Avianca Airlines Baggage Policy

Avianca, Colombia’s flag carrier, is a popular airline with a three-star Skytrax rating based on factors like seats, cleanliness, amenities, and more. One of its USPs is its affordable travel options. This blog covers everything you need to know about Avianca’s baggage policy, including checked and carry-on allowances, personal items you can bring onboard, restricted items, and more.  Read on for a clear insight. 

What is Avianca’s Checked Baggage Policy?

When on an Avianca flight, the checked baggage allowance is as follows:

• Economy Class: 23 kg or 50 lbs 
• Business Class: 32 kg or 70 lbs 

Dimensions must not exceed 158 linear cm (height, length, and width). If your bag exceeds the specified weight and dimensions, oversized and overweight baggage charges apply. However, the maximum baggage limit is 99 pounds (weight) and 230 linear inches (dimensions). Flight

For Europe-bound flights, the baggage allowance shouldn’t exceed 70 pounds. This is due to baggage regulations. 

For Flex, Classic, or Business fares, you can substitute your first piece of baggage with a sports item, which shouldn’t exceed 158 cm and 23 kg (50 lbs). 

Tips for Checked Baggage on Avianca Flights

Here are some things to keep in mind 

• Choose durable, flexible materials for checked bags.
• Keep close track of the specified weight and dimensions to avoid hassle. 
• Add an identifier to your luggage, like a brightly colored ribbon on the handle. You may even attach an identification card bearing your name, phone number, and address, 
• International flights in Bogotá: wrapped baggage isn’t accepted. This is because it causes hazards during inspection. 
• If your baggage isn’t in proper condition, is damaged, overloaded, or has any defects, it may be further damaged during handling, for which Avianca isn’t responsible. 
• Remove tags from all previous flights. You may also remove any hooks and straps, as well as any attached or protruding objects. They may get entangled during handling.

Where to Buy Checked Bags on Avianca Flights?

To add extra baggage, do it in advance. This will save you time and money. Go to avianca.com and add your bags when buying your ticket. For those with an existing reservation, you may visit the “Manage Your Booking” tab and add your baggage. If you have trouble buying your bags online, you may fill out a form for extra support. 

You may even visit the airport counter. Let the authorities know how many bags you need to include in your reservation. Then pay the amount. Check the official website to know more about the fees. 

What is Avianca’s Carry-On Baggage Allowance?

The carry-on shouldn’t exceed 10 kg, and the dimensions shouldn’t be more than 55 x 35 x 25 (cm). This will include handles and wheels. You must store it in the overhead bins. Your carry-on may go in the cargo hold if cabin space is limited or there are operational issues. 

You can buy your carry-on online when you book your tickets or during online check-in. This facility is eligible for those with Basic Fares. 

Here are some aspects to note regarding carry-on bags: 

• If the plane is fully booked, your carry-on bags will be placed in the hold as checked bags. If you have valuables or important documents, keep them in your personal items for safety. 
• Carry-on bags apply to children and adults. They don’t apply to babies 0-2 years old. 
• If your carry-on cannot be onboard due to space availability, it’ll be marked with a standby bag tag. 

Can You Carry Sports Equipment on Avianca Flights?

Avianca lets you carry sports equipment onboard if it meets the transportation and packaging requirements. You can add your sports equipment during booking your tickets. If you’ve already booked, go to the Manage your booking tab. You may even get in touch with Avianca’s contact center. However, do so at least 48 hours before your flight’s departure. You can also do it at the airport counter on the day of travel. 

As Cabin Bag

If your fare includes a carry-on, or if you bought it separately, you may replace your carry-on with your sports equipment. It should meet the weight and dimensions limit of 10 kg and 115 cm. Your luggage shouldn’t contain any blunt or sharp items or anything that may pose a risk onboard. 

For Items In the Hold

Your fare may include checked bags, or you may have purchased them separately. In either case, you may substitute checked bags with sports equipment at no extra cost, provided it meets the weight and dimension limits. 

Golf equipment may replace checked baggage at no extra cost, provided it is no more than 300 linear cm (in dimensions). 

If you have oversized or overweight sports equipment, then you may have to pay the fee. Let us check the rules for specific sports equipment in the table below:

Sports Equipment	What they include	Rules and regulations
Archery equipment	Permits to carry bows, arrows, and maintenance accessories	Pack them well in a container and make sure the dimensions aren’t greater than 300 linear cm (combination of height, length, and width)
Bicycle Equipment	Single-seat bicycle allowed; remove the pedals; secure the handlebars to a side; remove the pedals; pack small items like screws, brakes, and chains properly; motorized and electric bicycles are not allowed	Pack the bicycle well in a sturdy case or hard cardboard box; it shouldn’t be greater than 300 linear cm
Scuba diving equipment	It should be within one kit; it includes a regulator, a mask, an empty tank, a snorkel, a wetsuit, a buoyancy vest, a weight belt, an unloaded harpoon, and underwater lamps	Make sure the dimensions are not more than 300 linear cm
Hand glider	You can transport a sail, a metal frame, and a harness in a bag no longer than 320 cm.	–
Ski equipment	Skis (one pair), along with poles and a snowboard; also a bag containing shoes and boots	–
Golf equipment	A single case with clubs (14), balls (12), shoes (one pair)	They should be secured and packed well
Fishing equipment	Two rods, a reel, a net, boots (one pair), tackle box (one)	A single bag should be used for carrying the equipment; you cannot bring fishing equipment as a carry-on for Colombia-bound domestic flights
Surf equipment	A single bag with no more than three surfboards	The bag should be 320 cm long irrespective of its height and width
Kitesurf equipment	A kite, a control bar, a harness (all in one package))	You may carry a board not exceeding 320 cm in length
Windsurf equipment	A mast, a sail, a boom	They should all be in one package)

If the sports equipment meets the above requirements, you can transport it conveniently. However, you may have to pay a fee. 

