Satena Airlines allows economy passengers one checked bag up to 15 kg (33 lbs) with total dimensions of 158 cm (62 in), plus one carry-on up to 5 kg (11 lbs) measuring 43 × 34 × 20 cm. Extra bag fees start at COP 60,000 (~$16 USD) online. Overweight fees run COP 5,000–8,000 per extra kilogram.

Planning a flight with Colombia’s state-owned regional airline? Then knowing Satena’s baggage rules before you arrive at the airport can save you real money and real stress. Satena (Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales) operates over 172 domestic routes connecting Colombia’s most remote communities, from the Amazon rainforest to the Pacific coast. Its fleet of ATR 42, ATR 72, and Beechcraft 1900D aircraft serves destinations that no other Colombian airline reaches.

What Is the Satena Airlines Baggage Allowance for Economy Passengers?

Satena baggage allowance for economy passengers includes one checked bag and one carry-on. The checked bag must not exceed 15 kg (33 lbs) or 158 cm (62 in) in total dimensions (length + width + height). The carry-on is limited to 5 kg (11 lbs). Satena uses a Piece Concept system allowance is based on number of pieces, not total weight.

Most Satena routes are all-economy, meaning the same rules apply across the cabin. However, promotional fare classes (P, T, U) may carry the same baseline allowance while offering less flexibility on changes and refunds. Always confirm your specific ticket’s baggage rules at the time of booking.

What Are the Satena Carry-On Baggage Size and Weight Limits?

Satena’s carry-on size limit is 43 cm × 34 cm × 20 cm (17″ × 13″ × 8″), with a maximum weight of 5 kg (11 lbs). Passengers may also bring one personal item such as a handbag, laptop bag, or camera bag that fits under the seat in front of them. These limits are strictly enforced due to limited cabin space on turboprop aircraft.

Bags that exceed these dimensions may be gate-checked, potentially with a fee. Because many Satena planes have narrow aisles and compact overhead bins, agents measure and weigh carry-on bags more consistently than on larger carriers.

Accepted personal items include:

• Handbag, purse, or small backpack
• Laptop bag or briefcase
• Camera bag
• Coat, jacket, or umbrella
• Duty-free purchases in a sealed bag
• Mobility aids (crutches, foldable walker)

Carry-on liquid rules (3-1-1):

• Containers must hold 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less
• All containers must fit in one 1-liter clear resealable bag
• Medications, baby food, and special dietary liquids are exempt with documentation

What Is the Satena Checked Baggage Weight Limit and Size Restriction?

Satena’s checked baggage weight limit is 15 kg (33 lbs) per piece, with a maximum total size of 158 cm (62 in) combined length + width + height. Bags over 23 kg (50 lbs) are typically not accepted as individual pieces and must be repacked or shipped as cargo a hard rule designed to protect baggage handlers on remote routes.

This 15 kg limit is noticeably lower than many international carriers, which often allow 23 kg. If you’re packing for adventure travel tents, boots, diving gear weigh your bag at home first.

What Are the Satena Baggage Fees for Extra or Overweight Luggage?

Satena’s baggage fees cover three scenarios: additional bags, overweight bags, and oversized bags. An extra checked bag costs COP 60,000–90,000 (16–24 USD) when purchased online in advance, rising to COP 80,000–120,000 (22–33 USD) at the airport. Buying in advance online is always cheaper.

Satena Extra Baggage Fee Breakdown

Real-world example:
Your checked bag weighs 20 kg 5 kg over the 15 kg limit. At COP 6,000 per extra kilogram, you’d pay COP 30,000 (~$8 USD) in overweight fees. That’s manageable. But if your bag hits 24 kg, it may be refused entirely.

Key rule to remember: Bags over 23 kg (50 lbs) are not accepted as a single checked piece. You must redistribute weight into another bag or arrange cargo shipping.

Which Items Are Prohibited in Satena Baggage?

Satena strictly prohibits hazardous materials in both checked and carry-on baggage, including explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases, corrosive materials, and radioactive substances. Electronic cigarettes and spare lithium batteries must travel in carry-on only never in checked luggage due to fire risk.

