Boliviana de Aviación Baggage Policy and Bag Rules
Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) operates domestic routes across Bolivia, regional flights within South America, and long-haul international routes to North America and Europe. Your baggage allowance depends on your route, ticket fare, and cabin class. Domestic flights enforce stricter weight caps than international flights, making it essential to pack according to your specific ticketed itinerary.
Economy passengers on Boliviana de Aviación can bring one free personal item and one carry-on bag measuring up to 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 in) weighing 5 kg to 10 kg (11 to 22 lbs). Standard checked baggage includes 20 kg (44 lbs) on domestic flights and one or two bags up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs) on international flights. Check your e-ticket before departure.
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
Boliviana de Aviación provides a free personal item and carry-on for all travelers, while checked allowances differ between domestic and international itineraries. Domestic flights cap checked bags at 20 kg, whereas long-haul routes generally allow 23 kg or more.
What can change: Checked bag allowances vary across domestic, regional, and long-haul fare tiers. Connecting itineraries on separate tickets or partner airlines may follow separate baggage rules.
Baggage Size Visual
Use the airline's stated order of dimensions. Measurements may include wheels and handles only when the official source says so.
Carry-On Bag
Published limit: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 in), 5–10 kg (11–22 lbs)
Domestic limits 5–7 kg; international limits up to 10 kg
Personal Item
Published limit: Must fit under the seat in front
Not clearly stated as rigid numbers; all routes
Standard Checked Bag
Published limit: 158 cm (62.2 in), 20 kg or 23 kg (44 or 50.7 lbs)
20 kg within Bolivia; 23 kg international
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 cross-references official tariff disclosures, conditions of carriage, and airline reservation engines for Boliviana de Aviación. We verify specific route allowances across domestic flights, regional South American sectors, and long-haul destinations like Miami and Madrid.
Some operational details remain variable. The official source does not publish uniform numeric dimensions for personal items, and promotional fare structures occasionally alter checked bag inclusions. We identify these items as variable so you can verify them against your booking receipt before traveling.
Carry-On and Cabin Baggage Rules
Boliviana de Aviación permits every ticketed passenger to carry one primary cabin bag and one personal item. The primary cabin piece must fit comfortably in the overhead luggage bin.
The maximum exterior dimensions for a standard carry-on across all BoA flights are 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 in). The official source does not explicitly state whether wheels and handles are included within these measurements. Because airport sizing equipment measures total exterior volume, pack your bag so that external handles and spinner wheels stay within the published boundary.
The primary difference between routes is the weight ceiling. On domestic routes within Bolivia, the carry-on weight limit ranges between 5 kg and 7 kg (11 to 15.4 lbs). On international flights, BoA allows up to 10 kg (22 lbs).
| Item | Allowance | Size or fit rule | Important condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Carry-On | 1 piece | 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 in) | Max weight 5 kg–7 kg (11–15.4 lbs) |
| Regional International Carry-On | 1 piece | 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 in) | Max weight 7 kg–10 kg (15.4–22 lbs) |
| Long-Haul Carry-On (USA / Europe) | 1 piece | 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 in) | Max weight 10 kg (22 lbs) |
| Personal Item | 1 item | Must fit under seat in front | Allowed on all routes and fares |
To see how BoA compares to other global carriers, view our airline carry on size comparison guide. If you are flying to Europe or North America, review our international carry on size resource for details on standard cross-border rules.
Personal Item Requirements
In addition to your main overhead suitcase, BoA permits one personal item free of charge. Approved personal items include:
- A small handbag or purse
- A compact laptop bag or briefcase
- A small daypack
The official source does not clearly state rigid numeric dimensions for personal items. However, the item must fit entirely underneath the passenger seat in front of you without blocking the aisle. Aim for dimensions around 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in) or smaller to avoid issues.
Passengers seated in emergency exit rows or behind bulkhead dividers cannot store items on the floor. If you are assigned to these seats, your personal item must go into an overhead compartment during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
Checked Baggage Allowances by Route
Boliviana de Aviación calculates checked baggage based on your flight routing and class of service. Across all routes, the maximum linear size for any standard checked bag is 158 cm (62.2 linear inches), calculated by adding the total length, width, and height ($L + W + H$).
Domestic Flights Within Bolivia
Standard Economy tickets on domestic flights (such as between La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and Sucre) allow one checked bag up to 20 kg (44 lbs). Domestic routes strictly enforce this 20 kg limit, which is lower than the typical international 23 kg threshold.
Regional South American Flights
Flights connecting Bolivia with neighboring countries (such as Argentina, Brazil, and Peru) generally permit one checked bag up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs) in Economy Class. Passengers traveling in Clase Ejecutiva (Business Class) are permitted two checked bags up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs) each.
