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Avianca

Colombia's flag carrier, flying since 1919

  • ColombiaCountry
  • AVIATA Code
  • AVAICAO Code
  • Star AllianceAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Avianca

Avianca is Colombia’s flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, flying from Bogotá across Colombia, the Americas and to Europe. Since January 2026 its cheapest international fare, Light, includes a 10 kg carry-on again, while domestic Basic fares still include only a personal item. This guide covers the fares, baggage, Colombia’s new power bank rules, LifeMiles and how Avianca compares with LATAM and Copa.

Avianca traces its history to SCADTA, founded in Barranquilla in 1919, making it one of the world’s oldest airlines. It is now part of Abra Group with Brazil’s GOL.

Avianca flights to Bogotá
Photo: Random Institute / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Avianca

Colombia’s civil aviation authority tightened power bank rules in April 2026:

  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, in cabin baggage only.
  • Up to 100 Wh is allowed; 100–160 Wh needs the airline’s approval.
  • Power banks cannot be switched on, charged or used to charge devices during the flight.
  • Protect each battery against short circuits, for example in its own bag.

Check-In at Bogotá

Online check-in is available on the website and app. Bogotá El Dorado is busy, so allow three hours for international flights and two for domestic ones.

International passengers may need a document check at the counter even with a mobile boarding pass.

How to Find Cheap Flights in Colombia

Avianca flights to Medellín
Photo: Jimmy Hu / Unsplash
  • Use Light on international trips: it now includes a carry-on.
  • Avoid Christmas, Easter week and mid-year holidays.
  • Compare Bogotá and Medellín departures.
  • Watch for LifeMiles sales for award tickets.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Avianca next to LATAM, Copa and others.

Avianca vs LATAM vs Copa

All three are major Latin American airlines with very different hubs.

AviancaLATAMCopa
HubBogotáLima, Santiago and São PauloPanama City
AllianceStar AllianceNone (Delta partner)Star Alliance
Cheapest international fareLight: carry-on includedBasic: carry-on rules vary by routeEconomy Basic: 10 kg carry-on
Best forColombia and Central AmericaSouth AmericaConnections across the Americas

See our LATAM Airlines guide and Copa Airlines guide to compare.

Arriving in Bogotá

El Dorado International Airport is about 15 km from central Bogotá. TransMilenio buses, taxis and ride-hailing apps connect the airport with the city.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Avianca a Good Airline?

Yes. Avianca has the biggest network in Colombia, a newer fleet and a valuable loyalty programme. Its low base fares mean you should compare the full price with bags.

For more options, see our GOL guide, airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against The Traveler on the 2026 Light fare change, TravelDailyNews on the A320neo and Noticias RCN on Colombia’s power bank rules. Rules change, so check the official Avianca website before you travel.

Star Alliance & Airline Partnerships

Avianca joined Star Alliance in 2012, so you can connect onto partners such as United, Copa, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines on one ticket and earn or spend LifeMiles across the alliance.

Learn more about Star Alliance

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Avianca codeshares with several Star Alliance and non-alliance airlines and is part of Abra Group alongside GOL, which links its network with Brazil.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Bogotá El Dorado is Avianca's main hub and one of the busiest airports in Latin America. Medellín and Cartagena are key bases in Colombia, and San Salvador (SAL) serves as Avianca's hub for Central America.

Popular Avianca Routes

Avianca's busiest routes connect Bogotá with Colombia's main cities and Miami, plus long-haul flights to New York, Madrid and Mexico City. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Avianca Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Avianca sells Economy in three main fare types: Basic, Classic and Flex. On flights to Europe and from Brazil the entry fare is called Light. Basic is the cheapest and the least flexible; Flex lets you change or cancel before departure. Business class fares also allow changes and refunds before the flight.

When a change is allowed, you pay any difference in fare as well as any change fee for your fare type. If your plans may move, it is often worth paying a little more for Flex rather than risking the full value of a Basic ticket.

  • Basic and Light The most restrictive fares. Changes and refunds are limited and usually carry a fee.
  • Classic More flexible than Basic, with fees and the fare difference for changes.
  • Flex Changes and refunds allowed before the flight.
  • Business Changes and refunds allowed before the flight.
  • Flights to or from the USA Under US rules, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if you booked at least 7 days before departure.
  • Colombian domestic flights Colombian consumer law gives a short withdrawal (retracto) window after purchase on eligible tickets, minus an administrative fee.
  • Missed flight (no-show) The unused fare is usually lost, but taxes may be refundable.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage your booking on avianca.com or the Avianca app.

Avianca Seat Selection & Additional Services

Avianca's base fares are low because extras are sold separately. On Basic you can choose a seat for a fee, while Classic includes a standard Economy seat and Flex lets you pick preferred seats, including emergency exit rows, at no extra cost.

