: Medical/assistive devices like breast pumps are exempt from baggage fees.
Pets
Avelo allows small cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds in the cabin.
- Fee: $125 per pet container, per way.
- Limit: The carrier must fit under the seat (max 17” x 13” x 9”).
- Restriction: Pets are allowed on domestic flights only. They are not permitted on international routes.
Musical Instruments
Instruments can be carried on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. If they are larger, you must check them (standard fees apply) or purchase an extra seat for the instrument.
Tips to Avoid Fees
Buy Bags During Initial Booking
The “Pre-Reservation” price is always the lowest. If you wait until online check-in, the price jumps. If you wait until you are at the airport counter, you will pay the maximum rate.
Measure Your Personal Item
Use a tape measure at home. Avelo’s dimension (17x13x9) is specific. If your backpack is rigid and measures 19 inches tall, you risk a $60+ fee at the gate. Soft-sided bags are safer as they can be squished.
Bundle Wisely
Avelo does not offer complex “bundles” like some airlines, but remember that a carry-on purchase includes Priority Boarding. If getting on the plane first matters to you, buy the carry-on rather than checking a bag.
Weigh Your Checked Bag
The jump from 50 lbs to 51 lbs costs $100. It is cheaper to check a second bag (approx. $45-$50) than to pay the overweight fee for one heavy bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a backpack free on Avelo?
Yes, if it fits under the seat in front of you (17″ x 13″ x 9″). If it is a large hiking backpack or a travel backpack that must go in the overhead bin, you must pay for a carry-on.
Does Avelo weigh carry-on bags?
Avelo does not publish a specific weight limit for carry-ons, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself without assistance.
Can I share my checked bag allowance with my travel companion?
No. Baggage allowances apply to the specific passenger ticket. However, you can swap bags between yourselves before checking in to balance the weight.
Can I bring a CPAP machine for free?
Yes. Medical assistive devices like CPAP machines do not count against your carry-on or personal item limit.
Final Thoughts
The Golden Rule: If you think you might need a bag, book it online immediately. Paying for luggage at the airport is the quickest way to turn a budget flight into an expensive one.
Note: Policies and fees are subject to change. Always verify the latest details on the Official Avelo Optional Services Page before you fly.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
