Avianca Baggage Policy: Allowances, Size Limits, and Fees
Avianca uses an unbundled fare system across its domestic and international networks. Your luggage allowance depends directly on the fare brand you purchase, your flight corridor, and when you pay for your bags. Every passenger with a ticket receives one small personal item at no extra cost, while overhead carry-on bags and checked luggage require specific fare classes or paid add-ons.
Avianca includes one free personal item measuring up to 45 x 35 x 25 cm (17.7 x 13.7 x 9.8 in) on all flights. Standard overhead carry-on bags up to 10 kg (22 lbs) and checked bags up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs) are included only on Classic, Flex, and Business fares. Basic fare passengers must pay extra fees. To get the best price, purchase bag allowances online before arriving at the airport.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
Avianca grants every passenger a free under-seat personal item, but overhead carry-on and checked bags depend on your fare tier. Basic fares exclude standard cabin and hold baggage.
What can change: Exact checked bag fees and allowances vary by route corridor, fare family, elite status level, and booking channel.
Baggage Size Visual
Avianca measures items in height, width, and depth. Carry-on limits strictly include wheels, handles, and packed external pockets.
Personal Item
Published limit: 45 x 35 x 25 cm (17.7 x 13.7 x 9.8 in)
Free on all fare brands; must fit under seat
Overhead Carry-On
Published limit: 55 x 35 x 25 cm, 10 kg (22 lbs)
Included on Classic, Flex, Business; fee on Basic
Standard Checked Bag
Published limit: 158 linear cm (62.2 in), 23 kg (50.7 lbs)
Economy allowance; Business permits 32 kg (70.5 lbs)
Visual guide - not to scale. Use the published numerical limit as the controlling rule.
Official Source Verification
Baggage rules can vary by fare, cabin, route, operating carrier, traveler status, and purchase channel. BaggageBase separates published rules from practical guidance.
How BaggageBase Checks This Information
BaggageBase monitors official airline channels, fare family structures, tariff filings, and conditions of carriage to maintain accurate travel guides. Avianca uses a dynamic pricing model for baggage fees, meaning that checked luggage costs fluctuate according to seasonal demand, route length, and purchase window.
We record confirmed dimensional and weight thresholds across all fare tiers. While physical size and weight limits remain standardized across the Avianca fleet, monetary fee amounts vary by itinerary. We present price ranges and urge passengers to verify their specific reservation details through Avianca's online baggage calculator before flight day.
Avianca Personal Item and Carry-On Rules
Avianca separates cabin luggage into two distinct categories: personal items and standard carry-on bags. Your fare determines whether you can bring one or both into the aircraft cabin.
Personal Item Dimensions and Under-Seat Placement
All passengers holding a confirmed seat may bring one personal item free of charge.
- Maximum Dimensions: 45 x 35 x 25 cm (17.7 x 13.7 x 9.8 in).
- Placement: Must fit entirely beneath the seat in front of you.
- Eligible Items: Purses, small daypacks, laptop bags, or small tote bags.
If you purchase a Basic fare, this is the only piece of luggage included in your ticket. Placing personal items into overhead bins is reserved for travelers whose fare includes an overhead carry-on allowance, provided space remains available.
Carry-On Size, Weight Cap, and Overhead Bin Rules
A standard carry-on bag goes into the overhead storage compartment.
- Maximum Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 in).
- Maximum Weight: 10 kg (22 lbs).
- Hardware Inclusions: Wheels, retractable handles, and outside pockets count toward the total measurement.
Avianca gate staff routinely place bags in metal sizing frames. Rigid hard-shell bags that exceed 55 cm in height will not slide into the sizer. If your bag bulges or exceeds 10 kg, staff will check it into the cargo hold and charge a gate-check fee. For a comparison of cabin baggage rules across other carriers, review our guide to international carry-on size standards.