Prohibited in checked baggage:

• Explosives, fireworks, flares, gunpowder
• Gas canisters, lighter fluid, flammable aerosols
• Pesticides, insecticides, toxic substances
• Acids, mercury, wet cell batteries
• Spare lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries
• Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices

Prohibited in carry-on baggage:

• Knives, scissors longer than 6 cm, box cutters
• Baseball bats, ski poles, hockey sticks (must be checked)
• Power tools and screwdrivers
• Pepper spray, mace, tasers (banned from all baggage)

Special case firearms: Unloaded firearms in a locked hard case may be checked under strict conditions, with prior airline approval and compliance with Colombian law. Ammunition is highly restricted.

Does Satena Airlines Allow Pets in the Cabin?

Satena allows small dogs and cats in the cabin for a fee of approximately COP 100,000 (~$27 USD) per flight segment. The pet plus its carrier must not exceed 10 kg (22 lbs) combined, and the carrier must measure no more than 43 × 34 × 20 cm. Registration is required at least 48 hours before departure by phone not available online.

Required documents:

• Current vaccination certificate (rabies and other vaccines, signed by a licensed vet)
• Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel

Important restrictions:

• Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats) are not accepted in cabin or cargo
• Pet transport in the hold is limited and route-dependent
• Travelers with pets cannot sit in emergency exit rows

What Are the Rules for Sports Equipment and Oversized Items on Satena?

Oversized items including sports equipment and musical instruments are subject to Satena’s oversized baggage fee of COP 100,000–150,000 (~27–41 USD) and must be declared and confirmed with the airline in advance. Space is not guaranteed and depends on aircraft type and route.

Because Satena’s smaller aircraft have limited cargo holds, bulky items like surfboards, bicycles, or large instrument cases may not be accommodated on certain routes particularly those flown by Beechcraft 1900D aircraft. Contact Satena’s call center well before your flight to confirm availability and arrange transport.

Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees on Satena Flights

Satena’s 15 kg limit catches many travelers off guard. Here’s how to stay within limits:

• Weigh your bag at home using a luggage scale don’t guess
• Buy extra baggage online when you book; airport prices are 20–30% higher
• Pack dense items in carry-on (books, electronics) to reduce checked bag weight
• Label all bags clearly with your name, phone number, and destination remote airports have minimal lost-luggage infrastructure
• Arrive early SATENA recommends extra check-in time at smaller regional airports where processing can be slower
• Check your fare class before assuming your ticket includes any specific allowance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Satena’s free checked baggage allowance?
Economy passengers receive one free checked bag up to 15 kg (33 lbs) with total dimensions of 158 cm (62 in). No second free bag is included.

Can I bring a second checked bag on Satena?
Yes. A second bag (up to 15 kg, 158 cm) costs COP 60,000–90,000 (16–24 USD) online or COP 80,000–120,000 (22–33 USD) at the airport.

What happens if my bag is over 23 kg on Satena?
Bags over 23 kg are typically refused as a single checked piece. You must repack, split weight into another bag, or arrange cargo shipment.

How strict is Satena about carry-on size limits?
Very strict. Satena’s turboprop aircraft have smaller overhead bins than large commercial jets. Oversized carry-ons may be gate-checked, potentially with a fee.

Does Satena charge per kilogram for overweight bags?
Yes. Bags between 15 kg and 23 kg incur a fee of approximately COP 5,000–8,000 per extra kilogram (~1.36–2.19/kg).

Can I carry lithium batteries in my checked luggage on Satena?
No. Spare lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries must travel in your carry-on only. Batteries already installed in devices (laptops, cameras) are generally permitted in checked bags.

Does Satena offer baggage insurance for fragile items?
Satena does not advertise a specific fragile-item insurance program. For valuable or breakable items, travelers should use dedicated packaging and consider third-party travel insurance.

How many routes does Satena currently operate?
As of December 2025, Satena operates over 172 active domestic routes plus one international connection, following significant expansion from 88 routes in 2022 (according to World Airline News, December 2025).

Did Satena’s new ATR 72-600 aircraft change baggage rules?
Three new ATR 72-600 aircraft were added in October and November 2025. While these planes carry approximately 70 passengers and offer modernized capacity, Satena’s published baggage allowances remain the same across routes.

What is the Satena liquid allowance for carry-on bags?
Satena follows the standard 3-1-1 rule: containers of 100 ml or less, all fitting in one 1-liter clear resealable bag per passenger. Medications and baby food are exempt with appropriate documentation.