You can add checked bags, seats and other services when you book or later in Manage your booking. Business class includes lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, and priority baggage delivery.

  • Basic Seat selection for a fee.
  • Classic Standard Economy seat selection included.
  • Flex Preferred seats, including emergency exit rows, included.
  • Airspace cabin New A320neos have overhead bins up to 60% larger and three rows of Premium seats in a 2-2 layout.
  • Business Lie-flat seat on Boeing 787 routes, lounge access and priority boarding.
  • Extra bags Cheaper when added online before your trip than at the airport.
  • Lounges Avianca lounges in Bogotá and other cities are open to business passengers, eligible LifeMiles elites and paid entry.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs, unaccompanied minor service or medical support in advance.

Avianca Baggage Allowance

With Avianca, what you can bring depends on your fare. Every passenger can take a small personal item that fits under the seat. Basic fares within Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala include only that personal item. On international flights in the Americas, Light fares bought from 27 January 2026 include a 10 kg carry-on, while Classic, Flex and Business add checked bags.

Checked bags must not exceed 158 cm (62 in) in total dimensions. Economy bags can weigh up to 23 kg (50 lb) and Business bags up to 32 kg (70 lb). Adding bags online before you fly costs less than paying at the airport.

  • Personal item (all fares) 1 small item up to 45 × 35 × 20 cm that fits under the seat.
  • Carry-on 1 bag up to 10 kg and 55 × 35 × 25 cm.
  • Basic within Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala Personal item only; carry-on and checked bags are paid.
  • Light on international flights (Americas) 10 kg carry-on included for tickets bought from 27 January 2026; checked bag paid.
  • Classic and Flex 1 checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lb) on most routes.
  • Business 2 checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lb) each.
  • Maximum bag size 158 cm (62 in) total length + width + height.

LifeMiles: Avianca Loyalty Programme

LifeMiles is Avianca's loyalty programme. Joining is free, and you earn miles on Avianca and Star Alliance flights as well as through credit cards and shopping partners. LifeMiles is popular with travellers worldwide because award flights on Star Alliance airlines often cost fewer miles than in other programmes.

Frequent Avianca flyers can earn elite status in four tiers: Red Plus, Silver, Gold and Diamond. Status needs both enough qualifying miles and a minimum amount of flying on Avianca.

  • Red Plus Entry elite tier, recognised as Star Alliance Silver.
  • Silver Recognised as Star Alliance Silver, with priority services and bonus miles.
  • Gold Recognised as Star Alliance Gold, including lounge access and extra baggage on Star Alliance flights.
  • Diamond The top tier, recognised as Star Alliance Gold, with the most lounge visits, upgrades and bonuses.
  • Family pooling Elite members can share miles with family.
  • Star Alliance Earn and redeem miles on all Star Alliance airlines.
Join or log in on the Avianca website

Avianca: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Avianca’s IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is AV. It appears in flight numbers (for example AV 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is AVA, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Avianca part of?

It is a member of Star Alliance. Alliance membership usually means easier connections, shared lounge access for eligible passengers and the option to earn and redeem miles across partner airlines.

03Where is Avianca headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Bogotá, Colombia.

04When was Avianca founded?

The airline was founded in 1919.

05What are Avianca’s main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Bogotá (BOG) – Main Hub; Medellín (MDE) – Secondary Hub; Cartagena (CTG) – Secondary Hub.

06Does Avianca offer online check-in?

Yes. Online check-in is available through the airline's official website. Check-in opening and closing times depend on the route and airport, so confirm them for your flight before you travel.

07Does Avianca Basic include a carry-on bag?

On flights within Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala, Basic includes only a personal item that fits under the seat. On international flights in the Americas, Light fares bought from 27 January 2026 include a 10 kg carry-on.

08How many checked bags does Avianca allow?

Classic and Flex include one checked bag of up to 23 kg on most routes. Business includes two bags of up to 32 kg each. Basic and Light fares don't include checked bags, but you can add them.

09What is the difference between Avianca Classic and Flex?

Both include a carry-on and one checked bag. Classic includes a standard seat, while Flex adds preferred seats, including exit rows, and lets you change or cancel before departure.

10Can I cancel an Avianca flight and get a refund?

Flex and Business fares can be changed or refunded before the flight. Basic and Classic are more restrictive. For flights to or from the USA booked at least 7 days ahead, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund.

11Is LifeMiles the same as Avianca miles?

Yes. LifeMiles is Avianca's frequent flyer programme, and you can earn and redeem LifeMiles on Avianca and all Star Alliance airlines.

Avianca, its logo and trademarks are the property of Aerovias del Continente Americano S.A. (Avianca) and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Avianca unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.