Long-Haul International Flights (USA and Europe)
Flights to and from Miami (MIA) and Madrid (MAD) use a piece-based allowance:
- Economy Class: Typically includes one or two checked bags up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs) each, depending on the purchased fare family (Promo, Classic, or Flexible).
- Clase Ejecutiva: Typically includes two checked bags up to 23 kg or 32 kg (50.7 to 70.5 lbs) each, depending on destination rules.
| Route and Cabin | Free allowance | Weight/size cap | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Bolivia (Economy) | 1 piece | 20 kg (44 lbs), max 158 cm (62.2 in) | Standard adult or child fare |
| Regional South America (Economy) | 1 piece | 23 kg (50.7 lbs), max 158 cm (62.2 in) | Flights between Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, etc. |
| Regional South America (Business) | 2 pieces | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) each, max 158 cm | Available on select regional routes |
| USA / Europe (Economy) | 1 to 2 pieces | 23 kg (50.7 lbs) each, max 158 cm | Fare dependent; check e-ticket |
| USA / Europe (Business) | 2 pieces | 23 kg to 32 kg each, max 158 cm | Premium cabin allowance |
Connecting Flight Baggage Rules
If you are booked on a single, through-ticketed itinerary connecting a domestic segment to an international flight (for example, La Paz to Santa Cruz, connecting onward to Madrid), the international checked allowance generally applies to all legs. If you purchase domestic and international segments on separate tickets, the domestic 20 kg limit applies to your internal Bolivian flight.
Excess, Overweight, and Oversized Baggage Fees
Checked baggage that exceeds your ticketed quantity, weight limit, or linear dimensions will incur additional fees at airport check-in desks.
Charges vary by route and departure station. Domestic Bolivian excess weight is calculated per kilogram in Bolivian Bolivianos (BOB). International routes charge flat fees per piece or per excess weight tier in US Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR).
| Condition | Threshold | Additional fee | Acceptance limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Overweight | 21 kg to 32 kg | Charged per excess kg in BOB | Bags >32 kg not accepted at counter |
| Regional Overweight | 24 kg to 32 kg | ~$50–$100 USD flat fee | Bags >32 kg not accepted at counter |
| Long-Haul Overweight (USA) | 24 kg to 32 kg | ~$50–$100 USD flat fee | Bags >32 kg not accepted at counter |
| Long-Haul Overweight (Europe) | 24 kg to 32 kg | ~€50–€100 EUR flat fee | Bags >32 kg not accepted at counter |
| Additional Bag (Regional) | Per extra bag | ~$40–$60 USD per piece | Subject to cargo space availability |
| Additional Bag (USA) | Per extra bag | ~$100–$150 USD per piece | Higher rates apply to second extra bag |
| Additional Bag (Europe) | Per extra bag | ~€150–€200 EUR per piece | Airport counter pricing |
| Oversized Baggage | >158 cm linear | Fixed zone fee by route | Subject to hold door limits |
Note: All currency amounts and fee ranges are representative published baseline tariffs. Final fees are assessed based on point of departure, applicable local taxes, and fare conditions.
Review our checked baggage fee comparison to evaluate standard industry rates for extra and overweight luggage.
The 32 kg Hard Safety Cap
Occupational safety regulations prohibit airline ground handlers from lifting individual suitcases heavier than 32 kg (70.5 lbs). Any piece exceeding 32 kg will be refused at passenger check-in desks. To transport items over 32 kg, you must arrange shipping through BoA Cargo prior to travel.
Fare, Cabin, and Traveler Exceptions
Special allowances and exceptions apply across various ticket classes, loyalty tiers, and traveler categories:
- Promotional Fares: Certain deeply discounted international promotional tickets may exclude checked baggage or offer reduced allowances. Always confirm your ticket class terms before packing.
- Clase Ejecutiva Benefits: Business class passengers receive higher weight ceilings (up to 32 kg per piece on select long-haul flights) and dedicated baggage handling.
- Elevate Frequent Flyers: Elite tier members in Boliviana de Aviación's loyalty program may receive additional piece or weight allowances on BoA-operated flights.
- Infants Under Two Years: Infants traveling without an allocated seat are permitted one checked bag up to 10 kg (22 lbs) on international routes. In addition, one fully collapsible stroller or infant car seat is carried free of charge in the cargo hold.
- Mobility and Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and required medical equipment are accepted free of charge and do not count toward your ticketed baggage allowance.
Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments
Special baggage items are accepted as part of your standard checked baggage allowance, provided they meet dimension and weight limits.
Sports Equipment
Equipment such as golf bags, bicycles, surfboards, and diving gear must be securely packed in durable, padded transit cases:
- Bicycles: Must have handlebars turned sideways, pedals removed, and tires partially deflated.
- Size/Weight Rules: Items within 158 linear cm and standard route weights (20 kg or 23 kg) count as a standard checked piece. Oversized or overweight sports equipment incurs standard special baggage fees.
