I’ve flown Avianca on regional hops, red-eyes, and international hauls across the Americas for years now. It’s a carrier that many travelers know by name but aren’t always sure what to expect from. Formerly known for a more full-service model, Avianca has restructured its business around a leaner, low-cost strategy,even while maintaining its Star Alliance membership.
If you’re considering booking a flight with Avianca,whether in Economy or Business Class,it’s important to understand how the airline operates today. In this review, I’ll walk you through the cabin experience, fare structure, onboard service, fleet, and my own honest take on where Avianca excels and where it still needs work.
What Type of Airline Is Avianca Today?
Avianca is no longer a traditional full-service carrier in the classic sense. Since its financial restructuring in 2021 and through 2023–2024, the airline transitioned into a hybrid low-cost model. This means you can expect unbundled fares, optional seat selection, and pay-per-bag pricing,even on international routes.
That said, it still operates as part of Star Alliance, offers a business class cabin on select routes, and runs a frequent flyer program (LifeMiles) that’s widely used among award travelers. So while its pricing and onboard product feel more like JetSMART or Volaris in some ways, its network and loyalty integrations make it more complex.
The bottom line? Avianca is a low-cost airline in structure, but not in reach. It serves over 65 destinations across Latin America, North America, and Europe. However, what you get in terms of comfort, baggage, and service depends entirely on the fare you buy.
What’s the Experience Like in Economy Class?
Economy is where most Avianca passengers fly, and the experience is very much à la carte now.
Avianca’s Airbus A320 family aircraft,the backbone of its regional fleet,have been reconfigured with densified seating. That means reduced seat pitch (usually 28 to 30 inches), slimline seats with minimal padding, and no built-in screens. I’ve flown these aircraft on flights from Bogotá to Lima and San Salvador to Miami, and seat comfort is manageable for short flights but tight for anything over four hours.
Unless you pay for an “XL” seat or an emergency exit row, legroom is limited. The slimline seat design also means there’s no seat pocket,just an elastic net,and tray tables are smaller than average.
There’s no complimentary food or beverage service. You can purchase drinks and snacks onboard, though the selection is limited. If I’m flying Avianca in Economy, I always bring my own food and entertainment, since Wi-Fi isn’t available on most of the narrow-body fleet either.
If you fly on their Boeing 787 Dreamliner,used for long-haul routes like Bogotá to Madrid or Los Angeles,you’ll get a more traditional wide-body Economy experience. These seats have more padding, a standard 31-inch pitch, and a seatback entertainment system. The service is also more structured, with meal and drink service included on long-haul flights.
What About Business Class?
Avianca Business Class is available only on select long-haul routes and a few regional flights operated by wide-body aircraft.
I flew Avianca’s 787 Business Class from Bogotá to Madrid last year. The layout was a 1-2-1 configuration with fully flat seats, decent privacy, and a modern, calm cabin. The seat width was around 21 inches, and the bed length about 75 inches,comfortable enough for a red-eye.
The service was polite but basic. The crew was attentive during meals but largely disappeared during rest periods. Amenity kits were provided and included all the essentials,eye mask, socks, moisturizer, and toothbrush. The meal was served in two courses, with a main dish I’d call average at best. Not bad, not memorable.
Where Avianca’s Business Class suffers most is in consistency. On older A330s or even 787s that haven’t been upgraded, the seats may be outdated or poorly maintained. Additionally, service standards can vary widely depending on the route and crew.
For short-haul flights within Latin America, Business Class (if offered) usually just gives you a wider seat and priority boarding,very similar to U.S. domestic first class.
Is the Onboard Experience Consistent?
In a word: No. And that’s probably Avianca’s biggest weakness right now.
Between the ultra-dense narrow-body aircraft and the older wide-bodies, there’s a big gap in quality. You could fly a 90-minute flight in an A320 with no recline and no power outlets, and then board a Dreamliner with lie-flat seats and inflight entertainment a few hours later. It’s important to know what you’re booking and manage expectations.
Also, since Avianca charges for almost everything à la carte in Economy,bags, meals, even printing a boarding pass at the airport,you need to be proactive. Their app is decent for check-in and boarding passes, but don’t expect consistent gate announcements or priority boarding enforcement across airports.
How’s the Ground Service?
Avianca’s check-in and boarding processes are generally efficient in major hubs like Bogotá (BOG), San Salvador (SAL), and Lima (LIM), but more chaotic in smaller airports.
Check-in counters open early and close strictly, so arriving at least two hours before departure is necessary,especially if you’re checking a bag. Self-service kiosks are available in some airports, but lines can be long during peak times.