Carry-On Allowance by Fare Type
Avianca sells several branded fare categories. The inclusion of an overhead bag depends entirely on the tier selected during booking.
| Item | Allowance | Size or fit rule | Important condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | 1 per passenger | 45 x 35 x 25 cm (17.7 x 13.7 x 9.8 in) | Included on all fares; must fit under seat |
| Carry-On (Basic Fare) | 0 included | 55 x 35 x 25 cm; max 10 kg | Requires purchasing a carry-on add-on fee |
| Carry-On (Classic Fare) | 1 included | 55 x 35 x 25 cm; max 10 kg | Included in ticket base price |
| Carry-On (Flex Fare) | 1 included | 55 x 35 x 25 cm; max 10 kg | Included in ticket base price |
| Carry-On (Business Fare) | 1 included | 55 x 35 x 25 cm; max 10 kg | Included; routes operated on wide-body aircraft |
Avianca Checked Baggage Allowances and Weight Limits
Checked luggage rides in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Passengers drop these bags off at the airport check-in desks prior to clearing security.
Standard Size and Weight Limits
Avianca calculates checked baggage sizes using linear dimensions:
$$\text{Linear Dimensions} = \text{Height} + \text{Width} + \text{Length}$$
- Economy Checked Bags (Classic & Flex): Maximum 158 linear cm (62.2 linear in) and a maximum weight of 23 kg (50.7 lbs).
- Business Class Checked Bags: Maximum 158 linear cm (62.2 linear in) with an increased weight allowance of up to 32 kg (70.5 lbs) per bag.
- Basic Fares: Contain zero included checked baggage. Any checked luggage must be purchased separately.
Route Corridors and Baggage Differences
Checked baggage allocations and fees depend on the route corridor:
- Domestic Colombia and Ecuador: Shorter flight legs generally offer lower add-on baggage rates. Classic and Flex fares usually include one 23 kg checked piece.
- Intra-Americas (Central and South America): Connecting flights between South American and Central American countries follow standard economy 23 kg allowances on Classic and Flex tiers.
- Medium-Haul Flights (North America / Caribbean): Flights connecting cities such as Bogota, Medellin, or San Salvador to Miami, New York, or Orlando feature strict baggage surcharges on Basic fares.
- Long-Haul Transatlantic Flights: Routes connecting Latin America with Europe (such as Madrid, Barcelona, or London) commonly bundle one 23 kg bag into Classic fares, one or two bags into Flex, and two 32 kg bags into Business Class.
Avianca Baggage Fees and Purchase Timing
Avianca adjusts bag fees depending on where and when you buy your luggage allowance. Waiting to pay at the airport counter or departure gate results in the highest costs.
Why Pre-Purchasing Baggage Saves Money
Avianca utilizes four pricing channels:
- Initial Booking: Reserving your baggage allowance when buying your flight on Avianca's website or mobile app provides the lowest price.
- Pre-Flight (Manage Booking): Adding bags online after booking but before heading to the airport costs slightly more than the initial checkout rate, but remains far cheaper than airport prices.
- Airport Check-In Desks: Paying for luggage at the physical departure counter triggers elevated airport processing rates.
- Boarding Gate Interception: Bringing an unpurchased overhead carry-on or an oversized personal item to the gate incurs the highest fee tier.
Baggage Fee Ranges Across Routes and Channels
Because Avianca uses dynamic pricing, exact amounts vary by season and flight route. The table below outlines published fee ranges.
| Luggage Service | Route Scope | Advance Online Fee | Airport Desk or Gate Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-On Add-On (Basic Fare) | Domestic Colombia / Ecuador | COP 40,000 – 95,000 / USD $10 – $25 | USD $50 – $95 (Gate fee) |
| Carry-On Add-On (Basic Fare) | International routes | USD $25 – $60 | USD $50 – $95 (Gate fee) |
| First Checked Bag (23 kg) | Domestic Colombia | COP 50,000 – 110,000 / USD $15 – $30 | USD $50 – $80 |
| First Checked Bag (23 kg) | International Americas | USD $35 – $70 | USD $50 – $110 |
| Second Checked Bag (23 kg) | International routes | USD $45 – $85 | USD $70 – $130 |
Note: The fee ranges shown apply to the indicated scopes. Check Avianca's online baggage calculator for your exact flight legs.