Here are some other things to make note of regarding the carriage of sports equipment: 

• You must sign a limited liability waiver if you are carrying non-conventional baggage which even include sports equipment. 
• If your sports item isn’t on the checked bags list, you must purchase it at the airport and contact the center. 
• The A320 fleet planes can accommodate no more than 15 bicycles. 

Avianca Airlines’ Rules For Carrying Musical Instruments

Avianca allows you to transport some musical instruments, including trumpets, guitars, and drums. You can check them as carry-on or as extra baggage. However, it all depends on your fare type. You can also bring your musical instrument only if there is space on the plane. 

If you are bringing your musical instrument as a carry-on:

• If you aren’t bringing your musical instrument as a carry-on, you can bring it as cabin baggage. 
• It should meet the specified weight and dimensions of carry-ons (as mentioned already). 
• If your musical instrument is similar in size to your personal item, you may bring it instead. 

If your musical instrument is checked:

• Pack it in a hard case. The dimensions and weight shouldn’t exceed 158 cm/62 inches and 23 kg/50 lbs. 
• Each instrument counts as a baggage piece, and charges depend on your ticket fare. 
• Each piece can weigh up to 45 kg/99 lb and measure up to 300 cm/118 inches. 

If your musical instrument is too large, you may request an additional seat by contacting their Contact Center, visiting a sales office, or visiting Avianca counters at the airport. Use a seat belt and fasten your instrument properly. Your musical instrument must be an appropriate weight and size to fit in the extra seat. The weight limit shouldn’t exceed 75 kg/165 lb, and the dimensions must be within 203.2 cm/80 inches. 

Are Antiques and Artworks Allowed on Avianca Flights?

Such items need care and special assistance because of their fragility and high value. Follow all recommendations and ensure the baggage reaches the destination in good condition. Pack it in sturdy materials so it does not shift or fall during the journey. Also, avoid loose or sharp parts. It should also meet carry-on baggage weight and dimension limits. If your antique piece or artwork doesn’t meet the dimensions and weight limits, transport it as cargo. 

If your antique belongs to a country’s cultural heritage, you’ll need a permit from the Ministry of Culture. 

Can Human Urns Be Transported In an Avianca Flight?

You may transport them in your checked or carry-on bags; however, rules and regulations apply. 

If you transport them in the cabin, ensure the weight is no more than 10 kg/22 lbs; otherwise, it will be checked baggage. X-ray screening will thoroughly inspect the urn’s contents. Use sturdy wood or cardboard packaging to protect the urn. Pack the urn discreetly and carry proper documentation along with you. 

Exhumed, embalmed, and cremated remains can also be transported in the hold, provided the conditions needed for transportation are properly met. Reserve 48 hours before your flight’s departure. Contact the cargo agency directly or request through the funeral home. In case of uncremated human remains, they have to be embalmed. If there is any leakage in the packaged human remains leak, they won’t be eligible for transportation. Exhumed remains can be transported only if the exhumation time exceeds three years. 

For remains exhumed within three years, the cemetery administration should issue a certificate. It should state that only the skeletal remains are being transported and that the body’s decomposition period has ended. 

Can I Travel With Firearms on Avianca Flights

To carry a firearm in baggage, inform the airport agents beforehand. Are you carrying it along with ammunition? Do you wish to declare it as checked baggage? Well, you have to specify all of these clearly during documentation. 

Carrying firearms means additional fares and is allowed on all Avianca flights except the route from Bogota-London-Bogota as well as all routes to/from Brazil. Here are some rules to follow: 

• Transport the items in a rigid container. 
• Use a security mechanism, such as a padlock or key that only you can open if needed. 
• The weight shouldn’t exceed 5 kg/11 lbs per passenger, including the packaging. 
• You can carry no more than two weapons or sabers/flight. 
• Arrive at least two to three hours before your flight’s departure time to complete the documentation seamlessly. 

Avianca’s Baggage Policy – List of Restricted Items

Avianca has its own set of restricted and prohibited items onboard. You may carry some of them, but they come with restrictions; for a few, you cannot bring them at all. 

Here is a list of a few things whose carriage is restricted: 

• Flammable aerosols (like cooking sprays, spray starch, and spray paint)
• Electric weapons (electric guns and stun guns) 
• Alcoholic beverages (having over 70% alcohol content)
• Fuels (flammable liquids)
• Disabling devices (pepper sprays, personal defense gases)
• Fireworks (bottle rockets, flares, firecrackers)
• Tanks (air/ pressurized tanks, including scuba and diving tanks) 

Some items can be carried but require approval to be included in your baggage. 

• Self-inflating safety devices like a life jacket (you should pack them in a way that they aren’t activated accidentally)
• Drones (you should turn them off completely)
• Dry ice (shouldn’t exceed 5 lbs/person)
• Spare lithium batteries (protect them well to prevent short circuits) 

To get a complete list of restricted and prohibited items, check Avianca’s official website. 

Conclusion 

Avianca Airlines baggage policy is quite flexible and easy to understand. If you know the checked and carry-on baggage allowance beforehand, you will have an easy, seamless experience. To learn more about overweight and oversized baggage prices, check Avianca’s official website. Pack wisely and arrive at least two to three hours early for a hassle-free check-in.

Frequently Asked Questions