Musical Instruments
Small musical instruments (such as violins, flutes, or small brass) that fit within standard carry-on dimensions of 55 x 35 x 25 cm can be brought into the cabin in place of a carry-on bag.
Larger instruments must travel as checked luggage in a rigid, hard-shell flight case. Alternatively, passengers may purchase an extra seat in the cabin (Cabin Baggage / CBBG) through BoA reservations to transport fragile instruments safely.
Airport Operations and High-Altitude Packing
Understanding airport procedures can help you avoid unexpected luggage fees and delays:
- Check-In Desk Deadlines: Check-in counters close 45 minutes before domestic departures within Bolivia. For international flights, counters close 60 to 90 minutes prior to departure.
- Regional Aircraft Gate Checks: When flying domestic routes operated by smaller aircraft, overhead bin capacity fills quickly. Gate agents may tag compliant carry-on bags at the boarding gate to place them in the cargo hold for collection planeside upon arrival.
- High-Altitude Atmospheric Changes: Primary Bolivian airports, including El Alto International Airport in La Paz (LPB) at 4,061 meters (13,323 feet), feature lower air pressure. Pack liquids, shampoos, sunscreens, and creams inside sealed plastic bags to prevent leakage caused by pressure differences.
Boliviana de Aviación Departure Checklist
Use this pre-travel checklist before packing your luggage for a Boliviana de Aviación flight.
- Measure carry-on exterior dimensions. Ensure your cabin bag does not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 in), including outer handles and wheels.
- Weigh domestic cabin luggage. Domestic flights enforce a strict 5 kg to 7 kg limit, which is much lower than international cabin limits.
- Check your route's checked weight cap. Confirm whether your ticket allows 20 kg (domestic) or 23 kg (international) to avoid overweight fees at check-in.
- Keep bags under 32 kg. Never pack a single checked bag over 32 kg (70.5 lbs), as airport agents will reject it due to baggage handling safety rules.
- Pack liquids securely for high altitude. Seal toiletries in leak-proof bags to protect clothing from atmospheric pressure shifts at high-altitude airports like La Paz.
- Place critical essentials in your personal item. Keep passports, travel paperwork, medications, electronics, and valuables under the seat in front of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many carry-on bags can I bring on Boliviana de Aviación?
You can bring one personal item and one carry-on bag. The carry-on bag cannot exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 in) and must weigh between 5 kg and 10 kg, depending on your route. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.
What is the checked baggage weight limit on domestic flights in Bolivia?
Standard domestic Economy fares include one checked bag up to 20 kg (44 lbs). Bags must not exceed 158 linear cm (62.2 linear inches). Additional weight is charged per kilogram in Bolivian Bolivianos.
What is BoA's baggage allowance on flights to Miami or Madrid?
International Economy passengers traveling to North America or Europe generally receive one or two checked bags up to 23 kg (50.7 lbs) each, depending on the fare purchased. Business class passengers receive two bags up to 23 kg or 32 kg each.
Do wheels and handles count toward the carry-on size limits?
Official airline documentation does not state whether wheels and handles are included in the 55 x 35 x 25 cm measurements. Because airport sizing frames check total volume, measure your bag with wheels and handles included to ensure it passes inspection.
How much does BoA charge for an overweight checked bag?
Domestic flights charge a per-kilogram rate in Bolivianos (BOB) for weights between 21 kg and 32 kg. International flights charge a flat overweight fee ranging from $50 to $100 USD, or €50 to €100 EUR, depending on the route.
Can I check a stroller and car seat for free on BoA?
Yes. Passengers traveling with an infant can check one collapsible stroller or one infant car seat free of charge. International infant tickets also include one checked piece up to 10 kg (22 lbs).
What is the maximum weight allowed for any single checked bag?
The maximum weight for any single checked item is 32 kg (70.5 lbs). Bags exceeding 32 kg cannot be processed as passenger baggage and must be shipped via BoA Cargo.
What happens if my carry-on bag is too heavy at the boarding gate?
If your carry-on exceeds the route weight limit or dimensional size, gate agents will check it into the cargo hold. Depending on your fare conditions and existing baggage count, you may be charged gate excess fees.
Summary
When packing for Boliviana de Aviación, the route you fly determines your baggage limits. Domestic flights within Bolivia restrict checked bags to 20 kg (44 lbs) and carry-ons to 5–7 kg (11–15.4 lbs). Regional flights and long-haul international routes to Miami or Madrid provide higher allowances, typically starting at 23 kg (50.7 lbs) for checked bags and 10 kg (22 lbs) for carry-on luggage.
Always check the baggage allowance on your e-ticket receipt, particularly if you booked a promotional fare. Keep individual checked bags under 32 kg (70.5 lbs) to ensure they are accepted at airport counters.
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.
