Packing for an Avianca flight gets a lot easier once you understand how the airline structures its baggage rules. The Avianca Airlines baggage policy depends heavily on your fare type and route, so knowing your allowance before you reach the airport can save you money and stress. This guide breaks down everything — carry-on size, personal item rules, checked bag fees, weight limits, and special baggage — so you can pack with confidence.
How Avianca Baggage Allowance Works
Avianca uses two different systems depending on where you fly. The Piece Concept applies to most routes and counts the number of bags you bring. The Weight Concept is mainly used for flights between Europe and the Americas and focuses on total weight. Which one applies depends on where you’re flying.
Your baggage allowance also changes based on your fare bundle. Avianca updated its fare categories, which significantly impact baggage allowances, so checking your specific ticket rather than assuming all economy fares are identical is essential. Your booking confirmation always states exactly what’s included.
Avianca Carry-On Baggage Policy
Every passenger is entitled to bring one personal item free of charge, regardless of fare type. The personal item size allows maximum dimensions of 18 x 14 x 10 inches (45 x 35 x 25 cm) and must fit under the seat in front of you. This can be a backpack, purse, diaper bag, or laptop bag.
For the standard carry-on bag, Avianca permits bags measuring up to 22 x 14 x 10 inches (55 x 35 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels, with a maximum weight of 22 lbs (10 kg).
A notable recent update: for international flights operated by Avianca, the included carry-on baggage benefit applies to purchases made from January 27, 2026, and includes one carry-on bag of up to 10 kg. However, this does not apply to domestic flights within Colombia, Ecuador, or Guatemala.
If the overhead bins fill up, there’s no need to worry. In case of high occupancy, carry-on baggage will be checked into the hold at no additional cost — just keep valuables in your personal item so they stay in the cabin with you.
Avianca Checked Baggage Policy
Checked baggage allowance varies dramatically by fare and route. All checked bags must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg) for economy fares or 70 lbs (32 kg) for business class, with maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).
With Avianca’s bundled fares, lower-tier tickets typically include only carry-on and a personal item, while mid- and higher-tier fares include one or more checked bags. Checked bags are included with certain higher fares, and the top-tier fare permits two bags. Anything beyond your allowance — or any overweight or oversized piece — incurs a fee.
Avianca Baggage Fees
Fees for extra, overweight, or oversized luggage are based on the route and fare class, and they can get complicated since they’re highly weight- and route-dependent. To avoid surprises, it’s almost always cheaper to buy additional baggage during booking rather than paying at the airport counter.
A few smart ways to keep costs down:
- Prepay for extra bags online instead of at the airport.
- Weigh your bags at home to dodge overweight charges.
- Confirm whether your route uses the Piece or Weight system.
Special and Excess Baggage
If you have excess baggage on a connecting itinerary, the airline checking you in will charge the applicable fee through to your final destination — so hold onto your proof of payment to avoid being charged again on later segments.
Avianca also accommodates sports equipment. With a Classic, Flex, or Business fare, you may substitute your first included baggage piece with a piece of sports equipment, provided it doesn’t exceed 23 kg (50 lb) and 158 cm (62 in) in total dimensions. One route-specific rule worth noting: for international flights departing from Bogotá, wrapped baggage is not accepted due to security inspection difficulties.
Avianca Baggage Allowance for LifeMiles Members
Frequent flyers earn extra perks. LifeMiles Diamond and Gold members (and Star Alliance Gold) can transport additional 50-pound (23 kg) bags at no extra cost in any region, while Silver members receive one additional free bag on most fares. If you fly Avianca regularly, earning Silver status is achievable and quickly pays for itself in waived baggage fees.
Tips to Avoid Avianca Baggage Fees
- Check your fare and route first. Allowance differs between domestic and international flights.
- Pack within limits. Stay under 23 kg per checked bag and 10 kg for carry-on.
- Buy extra bags in advance. Airport rates are higher.
- Use elite status. LifeMiles tiers unlock free additional bags.
- Verify before flying. Policies and fees change, so confirm on the official Avianca website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Avianca’s carry-on size limit?
Carry-on bags can measure up to 22 x 14 x 10 inches (55 x 35 x 25 cm) and weigh up to 22 lbs (10 kg).
How much does an Avianca checked bag weigh?
Checked bags must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg) in economy or 70 lbs (32 kg) in business class.
Is carry-on free on Avianca?
A personal item is always free. A carry-on is included on international flights for tickets bought from January 27, 2026, but not on domestic Colombia, Ecuador, or Guatemala routes.
Can I bring sports equipment on Avianca?
Yes. Classic, Flex, and Business fares let you swap your first checked bag for sports gear within standard size and weight limits.
How do I avoid Avianca baggage fees?
Prepay for extra bags online, stay within weight limits, and use LifeMiles elite status for free additional bags.
