Avianca flights and airline information

Avianca (IATA: AV) is the flagship carrier of Colombia and one of the most influential airlines in the Western Hemisphere. Boasting over a century of history, the company holds a firm position as a key network operator, connecting North, Central, and South America with major cities in Europe. The airline's primary operational base and main connecting hub is the international airport in Bogotá, where hundreds of flights are operated daily.

As a full member of the global Star Alliance, Avianca provides its passengers with access to a vast network of routes worldwide and guarantees high standards of service. The airline is renowned for its commitment to innovation and constant fleet renewal, ensuring comfort and safety on board modern aircraft.

One of the carrier's unique features is its deep integration into the Latin American market, offering convenient connections even to the most remote corners of the region. Passengers value Avianca for its flexible fare system, which allows them to choose between basic services and premium experiences, tailoring the journey to individual needs and budget.

Throughout its years of operation, the company has received numerous aviation awards, confirming its status as a reliable and progressive carrier. Avianca actively develops digital services, making the booking and check-in process as simple and intuitive as possible for travelers from anywhere in the world.

To contact Avianca representatives and receive support regarding bookings, you can use the following communication channels:

• Official website: https://www.avianca.com/en/about-us/contact-us
• Headquarters: Avianca Group International Limited, Bogotá, Colombia
• Global Contact Center: +1 800 722 8222 (international line)
• Mobile App: Available for download on the App Store and Google Play, allowing you to manage bookings and receive real-time notifications.

In case of emergencies, such as flight delays or baggage issues, it is recommended to visit the check-in counters at the airport or use the chat assistant on the official website. Please check the current contact information on the airline's website before making calls.

Baggage rules at Avianca are flexible and depend directly on the selected fare and flight destination. As carry-on baggage, passengers can usually take one bag into the cabin that does not exceed standard dimensions (10 kg/22 lb), along with a small personal item, such as a backpack, purse, diaper bag, or laptpop bag, which must fit under the seat in front of you.

Checked baggage allowances vary: 23 kg (50 lb) in Economy Class and 32 kg (70 lb) in Business Class. The Classic, Flex, and Business fares include this baggage. Maximum size: 158 cm (62 in) total dimensions (length + width + height). It is recommended to check the details of your specific booking in advance, as special restrictions may apply on certain domestic flights in Bogotá or between Latin American countries.

If your baggage exceeds the established weight or size limits, the airline offers the option to pay for excess luggage. It is most cost-effective to do this in advance through the official website or mobile app, as airport rates before departure are usually significantly higher. Specific rules apply to special items such as sports equipment, musical instruments, or strollers, which may require prior coordination.

For safety reasons, Avianca strictly prohibits the transportation of explosives, flammable liquids, and other dangerous items. Before packing, ensure that your baggage does not contain prohibited items; a full list is available in the airline's help center. For travel convenience, we recommend using durable suitcases and labeling them with your contact information.

In-Cabin Transportation

• Dogs or cats that have an additional fee to be transported in the cabin and must meet the requirements.
• The maximum weight of the animal together with the carrier should not exceed 10 kg.
• Must travel in a flexible container of no more than 55x35x25 cm (length, width and height).
• You may travel with a maximum of one pet in the cabin, which must be transported exclusively in flexible containers (carriers) that can be stored under the seat in front of you on the plane.
• Pets (dogs or cats) older than 4 months, except on domestic flights in Colombia, with a vaccination schedule appropriate for their age.
• This service can be booked up to 48 hours before departure through Contact Center, travel agencies, and sales points. Transport of your pet is subject to availability.

Transportation in the Cargo Hold

• Animals whose weight exceeds the cabin limits are transported in a specially equipped, heated cargo compartment.
• The container must comply with international IATA standards: it must be durable, secure, and allow the animal to stand and turn around.
• If you travel with more than one pet, each one must travel in its own container.
• Pets (dogs or cats) older than 4 months, except on domestic flights in Colombia, with a vaccination schedule appropriate for their age.
• This service can be booked up to 48 hours before departure through Contact Center, travel agencies, and sales points. Transport of your pet is subject to availability.

Required Documents

The required documentation will vary depending on the origin and destination of your flight.
• A valid international veterinary passport.
• Copy of your pet's vaccination card.
• Transport of pets in the hold and cabin form completed and printed.
• A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian.
• A rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before departure).
• Additional permits if required by the laws of the destination country.
• If you are flying with your dog to the United States, check the new documentation required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Cost and Preparation

Pet transportation is a paid service and is calculated based on the route and method of transport. It is recommended to book a space for your animal in advance, as the number of live animals on board is limited. Before the flight, it is advisable not to feed your pet heavily but to ensure access to water and place a familiar item in the carrier to reduce stress.

Restrictions

• The airline may impose restrictions on the transportation of brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced), such as pugs or Persian cats, due to risks to their breathing.
• During periods of extreme temperatures, transportation in the cargo hold may be temporarily prohibited.

