Avianca Airlines Baggage Policy 2026: Fees, Limits & Allowances 

Avianca’s baggage policy varies by fare type and route. All fares include a free personal item. Carry-on bags are free on most fares (except Basic on domestic flights). Checked baggage is included with Classic, Flex, and Business fares, with fees starting from USD 25 for Basic and Light fare passengers on international routes.

Booking a flight is easy. Understanding what you can bring and what it’ll cost is where most travelers get tripped up. Avianca’s baggage rules shift depending on your fare type, route, and even the time of year you travel. Get it wrong and you could pay significantly more at the airport than you would have online.

What Are Avianca’s Checked Baggage Allowances by Class?

Avianca’s checked baggage allowance depends on your cabin class and fare type. Economy Class passengers on Classic or Flex fares receive one checked bag (up to 23 kg / 50 lb) at no extra cost. Business Class passengers receive two checked bags, each up to 32 kg (70 lb). Basic and Light fare passengers must pay to add checked baggage.

Avianca Baggage Weight and Size Limits

Every checked bag on Avianca must meet these universal limits:

• Maximum weight (Economy): 23 kg (50 lb)
• Maximum weight (Business Class): 32 kg (70 lb)
• Maximum total dimensions: 158 cm / 62 in (length + width + height combined)

Bags exceeding 158 cm up to 230 cm are classified as oversized and incur additional fees. Anything over 230 cm is not accepted as checked baggage.

Avianca Checked Baggage Allowance by Fare Type

As of January 27, 2026, Avianca updated its Light fare on international flights across the Americas to include one carry-on bag (up to 10 kg) as a built-in benefit no extra purchase required. This is a significant change that many competitor guides have yet to reflect.

What Are Avianca’s International Baggage Fees?

Avianca’s international baggage fees are route-dependent and are meaningfully cheaper when purchased online in advance versus at the airport counter. The table below shows pre-purchase prices (purchased more than 48 hours before departure) for Economy Class passengers on Basic or Light fares.

Avianca Checked Baggage Prices: International Routes

A Basic fare passenger flying New York to Bogotá who adds two bags at the airport could pay USD 150+ for the first bag and USD 180+ for the second compared to roughly USD 80 and USD 115 if purchased online in advance. That’s a potential saving of USD 75 per trip, per passenger, simply by pre-purchasing.

Airport pricing on checked baggage is considerably higher than online pricing. Always add bags before you get to the check-in counter.

Avianca Domestic Baggage Fees

Does Avianca Give You a Free Carry-On?

Yes Avianca includes a free carry-on bag on all fares except the Basic fare on domestic flights. As of January 27, 2026, the Light fare on international flights across the Americas also includes one carry-on bag (up to 10 kg) as a standard benefit. All passengers on any fare receive a free personal item.

Avianca Carry-On Size and Weight Limits

• Carry-on bag: Max 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 × 14 × 10 in), max 10 kg (22 lb)  stored in the overhead bin
• Personal item: Max 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 × 14 × 8 in)  must fit under the seat in front of you

Accepted personal items include backpacks, laptop bags, purses, and diaper bags. Note that carry-on baggage does not apply to infants aged 0–2 years.

If your carry-on exceeds the permitted size or weight, Avianca will reclassify it as checked baggage and applicable fees will apply. If the flight is full and overhead bin space runs out, your carry-on may be checked at no charge though valuables should be moved to your personal item beforehand.

Domestic Basic fare passengers who want to add a carry-on:

What Is the Economy Class Baggage Allowance on Avianca?

Economy Class passengers on Avianca’s Classic or Flex fares receive one free checked bag weighing up to 23 kg (50 lb) with total dimensions not exceeding 158 cm (62 in), plus one carry-on bag (up to 10 kg) and one personal item. Basic and Light fare Economy passengers must pay to add checked baggage.

To summarize Economy Class inclusions by fare:

• Basic fare (domestic): 1 personal item only
• Light fare (international): 1 personal item + 1 carry-on
• Classic / Flex fare: 1 personal item + 1 carry-on + 1 checked bag (23 kg)

How Many Bags Are Allowed as Check-In Baggage on Avianca?

Avianca allows up to 3 checked bags per passenger in most cases, with fees applied to each bag beyond your included allowance. However, on certain high-demand routes during peak travel periods, a maximum of 2 checked bags applies. Outside peak periods on those same routes, up to 6 bags may be checked.

Routes with a 2-bag cap during specific dates:

• New York to Quito / Guayaquil / Pereira: June 5–September 10, 2026 and November 15, 2026–January 23, 2027
• Washington or New York to Bogotá / San Salvador: June 5–September 10, 2026
• Los Angeles / San Francisco to San Salvador: October 15, 2026–February 20, 2027

This is a key detail that most Avianca baggage guides miss entirely. If you’re traveling these routes with large groups or excess luggage, plan accordingly.

What Is Avianca’s Business Class Baggage Allowance?

Business Class passengers on Avianca receive two checked bags (each up to 32 kg / 70 lb), one carry-on bag (up to 10 kg), and one personal item as standard inclusions. Additional bags beyond the second incur fees, which vary by route.

Business Class 3rd bag fees by route:

• Colombia (domestic): From COP 200,000
• South/Central America/Caribbean: From USD 140
• North America: From USD 200
• Europe (to): From USD 170
• Europe (from): From EUR/GBP 170

What Are Avianca’s Fees for Overweight or Oversized Baggage?

Bags weighing between 23 kg and 32 kg (or 32 kg to 45 kg for Business Class passengers) on Economy fares or bags with total dimensions between 158 cm and 230 cm are subject to overweight or oversize fees. These are typically charged at the airport and cannot be avoided by pre-purchasing.

