AV · Colombia · Full-service

Avianca Baggage Policy

Carry-on, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Avianca, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.

Quick answer

  • Carry-on: up to 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8", max 10 kg, free
  • Personal item: up to 17.7 x 13.7 x 9.8", free on every fare
  • Checked bag: $25 first, $35 second (domestic economy)
  • Basic economy: Basic allows a carry-on

Carry-on baggage

Max dimensions (in)
21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8"
Max dimensions (cm)
55 x 35 x 25 cm
Weight limit
10 kg (22 lb)
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Medium

XS Basic fares do not include a carry-on. All other fares include one carry-on plus one personal item.

Personal item

Max dimensions (in)
17.7 x 13.7 x 9.8"
Max dimensions (cm)
45 x 35 x 25 cm
Included
Yes, free on every fare

Included free on every fare.

Does your bag count?

Bag typeTypical sizeFit
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Too big
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Too big
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Fits
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
 18 x 11 x 11" Too big
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
 12 x 10 x 5" Fits
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Too big

Checked baggage fees

Compare fees across airlines →
Domestic economy
1st bag$25
2nd bag$35
Long-haul / international
1st bag$25
Weight limit50 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lbNot published
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 inNot published

Basic fare does NOT include a checked bag. Adding a checked bag on a Basic fare starts at $25 for the first and $35 for the second (XS size, prepaid online in the Americas). Classic, Flex, and Business fares include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg / 50 lb (62 linear in). Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb. Pre-purchase at least 48 hours before departure for the lowest rate.

Ways to skip the Avianca checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Avianca carry-on size.
  2. Use a Avianca co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

Special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
Not published
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on (where carry-on is included). Larger instruments can be checked at standard bag rates.

Sports equipment is treated as a standard checked bag on Avianca if within size and weight limits. Pet-in-cabin is available on most routes; fees vary by origin.

Basic economy restrictions

Basic Avianca's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
Yes
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
$25
  • No checked bag included (must purchase)
  • Carry-on included on domestic Americas routes (added Feb 2026)
  • No seat selection
  • No changes or refunds
  • No LifeMiles earning on some routes

Frequently asked questions

What is the Avianca carry-on size limit?

Avianca allows a carry-on bag up to 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8" (55 x 35 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 10 kg (22 lb).

What is the Avianca personal item size?

The personal item on Avianca must fit within 17.7 x 13.7 x 9.8" (45 x 35 x 25 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Included free on every fare.

How much does a checked bag cost on Avianca?

The first checked bag on Avianca costs $25 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs $35. On long-haul international routes, the first checked bag fee is $25. Basic fare does NOT include a checked bag. Adding a checked bag on a Basic fare starts at $25 for the first and $35 for the second (XS size, prepaid online in the Americas). Classic, Flex, and Business fares include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg / 50 lb (62 linear in). Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb. Pre-purchase at least 48 hours before departure for the lowest rate.

Can I bring a carry-on on Avianca Basic?

Yes. Avianca Basic passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item. A checked bag on Basic costs around $25.

How can I avoid Avianca checked bag fees?

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Avianca carry-on size of 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8"); (2) hold a Avianca co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Avianca?

Avianca currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.

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Avianca hubs & focus cities

Major US airports where Avianca operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.

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Sources & verification

Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with Avianca before flying.