Overweight, Oversized, and Excess Baggage Charges
Luggage exceeding standard dimensions or weight limits triggers additional airport charges. These fees are added on top of standard checked baggage fees.
| Condition | Threshold | Additional fee | Acceptance limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overweight (Domestic) | 23.1 to 32 kg (50.8 to 70.5 lbs) | COP 60,000 – 120,000 | Max 32 kg (70.5 lbs) |
| Overweight (International) | 23.1 to 32 kg (50.8 to 70.5 lbs) | USD $50 – $150 | Max 32 kg (70.5 lbs) |
| Oversized (All Routes) | 159 to 230 linear cm (62.6 to 90.5 in) | USD $60 – $160 | Max 230 linear cm (90.5 in) |
| Excess Piece (Extra Bag) | Standard 23 kg piece | Varies by route corridor | Subject to hold capacity |
Hard Limits and Cargo Acceptance
Avianca enforces strict maximum acceptance boundaries for commercial passenger flights:
- Absolute Weight Cap: 32 kg (70.5 lbs). Any bag weighing more than 32 kg will not be accepted as checked luggage under any circumstances.
- Absolute Size Cap: 230 linear cm (90.5 linear in). Any piece measuring beyond 230 cm total will be rejected at the check-in counter.
- Cargo Shipping: Items exceeding 32 kg or 230 linear cm must be booked and handled separately through Avianca Cargo.
Elite Status and Partner Baggage Benefits
Travelers holding elite status in Avianca’s LifeMiles program or the Star Alliance network receive special luggage exemptions.
| Eligible traveler | Free allowance | Weight/size cap | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| LifeMiles Silver | 1 additional checked bag | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) / 158 cm | Valid on eligible economy fares |
| LifeMiles Gold | 1 additional checked bag | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) / 158 cm | Includes priority luggage tagging |
| LifeMiles Diamond | 1 additional checked bag | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) / 158 cm | Includes priority luggage handling |
| Star Alliance Gold | 1 additional checked bag | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) / 158 cm | Valid on itineraries with Star Alliance segments |
Elite baggage perks do not waive fees on basic unbundled fares on select routes. Verify your fare conditions during check-in to confirm that status exemptions apply to your ticket.
Traveling with Children and Assistive Devices
Avianca offers specific accommodations for young families and passengers requiring mobility assistance.
Infant Allowances (Under 2 Years)
Infants traveling on an adult's lap without an assigned seat are entitled to:
- One Personal Item: A diaper bag weighing up to 10 kg (22 lbs) measuring within 45 x 35 x 25 cm.
- One Checked Item: One fully collapsible stroller or one infant car seat checked in the cargo hold free of charge.
Strollers can typically be checked at the departure gate and retrieved on the jet bridge upon arrival, subject to local airport handling procedures.
Assistive and Mobility Devices
Wheelchairs, walking frames, crutches, and required medical devices fly free of charge. They do not count toward your ticketed checked baggage allowance.
If you travel with an electric, battery-powered wheelchair, you must notify Avianca at least 24 to 48 hours before departure. Ground crews must confirm battery specifications and secure the unit safely in the cargo compartment.
Operating Airlines and Regional Network Differences
Avianca operates through several regional subsidiaries and partner carriers across the Americas. Your baggage allowance is governed by the operating carrier of each flight leg under international aviation agreements (IATA Resolution 302).
- Costa Rica Routes: Flights operated under the regional carrier code follow network rules, but regional aircraft may have smaller overhead compartments. Review the Avianca Costa Rica baggage policy for details on local flights.
- El Salvador Hub: Flights transiting San Salvador often follow standard international limits. For connection rules and hub policies, check the Avianca El Salvador baggage policy.