• Overweight fee (international routes): From USD 80–USD 85 per piece, depending on route
• Oversized fee (158–230 cm, international): From USD 80–USD 125 per piece, depending on route
• Bags over 45 kg or 230 cm: Not accepted as checked baggage

Weigh your bags at home before departure. A bag that comes in at 24 kg instead of 23 kg could cost you USD 80 at the airport more than the cost of shipping the item separately.

What Are Avianca’s Policies for Special Items and Pets?

Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments

If you’re traveling with Classic, Flex, or Business fares, Avianca permits you to replace your first included checked bag with sporting equipment, subject to size and weight restrictions. Additional fees may apply for oversized sports gear.

Musical instruments small enough to meet carry-on dimensions (55 x 35 x 25 cm, max 10 kg) may be brought into the cabin. Larger instruments may require a separate seat booking or must be checked as special baggage. For specific fees, check Avianca’s special baggage section at ayuda.avianca.com.

Traveling with Pets on Avianca

Avianca accepts dogs, cats, and roosters that meet all applicable regulations. Pets traveling in the cabin must weigh no more than 10 kg (22 lb) including their carrier. Pets in the hold may weigh up to 70 kg (154 lb) including the container.

Pet fees  cabin travel:

Pet fees  hold travel:

Peak season surcharges of up to USD 20 may apply during January, July (cabin only), November, and December.

Additional Special Item Notes

• Batteries and electronic cigarettes must travel in the cabin only they cannot be placed in checked baggage under any circumstances.
• Wrapped baggage is not accepted on international flights departing from Bogotá, as it may interfere with security inspections.
• Liquids in carry-on bags must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less, stored in a clear, resealable bag.

How Can You Avoid Paying Avianca Baggage Fees?

1. Choose the Right Fare

Upgrading from a Basic to a Classic or Flex fare may cost less than purchasing checked baggage separately especially on international routes where the first bag alone can cost USD 80 or more.

2. Pre-Purchase Baggage Online

Always add bags at the time of booking or through “Manage my booking” at least 48 hours before departure. Airport prices are consistently 50–75% higher than online pre-purchase rates.

3. Join Lifemiles and Earn Elite Status

Avianca’s Lifemiles program offers meaningful baggage benefits at higher tiers:

• Lifemiles Silver: 1 additional 23 kg bag included (any region)
• Lifemiles Gold / Diamond / Star Alliance Gold: 2 additional 23 kg bags included (any region)

These benefits apply on top of your fare’s standard allowance, which can eliminate the need to purchase extra baggage altogether for frequent travelers.

4. Pack Smart

Distribute weight across bags to avoid overweight fees. Use lightweight luggage a 2 kg difference in your suitcase’s own weight translates directly to more allowance for your belongings.

What Should You Know About Avianca’s Baggage Policy for Connecting Flights?

On itineraries that include partner airlines, baggage policies may differ from Avianca’s own rules. The airline that checks you in will charge applicable fees for excess baggage through to your final destination. Keep your proof of payment it may be required at connecting airports to avoid being charged again.

Carry-on size limits and weight restrictions may also vary by partner carrier. Before flying a codeshare or Star Alliance partner leg, verify that airline’s specific carry-on rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Avianca’s Basic fare include any free baggage on international flights?
As of January 27, 2026, the Basic fare no longer exists as a separate category for international flights it has been replaced by the Light fare, which includes one personal item and one carry-on bag (up to 10 kg). No checked bag is included.

Can I add checked bags after booking my Avianca flight?
Yes. Add bags through Manage Your Booking on avianca.com, during online check-in (up to 48 hours before departure), or at the airport counter. Online prices are significantly lower than airport rates.

What happens if my carry-on is too heavy at the gate?
If your carry-on exceeds 10 kg (22 lb) or the permitted dimensions, it will be reclassified as checked baggage and checked fees will apply. If it also exceeds checked baggage limits, additional baggage fees apply.

Does Avianca charge extra for overweight bags on domestic Colombian flights?
Yes. On Colombian domestic routes, overweight bags (23–45 kg) incur a fee of approximately COP 85,000 per piece. Oversized bags (158–230 cm total dimensions) are similarly charged.

Are Avianca’s baggage fees per segment or per itinerary?
Fees apply per segment. On multi-leg itineraries with partner airlines, each operating carrier applies its own fees. Avianca charges its fees for its own operated segments only.

Can I take a bicycle on Avianca?
Bicycles are classified as special/sports baggage. Specific handling fees apply and availability must be confirmed in advance. Dimensions and packaging requirements are listed under Avianca’s special baggage section.

Is there a maximum number of checked bags I can bring on Avianca?
Generally, up to 3 checked bags per passenger. On specific routes during peak seasons (e.g., New York to Quito, June 5–September 10, 2026), the maximum is 2. Outside peak periods on those routes, up to 6 bags may be accepted.

Do Lifemiles Silver members get extra bags on all routes?
Yes. Lifemiles Silver members receive one additional 23 kg (50 lb) bag at no extra cost, regardless of the route or fare type.

What items are prohibited in Avianca’s checked baggage?
Lithium batteries and electronic cigarettes must be carried in the cabin they are not permitted in checked baggage under any circumstances. Additionally, wrapped baggage is not accepted on international flights departing from Bogotá.

Are baggage fees refundable if my flight is cancelled?
If Avianca cancels your flight, pre-purchased baggage fees are generally refundable. If you cancel your own booking, refund eligibility depends on your fare conditions. Contact Avianca’s customer service or review your booking terms for specifics.