ColombiaStar AllianceLifeMilesInternational Airlines Serving the US
Avianca Overview & Policy Summary
Avianca connects US cities to Bogotá, San Salvador and onward across Colombia, Central America and South America. It has moved toward an unbundled fare structure, so the cheapest Avianca fares now behave much like an ultra-low-cost carrier — read the fare rules carefully before assuming a checked bag is included.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- Carry-on: Not included on XS fares on many routes — this is unusual and is the detail that catches travellers out.
- First checked bag: Charged on XS and S; included on M and above..
- Changes: XS is non-changeable.
- Check-in: 48 hours before departure..
Avianca help topics
Detailed answers on the ten things travellers ask most after booking.
Avianca at a glance
Baggage
Not included on XS fares on many routes — this is unusual and is the detail that catches travellers out. Included from S upward.
Full baggage rulesChanges
XS is non-changeable. S and M change for a fee; L changes free plus fare difference.
How to change a flightAvianca fare types
| Fare | Includes | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| XS | A personal item only on many routes. | No carry-on on some itineraries, no checked bag, no changes, no seat selection, and no mileage earning. This is a genuinely restrictive fare — verify what it includes. |
| M | Carry-on, checked bag and seat selection. | Changes for a fee. |
| Business Class | Lie-flat seat on 787 aircraft, two checked bags and lounge access. | Narrowbody Business is a recliner. |
Hubs
- Bogotá (BOG)
- San Salvador (SAL)
- Medellín (MDE)
An Airbus A320-family and Boeing 787 fleet. Avianca is the second-oldest airline in the world still operating.
Popular routes
- Miami (MIA) → Bogotá (BOG)
- New York (JFK) → Bogotá (BOG)
- Los Angeles (LAX) → San Salvador (SAL)
- Houston (IAH) → Bogotá (BOG)
Avianca frequently asked questions
Does the Avianca XS fare include a carry-on?
On many routes, no — XS includes only a personal item. That is more restrictive than most international carriers and is the detail that most often surprises travellers. Verify exactly what your fare includes before booking.
Are LifeMiles worth collecting?
They can be. LifeMiles adds no fuel surcharges to Star Alliance partner awards, publishes an award chart, and regularly discounts mile purchases — which sometimes makes a business class redemption cheaper than the cash fare. Most major US flexible points currencies transfer in.
Compare with other international airlines serving the us
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