Avianca Airlines Baggage Policy +1-877-491-4448

Planning your journey with Avianca Airlines Baggage Policy a leading carrier in Latin America, involves understanding their baggage policy to ensure a smooth travel experience. Whether you're a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, knowing the rules for carry-on, checked baggage, fees, and special items is crucial for avoiding unexpected costs and delays. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about the. 
 Understanding Your Baggage Allowance: It's All About Cabin Class and Route
Avianca's baggage allowance primarily depends on your cabin class (Economy, Business, or HAMACA) and your destination (domestic within the Americas or international). Here’s a breakdown:
Economy Class:
Domestic (Americas): Typically includes 1 checked bag (up to 23 kg / 50 lbs).
International: Generally includes 1 checked bag (up to 23 kg / 50 lbs). Some promotional fares or routes might differ, so always check your specific ticket.
Business Class:
Domestic (Americas): Usually includes 2 checked bags (up to 32 kg / 70 lbs each).
International: Typically includes 2 checked bags (up to 32 kg / 70 lbs each).
HAMACA (Avianca's Premium Economy):
Offers a more generous allowance than standard Economy, often including 2 checked bags (up to 23 kg / 50 lbs each) on international flights, similar to Business on domestic routes. Verify your specific HAMACA fare details.
Infants (without a seat): Passengers traveling with an infant on their lap usually receive 1 checked bag (up to 10 kg / 22 lbs) plus a collapsible stroller or car seat.
Infants (with a seat): Receive the same baggage allowance as an adult passenger in the same cabin class.
Key Considerations:
Piece vs. Weight System: Avianca primarily uses a weight system for most routes. This means you have a total weight allowance, and you can distribute this weight across multiple bags as long as no single bag exceeds the maximum weight limit (usually 23kg for Economy, 32kg for Business/HAMACA). Some routes, particularly within the Americas, might use a piece system (number of bags), but the weight limit per bag still applies.
Maximum Weight Per Bag: Regardless of your total allowance, no single checked bag can exceed 32 kg (70 lbs). Bags over this limit will not be accepted and must be split.
Dimensions: Each checked bag must have a total linear dimension (Length + Width + Height) not exceeding 158 cm (62 in).

2. Carry-On Baggage: Your Essential In-Flight Items

Avianca allows one carry-on bag plus one personal item for all passengers, regardless of fare type:
Standard Carry-On Bag:
Dimensions: Maximum 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (22 in x 14 in x 10 in), including wheels and handles.
Weight: Maximum 10 kg (22 lbs). This is strictly enforced at the gate.
Personal Item:
Dimensions: Maximum 45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm (18 in x 14 in x 8 in). Examples include a handbag, laptop bag, small backpack, or briefcase.
Storage: Must fit under the seat in front of you.
Gate Enforcement: Cabin space is limited. If the overhead bins are full, or if your carry-on exceeds the size/weight limits, you will be required to check it at the gate, potentially incurring a fee. Boarding early (e.g., as an Elite member) can help secure overhead space.

3. Checked Baggage: Packing Your Journey

Checked baggage is included in most fare types, but it's essential to confirm the number of bags and weight allowance specific to your ticket and route.
Pre-Payment is Key: While included in many fares, if you need to add extra bags beyond your allowance, always pre-pay online. The cost is significantly lower than paying at the airport or at the check-in counter.
Online Fees vs. Airport Fees: Airport fees for excess baggage are substantially higher. Pre-paying during booking or via "Manage My Trip" on the Avianca website is the most cost-effective option.
Checking In: Ensure your bags are locked and have your name and contact information clearly visible on a tag (both inside and outside). You can check in online starting 24 hours before departure or at the airport counter.

