Travel news, reviews and intel for high-flyers

Avianca

Avianca is Colombia's flag carrier and the second oldest in the world, founded in 1919 and headquartered in Bogotá. It operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights, connecting destinations across the Americas, Europe, and the Caribbean. Avianca offers a range of amenities including in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, and a frequent flyer program called LifeMiles. As a member of the Star Alliance, Avianca benefits from global partnerships, enhancing its reach and connectivity for travelers.

Aeromexico took top spot globally, Delta was the most on-time airline in North America, while Riyadh King Khalid International Airport was the most punctual airport

By Fergus Cole

January 3, 2025

Avianca's passengers will have access to Business Class on 34 routes operated by Airbus A320 aircraft in the Americas

By Enrique Perrella

October 18, 2024

Cirium data reveals that Aeromexico was the world's most punctual airline last month, while Delta outperformed the rest in North America

By Fergus Cole

October 15, 2024

This year's event was held in Santiago de Chile, with more than 400 aviation industry members participating in discussions about sustainability, governance, and growth

By Enrique Perrella

April 16, 2024

With the fourth best on-time performance of any global airline in 2023, Delta has won Cirium's Platinum Award for operational excellence for the third year running

By Fergus Cole

January 4, 2024

Avianca is bringing back its Business Class service on four important routes this summer, less than a year after discontinuing it for flights within the Americas

By Fergus Cole

July 20, 2023

The new interiors of Bogotá-based airline's 104 Airbus A320 aircraft allow for 20% more capacity

By Fergus Cole

July 18, 2023

As noted by Cirium, the Atlanta-based airline has consistently held the top spot for monthly on-time performance (OTP) among North American carriers in 2023

By Enrique Perrella

June 22, 2023

Colombian businesses of up to 100 employees can enjoy benefits such as discounted tickets and unlimited flight changes for a small monthly or annual fee

By Fergus Cole

April 26, 2023

The new route between Boston Logan and the Colombian capital will begin in March, along with further routes from Colombia to Brazil and Honduras

By Business Traveler

January 5, 2023

FAQ

What is Avianca's LifeMiles program?

Like all airlines, Avianca has a frequent flyer program, called LifeMiles. Once you’ve signed up, points can be earned by:

 Buying flights with Avianca and its Star Alliance members
 Shopping with one of the two Avianca credit cards,
 Transferring points from other loyalty schemes.
 Spending money in certain hotels, restaurants, or car rental companies

When it comes to redeeming these miles, the best way - as it often is - is to buy airfare. Other options exist, such as staying in hotels or making Amazon purchases, but the value you get per mile drops dramatically.

Some passengers can claim Avianca Elite status, which has various perks and benefits. There are four distinct tiers to this, each requiring customers to earn a certain amount of points within 12 months.

Red Plus - 6,500 points

 Access to Avancia lounges
 Priority check-in
 Priority phone line
 Advance notice of LifeMiles promotions

Silver - 11,500 points

 All of the above
 Priority boarding
 Priority baggage handling
 3x points earned
 1 checked-in bag (economy)
 Seat pre-selection

Gold - 23,500 points

 All silver benefits
 4 x points earned
 2 pieces of checked-in luggage (economy) or one piece of checked-in luggage (business)
 Access to live chat

Diamond - 40,000

 All gold benefits
 Access to VIP lounge + one guest
 6 x points earned
 No redemption fee

While the points required are reasonable compared to some other programmes, it’s important to note that 80% have to be earned flying with Avianca directly.

What are Avianca's ticketing options?

Avianca has two distinct fare classes, economy and business. These are split into smaller sub-sections.

Economy: XS

 Personal item only
 Standard boarding
 One personal item
 No miles earned

Economy: S

 Personal item + carry on
 Standard boarding
 One personal item
 Miles earned

Economy: M

 Personal item + carry on
 Checked-in bag
 Standard boarding
 One personal item
 Miles earned
 Advance seat selection

Economy: L

 Personal item + carry-on
 Checked-in bag
 Priority boarding
 One personal item
 Miles earned
 Advance seat selection
 Flight changes/refunds available

Business: XL (Only available on routes to Europe)

 Personal item + carry on
 Checked-in bag
 Priority boarding
 One personal item
 Miles earned
 Advance seat selection
 More comfortable seats
 Complimentary food and drinks

Business: XXL (Only available on routes to Europe)

 Personal item + carry on
 Two checked-in bags
 Priority boarding
 One personal item
 Miles earned
 Advance seat selection
 Flight changes/refunds available
 More comfortable seats
 Complimentary food and drinks

What are Avianca's baggage fees?

Outside of the baggage allowances for different fares, passengers on Avianca flights need to pay to add luggage at standard rates.

Carry-on charges (only applicable for those on XS fares):
 Domestic Colombia flights: 45,000 - 130,000 COP
 Domestic Ecuador flights: $17-$40
 U.S. flights: $50-$120

Checked in baggage fees

Domestic Colombia flights
 Excess bag: 100,000 - 200,000 COP
 Overweight bag: Over 45kg = 100 COP per Kg
 Oversized bag (Over 158 linear cm): 100,000 COP per bag

International flights within Latin America:
 Excess bag: $160-$260
 Overweight bag: $100-$160
 Oversized bag (Over 158 linear cm): $100 per bag

International flights to/from U.S, Canada & Mexico:
 Excess bag: $125 - $225
 Overweight bag: Over 23Kg = $55 - $100
 Oversized bag (Over 158 linear cm): $140 per bag