- Codeshare Flights: If your ticket includes flights operated by United Airlines, Lufthansa, or Copa Airlines, the operating carrier’s baggage check-in procedures apply to luggage dropped at their counters.
Airport Sizers and Gate-Check Policies
Avianca strictly enforces cabin bag allowances at airport boarding gates.
- Metal Sizer Enclosures: Sizers are stationed throughout boarding gates at hubs including Bogota (BOG), Medellin (MDE), and San Salvador (SAL). Gate staff require passengers to slide personal items and carry-on bags into the frames.
- Gate Penalties: If you booked a Basic fare and bring an overhead bag to the gate, or if your carry-on exceeds 10 kg, staff will check the bag into the aircraft hold. Gate-check fees are significantly higher than online rates.
- Cashless Airports: Most international Avianca stations, as well as primary terminals across Colombia, operate cashless desks. You must pay excess baggage and gate-check fees using a credit or debit card.
Avianca Baggage Checklist
Follow these steps to prevent unexpected luggage fees and gate penalties on Avianca.
- Confirm your ticket brand. Review your booking confirmation to see if you purchased a Basic, Classic, Flex, or Business ticket.
- Measure personal items accurately. Ensure your backpack or purse fits within 45 x 35 x 25 cm so it slides completely under the front seat.
- Include wheels when measuring carry-ons. Carry-on bags must not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm, including wheels, rigid handles, and bulging pockets.
- Weigh your cabin bag. Avianca caps standard carry-on weight at 10 kg (22 lbs). Gate agents frequently weigh bags on scales.
- Pre-pay for hold luggage early. If you need a checked bag, purchase it online at least 24 hours before flight time to avoid steep airport counter fees.
- Carry a payment card. Ensure you carry a credit or debit card, as major Avianca airport counters and departure gates do not accept cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Avianca's Basic fare include a carry-on bag in the overhead bin?
No. Avianca Basic fares only include one small personal item that fits under the seat. Overhead carry-on bags require an extra fee or booking a Classic or Flex fare.
What are the exact dimensions for a personal item on Avianca?
A personal item cannot exceed 45 x 35 x 25 cm (17.7 x 13.7 x 9.8 in). It must fit entirely beneath the passenger seat in front of you.
What is the weight limit for a carry-on bag on Avianca?
Avianca sets a strict carry-on weight limit of 10 kg (22 lbs). The bag must also measure within 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 in), including wheels and handles.
How much does Avianca charge if my bag is checked at the boarding gate?
Checking an unpurchased or oversized bag at the boarding gate costs between USD $50 and $95. This is Avianca's most expensive baggage fee tier.
What is the standard weight limit for checked bags on Avianca?
Economy class checked bags have a maximum weight limit of 23 kg (50.7 lbs) and 158 linear cm. Business Class allows up to 32 kg (70.5 lbs) per bag.
Can LifeMiles Elite members check additional bags for free?
Yes. LifeMiles Silver, Gold, and Diamond members receive one additional checked bag weighing up to 23 kg on qualifying fares.
Does Avianca accept checked luggage weighing over 32 kg?
No. Bags weighing more than 32 kg (70.5 lbs) or measuring over 230 linear cm (90.5 in) will not be accepted as passenger checked luggage and must ship via Avianca Cargo.
Summary and Final Booking Advice
Navigating Avianca's baggage rules requires matching your luggage to your purchased fare tier. If you buy a Basic fare, travel with only an under-seat personal item, or add your luggage allowances online during booking. Classic and Flex fares offer greater convenience by bundling a standard 10 kg carry-on and a 23 kg checked bag into your ticket price.
Always measure your bags with hardware included and weigh them at home before leaving for the airport. Avianca strictly enforces its 10 kg cabin limit and charges high penalty fees for bags intercepted at boarding gates.
Airline baggage rules and fees can change by route, fare, cabin, operating carrier, traveler status, purchase channel, and departure date. Check the airline's official baggage policy or calculator before booking, paying, or traveling. BaggageBase reviews information for 2026 where possible, but the airline's published terms remain the final authority.