4. Excess, Overweight, and Oversized Baggage Fees
If you exceed your free baggage allowance, fees will apply:
Excess Baggage: Paying for additional bags beyond your included allowance. Fees vary by route, cabin class, and whether paid online or at the airport.
Overweight Bag: A single bag exceeding the standard weight limit (23 kg for Economy, 32 kg for Business/HAMACA) but not exceeding 32 kg. Fees are charged per bag.
Oversized Bag: A bag exceeding the linear dimension limit of 158 cm (62 in). Fees apply regardless of weight.
Fee Variability: Excess baggage fees can range from approximately $50 USD for a short-haul Economy bag paid online to several hundred dollars for multiple overweight/oversized bags on long-haul flights paid at the airport. Always check the latest fee schedule on the Avianca website.

5. Special Items: Sports Gear, Musical Instruments & More
Avianca accommodates special items with specific conditions and often additional fees:
Musical Instruments:
Small Instruments: Can be carried in the cabin if they fit within the carry-on size/weight limits and there's space. Professional instruments require special handling.
Large Instruments (e.g., cello, guitar): Must be checked as baggage. Standard or special fees apply. Avianca offers a limited liability waiver for checked instruments; inquire at check-in.
Sports Equipment: Items like golf clubs, skis, bicycles, and surfboards incur specific fees. They must be properly packed and declared during check-in. Fees vary significantly by item and route.
Firearms & Ammunition: Strictly regulated. Must be declared in advance, unloaded, in a locked hard case, and transported as cargo with separate fees and documentation.
Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches are carried free of charge and do not count towards your standard baggage allowance.
Liquids: Follow standard IATA regulations: liquids in containers <= 100ml in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag (max 1L bag per passenger). Essential medicines and baby food are exempt but may require documentation.

6. Prohibited Items: What You Absolutely Cannot Pack
For safety, certain items are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage:
Flammable items (lighters, fuels, fireworks)
Corrosive substances
Toxic or infectious materials
Oxidizing materials
Magnetic materials
Perishable items (except frozen food in specific conditions)
Wet cell batteries (except in carry-on with specific conditions)
Power banks (allowed in carry-on only, with capacity limits - usually 100Wh)
Sharp objects (tools, knives - limited exceptions in checked baggage)
Any item deemed dangerous by security.

7. Baggage Tracking & Handling Issues
While Avianca strives for reliability, baggage issues can occur:
Tracking: Use the "Manage My Trip" section on the Avianca website with your booking reference to track the status of your checked baggage after your flight.
Delayed or Damaged Baggage: Report it immediately at the Baggage Service Office (BSO) at your arrival airport. Provide your baggage tag number(s) and contact details. Keep receipts for any essential purchases made due to the delay.
Lost Baggage: If your bag isn't located within a reasonable timeframe, file a detailed report at the BSO. Avianca will initiate a search and process compensation according to international conventions (Montreal Convention).

8. Essential Tips for a Smooth Baggage Experience
Know Your Fare: Double-check your specific ticket's baggage allowance details on the Avianca website.
Weigh & Measure: Use a luggage scale and tape measure at home to avoid surprises.
Pre-Pay Online: If you need extra bags or special item transport, pre-paying online is vastly cheaper.
Pack Smart: Use sturdy, hard-shell or well-padded soft-shell luggage. Distribute weight evenly. Pack fragile items centrally, surrounded by clothing. Remove old tags.
Label Everything: Include your name, phone number, and destination address inside and outside every bag.
Check Prohibited Items: Avoid packing dangerous goods.
Arrive Early: Allow ample time for check-in and potential baggage checks.
Check the Website: Policies and fees can change. Always verify the latest information on the official Avianca website before your trip.
Consider Travel Insurance: Protects against loss, damage, or significant delays to your baggage.

Conclusion

Understanding the is fundamental to a stress-free and cost-effective journey. By carefully reviewing your fare type, confirming your specific allowance (number of bags and weight), pre-paying for any extras online, adhering strictly to size and weight limits, and packing strategically, you can avoid unexpected fees and focus on enjoying your trip. Remember that airport fees are significantly higher than online rates, so planning ahead is key. Whether you're flying domestically across the Americas or internationally, a little preparation regarding your baggage will go a long way in ensuring a smooth start and end to your travels with Avianca. Safe travels!