Avianca now includes a carry-on bag in its cheapest international fares across the Americas, removing one of the most common extra charges faced by budget-conscious travelers. The airline says the change applies to tickets purchased on or after January 27, 2026, and is effective immediately on international routes throughout North, Central, and South America.
Under the updated policy, Avianca’s Light fare on international flights now comes with one personal item and one carry-on bag weighing up to 10 kg. Other services, such as checked baggage or seat selection, remain optional add-ons, allowing passengers to tailor their fare based on how they travel.
The update marks a notable shift in Avianca’s fare structure at a time when many travelers are increasingly sensitive to hidden fees. For passengers flying internationally within the Americas, the inclusion of a carry-on bag removes a cost that often turns a seemingly cheap ticket into a more expensive purchase by the time it reaches checkout.
According to the airline, the revised Light fare is designed to be clearer and more competitive, particularly for short- and medium-haul international trips where many travelers rely solely on cabin luggage. The policy does not apply to domestic routes, where Avianca will continue to offer its Basic fare, which includes only one personal item.
“We continue to evolve our value proposition to offer clear and competitive options that align with different travel needs. The inclusion of carry-on baggage in the Light fare for international flights is part of that process and integrates seamlessly with the rest of the product attributes,” said Otto Gergye, Chief Commercial Officer.
Part of a broader set of upgrades in 2026
The baggage update is one element of a broader series of changes Avianca has rolled out throughout 2026. The airline has expanded its Business Class Americas product across its entire network, including domestic flights within Colombia, Ecuador, and Guatemala, signaling a renewed focus on both ends of the market.
On the ground, Avianca has also invested in service improvements, including the expansion of Insignia by Avianca check-in and the renovation of its VIP lounges. In the air, the carrier is progressively rolling out onboard Wi-Fi connectivity, a feature that remains uneven across short-haul routes in the region.
For travelers, the timing of the baggage change may be particularly relevant ahead of peak travel periods, when demand for flights across the Americas typically rises. Because fare conditions are determined by the ticket purchase date, passengers who booked before January 27, 2026, will not automatically receive the updated baggage allowance unless their ticket type already includes it.
Avianca says tickets with the new Light fare conditions are available through its website, mobile app, contact center, and travel agencies. The airline emphasizes that other fare types are unaffected, maintaining a tiered structure that ranges from stripped-back options to more inclusive bundles.
As airlines continue to experiment with unbundled pricing, Avianca’s move suggests a recalibration rather than a full retreat from à la carte fees. By folding a carry-on bag into its cheapest international fares, the carrier appears to be betting that simplicity and transparency can be just as competitive as the lowest headline price.