If you have Star Alliance Gold status or fly Business Class, you get access to priority lanes and lounge access. Avianca operates a few of its own lounges,like the VIP Lounge in Bogotá Terminal 1,which is functional but often overcrowded. Food options are basic, but the seating, coffee, and showers are appreciated during long layovers.
Outside Colombia and El Salvador, Avianca uses partner lounges, which vary in quality. The United Clubs in the U.S. are fine for short stays, while lounges in Central America tend to be more modest.
What Is the In-Flight Experience Like?
Food and Drinks
- Economy: Nothing is complimentary. You can purchase snacks and drinks onboard, or preorder meals online.
- Business Class: Includes full meals and beverages. Menus vary by route and often feature a Colombian option.
If you’re flying in economy, I recommend bringing your own snacks. Service speed and stock availability can vary widely.
Entertainment
- Wi-Fi streaming service (Avianca Play) on select aircraft lets you stream to your own device
- No seatback screens on most A320s and 319s
- Business Class on the 787 has personal IFE screens with movies and series in multiple languages
Bring your own headphones and power bank,USB charging is not consistent across the fleet, and there are no AC power outlets on short-haul planes.
What Do Fares Include?
Avianca’s fares are split into multiple tiers, and what you get depends on what you pay for.
Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- XS fare: No carry-on, no checked bag, no seat selection, no changes allowed
- S or M fare: Add a carry-on and sometimes a checked bag
- L and XL fares: Include baggage, seat selection, and more flexible change policies
This low-cost model helps keep base fares low,often very low,but if you add extras like bags and seat selection, the final cost can rival full-service carriers. Always compare final pricing.
Is Avianca Safe and Reliable?
Avianca is certified by IOSA and adheres to international safety standards. The airline has had incidents in the past but maintains a solid safety record overall.
Punctuality, however, is mixed. In my experience, Avianca’s long-haul flights are generally on time, but short-haul and regional routes often run late,especially out of congested hubs like Bogotá. Delays are common, and customer service during irregular operations is not always responsive.
How Does Avianca Compare to Other Latin American Airlines?
| Feature | Avianca | LATAM | Aeroméxico | Copa |
| Seat comfort | Moderate | Moderate | Better on 737 MAX | Good for recliners |
| Baggage policy | Strict low-cost | More inclusive | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Onboard service | Buy-on-board | Some meals | Complimentary | Basic |
| IFE | Streaming on some aircraft | Better selection | Seatback screens | Limited |
| Reliability | Inconsistent | Moderate | Moderate | High |
If you value low fares and know how to navigate extras, Avianca can be a cost-effective choice. But it doesn’t offer the polish or comfort that premium regional carriers do.
What’s the Verdict? Is Avianca Worth It?
That depends entirely on your expectations.
If you’re looking for a no-frills, low-cost way to get from point A to point B in Latin America or between Latin America and the U.S., Avianca can absolutely be worth it,if you know what you’re getting.
The prices are often unbeatable. I’ve flown one-way between Bogotá and Miami for under $150, and long-haul flights to Europe for less than $600. If you travel light, check in online, and bring your own food, you can save a lot.
However, if comfort, consistency, and onboard perks are important to you,especially in Economy,Avianca may not meet your expectations. In Business Class, the experience is solid when you’re on the 787, but it’s nowhere near the level of Qatar, Delta One, or Turkish Airlines.
The airline is evolving, and so far, its strength lies in network coverage and affordability,not luxury or reliability.
If you book wisely, Avianca can still be a practical and cost-effective choice in Latin America. But read the fine print, double-check the aircraft type, and prepare for some variability along the way.
Who Should Fly Avianca?
Avianca is best for:
- Budget travelers in Latin America
- Backpackers and digital nomads flying regionally
- Mileage redeemers using Star Alliance programs (e.g., United, Aeroplan)
- Travelers with lounge access via credit cards or status
Not ideal for:
- Business travelers needing reliability and in-flight connectivity
- Families traveling with checked luggage (unless bundled)
- Travelers expecting traditional full-service amenities
FAQ: Avianca Airlines
Is Avianca a low-cost airline?
Avianca is a hybrid low-cost airline,basic economy has stripped-down service, but Business Class and premium fares retain some full-service elements.
Does Avianca serve free meals?
Not in economy. Only Business Class passengers receive meals. Economy passengers must preorder or buy onboard.
Can I bring a carry-on for free?
Only fares M and above include a carry-on bag. XS and S fares include personal item only.
Does Avianca have Wi-Fi?
No traditional onboard Wi-Fi. Select aircraft offer Avianca Play, a streaming entertainment service via your device.
Can I use United or Aeroplan miles on Avianca?
Yes. Avianca is part of Star Alliance, and award flights can be booked through partners like United MileagePlus and Aeroplan.