Avianca Baggage Fees (2026)
Quick summary
Avianca runs a hybrid low-cost model with branded fares (Basic, Classic, Flex, and Business). The cheapest Basic fare is essentially carry-on/personal-item only — checked bags are unbundled and paid for separately. Since 27 January 2026 the Basic fare includes a free 10 kg carry-on on international flights (this change does not apply to domestic flights within Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala, where Basic is personal-item only). Allowances follow a piece concept across the Americas and a weight concept on Europe/Brazil routes.
The bottom line on Avianca baggage
Avianca runs a hybrid low-cost model built around branded fares, so the cheapest Basic ticket is essentially carry-on only with checked bags unbundled and paid separately. The trap hides in the fine print: since January 2026 Basic includes a free 10 kg carry-on on international flights, but on domestic routes within Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala that same Basic fare gives only a personal item, so you may need to buy a cabin bag you assumed was included.
The dependable way to come out ahead is to add any checked bag online during booking, or at least 48 hours out, since airport rates can run over US$50 more per bag. If you know you will check luggage, compare Basic plus a paid bag against the Classic fare that already bundles one in — the bundle often wins.
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Hidden pitfalls most travelers miss
- On domestic routes within Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala the Basic fare gives only a personal item — the free 10 kg carry-on applies to international flights only.
- Baggage follows a piece concept across the Americas but a weight concept on Europe/Brazil routes, so the same fare behaves differently by itinerary.
- Airport checked-bag rates can run over US$50 more per bag than adding them online during booking or at least 48 hours out.
Aviancabaggage allowance & fees at a glance
| 🎒 Personal item | One personal item free on all fares (e.g. purse, laptop bag, small backpack). Max dimensions 45 x 35 x 25 cm (18 x 14 x 10 in), must fit under the seat in front of you. |
| 🧳 Carry-on allowance | A 10 kg carry-on (max 55 x 35 x 25 cm / 22 x 14 x 10 in) is included on Classic, Flex and Business, and since 27 January 2026 also on the Basic fare for international flights. On domestic routes within Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala the Basic fare includes only a personal item, so a carry-on must be added. |
| 🧳 First checked bag | No free checked bag — purchase per piece, cheapest when added online before the airport |
| 🧳 Second checked bag | Include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lb) |
Avianca checked bag fees
| Basic fare | No free checked bag — purchase per piece, cheapest when added online before the airport |
| Classic and Flex fares | Include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lb) |
| Business fare | Includes 2 checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lb) each |
| Per-piece weight limit (Economy) | 23 kg (50 lb) per bag, max 158 cm (62 in) total dimensions |
| Per-piece weight limit (Business) | 32 kg (70 lb) per bag |
| First checked bag (Basic, added online) | From about US$80 on US–South America routes when prepaid; more at the airport |
Excess baggage cost calculator
Estimate what Avianca will actually charge for your bags — one way, typical domestic/regional route.
- Checked bag #1$80
You'd save $80 by flying LATAM Airlines for this baggage.
Estimates only. Fees vary by route, fare type, and date — always confirm before booking.
Avianca vs LATAM Airlines vs Copa Airlines: baggage compared
Head-to-head on the fees that actually decide the cheaper airline for bags.
| Avianca | LATAM Airlines | Copa Airlines | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on included | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
| 1st checked bag | $80 | — | $40 |
| 2nd checked bag | — | — | $55 |
| Overweight surcharge | — | — | $100 |
| Weight limit | 23 kg | 23 kg | 23 kg |
Flying Avianca abroad?
Avianca is a low-cost carrier based in Latin America — if this is an international trip, a travel eSIM means you land with data already working, with no roaming bill.
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🔁 Change & cancellation
Change and refund flexibility scales with the fare. Basic fares are the most restrictive (changes carry fees or are not allowed; generally non-refundable), while Flex and Business fares allow changes and refunds with reduced or no fees. Confirm the exact conditions on the fare shown at booking.
Avianca flight delayed or cancelled?
Compensation rules follow the route, not the airline — a Latin America-departing Avianca flight delayed 3+ hours can be worth up to €600. Checking costs nothing.
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Other common fees
| Extra / additional checked bag | Charged per piece; rate varies by route and how far ahead you buy |
| Overweight bag (over 23 kg) | Surcharge per bag, varies by route |
| Seat selection | Paid on Basic fares; included on higher fares |
How to avoid extra fees
- Add checked baggage during booking online (or at least 48 hours before departure) — airport rates can be over US$50 higher per bag.
- Because the Basic fare is carry-on only, if you need to check a bag compare Basic + a paid bag against the Classic fare that bundles one in.
- On domestic routes in Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala the Basic fare gives only a personal item (no carry-on), so budget for a cabin bag if you have more than a small item.
- Keep each checked bag at or under 23 kg in Economy to avoid overweight surcharges.
- Baggage follows a piece concept across the Americas but a weight concept on Europe/Brazil routes — check which applies to your itinerary.
Avianca baggage — FAQ
＋ − Does Avianca's cheapest fare include a checked bag?
No. The Basic fare is carry-on/personal-item only. Checked baggage is an unbundled add-on you pay for separately, cheapest when purchased online during booking.
＋ − Does the Avianca Basic fare include a carry-on bag?
On international flights, yes — since 27 January 2026 the Basic fare includes one personal item plus a 10 kg carry-on. On domestic routes within Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala the Basic fare includes only a personal item.
＋ − What is the checked bag weight limit on Avianca?
Economy checked bags are limited to 23 kg (50 lb) per piece and Business to 32 kg (70 lb), each up to 158 cm (62 in) total dimensions.
＋ − How many checked bags does Avianca include by fare?
Basic includes none, Classic and Flex include one 23 kg bag, and Business includes two 32 kg bags. Extra bags are purchased per piece and are cheapest online.
Sources & official policy links
Independent guide — not affiliated with Avianca. Figures here reflect Avianca's published Latin America fares as of 2026-07-12.