AV · Colombia · Full-service
Avianca Cabin Bag Rules 2026 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8"
By Caden Sorenson Updated May 5, 2026 Sourced from the official Avianca policy
Exact Avianca cabin bag dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.
Quick answer
Avianca cabin bag bags can be up to 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8" (55 x 35 x 25 cm), with a 10 kg (22 lb) weight limit, and no cabin bag fee on most fares.
- Carry-on size: up to 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8" (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
- Weight limit: 10 kg (22 lb)
- Carry-on fee: free on most fares
- Personal item: up to 17.7 x 13.7 x 7.9", free on every fare
- Gate-check risk: Medium
- Last verified: May 5, 2026
Carry-On Bag
- Max dimensions (in)
- 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 55 x 35 x 25 cm
- Weight limit
- 10 kg (22 lb)
- Fee
- Free
- Gate-check risk
- Medium
XS Basic fares do not include a carry-on. All other fares include one carry-on plus one personal item.
Personal Item
- Max dimensions (in)
- 17.7 x 13.7 x 7.9"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 45 x 35 x 20 cm
- Included
- Yes, free
Included free on every fare.
See checked bag fees & moreAvianca cabin bag dimensions and bag size
The maximum Avianca cabin bag size is 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 inches, which works out to 55 x 35 x 25 cm. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on Avianca match the published limits closely, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can fail if its wheels push the total past 21.6 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.
Avianca cabin bag weight limit
Avianca limits carry-on bags to 10 kg (22 lb). Most domestic check-in counters do not weigh carry-ons, but gate agents can pull bags that look heavy. If your bag is over the limit, expect to be asked to check it, sometimes at a higher gate-check fee.
Does Avianca charge for cabin bag bags?
No. Avianca includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only. Check your specific fare rules before you book.
What bags fit as a Avianca personal item
Common bag types compared against the Avianca personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.
| Bag type | Typical size | On Avianca |
|---|---|---|
| Standard backpack Everyday daypack, laptop backpack | 18 x 13 x 8" | Too big |
| Tote bag Canvas or leather tote | 15 x 14 x 5" | Too big |
| Laptop bag Messenger or slim briefcase | 16 x 12 x 4" | Fits |
| Small duffel Gym or weekender | 18 x 11 x 11" | Too big |
| Purse Handbag or crossbody | 12 x 10 x 5" | Fits |
| Under-seat roller Mini wheeled bag | 16 x 14 x 8" | Too big |
Avianca carry-on by fare class
| Fare | Carry-on | Personal item | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS (Basic) | Not included | Included | On domestic flights, Basic remains personal item only; carry-on must be purchased. |
| S (Light) | Included | Included | As of January 27, 2026, Light fares on international flights across the Americas include a 10 kg carry-on. |
| M (Classic) | Included | Included | Standard Economy fare with carry-on and personal item. |
| L (Flex) | Included | Included | Flexible Economy with carry-on and added change benefits. |
| Business | Included | Included | Priority boarding and higher cabin weight allowance. |
Common Avianca carry-on mistakes
- Assuming pre-2026 Avianca rules still apply. International Light fares now include a carry-on, so travelers who still pay the carry-on add-on are wasting money.
- Confusing domestic and international Basic. Domestic Basic in Colombia still excludes the overhead bag.
- Packing over 10 kg in the cabin bag. Avianca enforces the 10 kg cap and will gate-check heavier bags.
Avianca vs LATAM Airlines carry-on
Avianca and LATAM share the same 55 by 35 by 25 cm carry-on box and the same 10 kg Economy cap, which makes bag choice portable between the two South American majors. The 2026 divergence is at the bottom of the fare ladder. Avianca's international Light now bundles the carry-on at no extra charge, while LATAM Basic still strips the overhead bag and forces you to buy it back up to six hours before departure. LATAM rewards premium travelers with higher cabin weight, 16 kg in Premium Economy and Premium Business versus Avianca's 10 kg Economy standard. If you fly cheap and carry a roller, Avianca is the better default right now.