To clarify current requirements and transportation costs for your specific flight, be sure to contact the airline's call center before purchasing a ticket.

LifeMiles — A World of Opportunities

LifeMiles is Avianca's globally recognized loyalty program, designed for those who value comfort and strive to get the maximum benefit from every journey.

Membership Tiers and Privileges

• Red Plus: The entry level, allowing you to accumulate miles and receive basic bonuses.
• Silver: Provides priority check-in, access to seat selection, and additional bonus miles.
• Gold: Includes access to Star Alliance business lounges, priority boarding, and increased baggage allowance.
• Diamond: The highest level of privileges, offering maximum priority in everything, free upgrades, and personalized service.

How to Earn and Spend Miles

• Earning: Miles are credited for every flight taken with Avianca and its alliance partner airlines. You can also earn miles by using hotels, car rental services, and making purchases with retail partners.
• Spending: Accumulated points can be exchanged for award tickets, upgrades to business class, or to pay for hotel stays worldwide.

Star Alliance Participation

Thanks to Avianca's membership in Star Alliance, LifeMiles members can earn and use their miles on flights with more than 25 partner airlines, providing access to almost any point on the globe. Status in the LifeMiles program is recognized by all alliance members, ensuring a familiar level of comfort on any trip.

How to Join

Joining the LifeMiles program is completely free on the official website. Registration takes only a few minutes, after which you can immediately start earning miles for your upcoming flights.

Avianca offers passengers various levels of comfort tailored to any need. In economy class, travelers can expect ergonomic seats and friendly service. For those who value exclusivity, business class provides seats that recline into a full bed on long-haul flights, an expanded menu of gourmet dishes, and access to priority services at the airport.

A modern entertainment system is installed on board the airline's latest aircraft. Passengers can enjoy watching new movie releases, TV series, and listening to music on individual screens. Paid Wi-Fi is available on many routes, allowing you to stay connected even at an altitude of ten thousand meters. On-board catering varies depending on flight duration and the selected fare, ranging from light snacks to full hot meals.

The airline pays special attention to travelers with children, offering assistance with bassinet placement and a special children's menu upon prior request. For passengers with disabilities, a complex of support measures is provided, from boarding assistance to special equipment in the cabin. An unaccompanied minor service is also available for children traveling without parents, ensuring their safety at every stage of the journey.

Avianca has an extensive route network covering key business and tourism centers in Latin America, the USA, and Europe. The flight geography is designed to provide the most convenient connections through its main hub in Bogotá, connecting the continent to the world.

The route network includes regular flights to metropolises such as Mexico City, São Paulo, and Lima. Due to its strategic location, the carrier offers some of the fastest and most comfortable flight options for those planning a trip to Colombia or neighboring countries in the region.

When planning a trip with Avianca, it is best to book tickets in advance—8 to 12 weeks before departure is considered optimal. Usually, the best deals can be found on the official website in the middle of the week, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when the airline updates its fare grids and launches short-term promotions.

To stay informed about special offers, it is recommended to subscribe to the newsletter and follow updates in the mobile app. Avianca often holds sales for popular destinations such as Miami or Madrid, offering significant discounts for early booking.

Online check-in opens 24 hours before the flight and saves time at the airport, while also allowing you to choose the most comfortable seats in the cabin. Please note that choosing seats with extra legroom may involve a fee, while standard seats are often available for free during check-in. Using the mobile app simplifies this process, allowing you to store your boarding pass digitally.

Before paying, be sure to read the terms of the selected fare: whether baggage is included and if a refund or ticket exchange is possible. It is also recommended to take out travel insurance, which can cover unexpected expenses in case of flight delays or lost luggage. A full range of booking management services is available in the official help center on the airline's website.

The history of Avianca began in 1919 in the Colombian city of Barranquilla under the name SCADTA. This makes the company not just the oldest carrier in the Americas, but also the second oldest airline in the world still in operation today. Founded by a group of Colombian and German entrepreneurs, the company made its first flight using German Junkers seaplanes, delivering mail and passengers along the Magdalena River.

In 1940, as a result of the merger between SCADTA and the Colombian service SACO, the modern Avianca (Aerovías del Continente Americano) was born. A landmark milestone in its development was the expansion into international routes: by the mid-20th century, the company's planes began flying to Miami, New York, and European cities, turning Bogotá into the region's most important aviation hub.

The evolution of Avianca's fleet is impressive—from the first piston-engine aircraft to the legendary Lockheed Constellation airliners and the entry into the jet age with the arrival of the Boeing 707. Today, the core of the fleet consists of modern and eco-friendly Airbus A320neo and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, highlighting the company's commitment to technological progress and environmental care.

An important stage in recent history was joining the global Star Alliance in 2012, which allowed the Colombian carrier to integrate into the world's highest-level air transportation system. Despite the challenges of the times, the airline continues to grow, implementing innovative sustainable development programs and improving service for millions of passengers annually.