See LATAM Airlines carry-on sizeAvianca checked baggage fees
Basic fare does NOT include a checked bag. Adding a checked bag on a Basic fare starts at $25 for the first and $35 for the second (XS size, prepaid online in the Americas). Classic, Flex, and Business fares include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg / 50 lb (62 linear in). Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb. Pre-purchase at least 48 hours before departure for the lowest rate.
Ways to skip the Avianca checked bag fee
- Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Avianca carry-on size.
- Use a Avianca co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
- Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
- Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.
Avianca special items & sports equipment
- Ski / snowboard
- Not published
- Golf clubs
- Not published
- Bicycle
- Not published
- Pet in cabin
- Not published
- Pet as cargo
- Not published
Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on (where carry-on is included). Larger instruments can be checked at standard bag rates.
Sports equipment is treated as a standard checked bag on Avianca if within size and weight limits. Pet-in-cabin is available on most routes; fees vary by origin.
Avianca basic economy restrictions
- Carry-on allowed
- Yes
- Personal item allowed
- Yes
- Checked bag surcharge
- $25
- No checked bag included (must purchase)
- Carry-on included on domestic Americas routes (added Feb 2026)
- No seat selection
- No changes or refunds
- No LifeMiles earning on some routes
Frequently asked questions
What is the Avianca carry-on size limit?
Avianca allows carry-on bags up to 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8" (55 x 35 x 25 cm), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. The weight limit is 10 kg (22 lb).
What are the Avianca carry-on dimensions in cm?
The Avianca carry-on size limit in centimeters is 55 x 35 x 25 cm. In inches that converts to 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.
What is the Avianca carry-on weight limit?
Avianca limits carry-on bags to 10 kg (22 lb). Overweight carry-ons are usually asked to be checked at the gate, which can trigger a gate-check fee.
Does Avianca charge for carry-on bags?
No. Avianca includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only.
What is the Avianca personal item size?
The personal item on Avianca must fit within 17.7 x 13.7 x 7.9" (45 x 35 x 20 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Included free on every fare.
Will my bag be gate-checked on Avianca?
Avianca currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.
Can I bring a carry-on on Avianca Basic?
Yes. Avianca Basic passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item.
Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a Avianca carry-on?
Not always. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on exceeds the Avianca published limit of 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8" on at least one axis. A slightly smaller bag is a safer choice.
Does a backpack count as a personal item on Avianca?
A standard daypack (roughly 18 x 13 x 8 inches) usually fits within the Avianca personal item limit of 17.7 x 13.7 x 7.9". The bag must slide fully under the seat in front of you. Oversized hiking or travel backpacks will not fit and count as a carry-on.
Does Avianca weigh personal items?
Avianca does not weigh personal items. The only requirement is that the bag fits fully under the seat in front of you. If it does not fit, gate agents may ask you to move it to the overhead bin, which counts as a carry-on.
How much does a checked bag cost on Avianca?
The first checked bag on Avianca costs $25 for domestic economy. A second bag costs $35. International fares and premium cabins may include free checked bags.
Flying Avianca out of these airports?
Check terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips for major Avianca hubs and focus cities.
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Helpful guides
Gear, tactics, and packing help for your Avianca flight.
- Best carry-on bags for Avianca in 2026Eight carry-ons tested against every major airline sizer, from budget to premium.
- How to avoid checked baggage feesSeven tactics and three airline-card combos that save $45 to $100 per trip.
- Best AI packing list generatorsGenerate a Avianca-sized packing list in seconds with weather-aware AI tools.
- Free embeddable widgetsDrop a carry-on reference card or bag-fit checker into any travel blog with a short HTML snippet.
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Sources & verification
Last verified 2026-05-05 against the official Avianca policy at https://www.avianca.com/en/information-and-help/baggage/ . Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with Avianca before flying. See our research methodology.