Avianca Carry On Rules: Everything You Need to Know

Avianca’s carry-on rules are very number-driven, and the airline is clear about two separate items: your personal item (under the seat) and your carry-on bag (overhead bin). The main thing to watch is that some fares include the carry-on automatically, while others treat it as an add-on—so it’s worth confirming what your specific ticket includes before you show up at the airport.

For quick comparisons across airlines, see my guide to airline carry-on luggage rules.

Avianca carry-on rules at a glance

• Personal item size: 45 × 35 × 20 cm (18″ × 14″ × 8″)
• Carry-on size: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (22″ × 14″ × 10″) (includes wheels and handles)
• Carry-on weight: 10 kg (22 lb)
• Allowance: Typically 1 personal item + (if included/purchased) 1 carry-on
• Liquids: 100 ml containers inside one clear, resealable 1-liter bag (details below)

Avianca personal item rules

Avianca defines the personal item as the under-seat bag (purse, backpack, diaper bag, laptop bag, or similar). It must fit under the seat in front of you.

• Size: 45 × 35 × 20 cm

Avianca also states that if your personal item exceeds the permitted dimensions and doesn’t fit in the size checkers, it can be treated as additional baggage and may incur an extra charge, with measurements verified at the airport and boarding gate.

Avianca carry-on size limit

Avianca’s published maximum size for a carry-on bag is:

• Size: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (including wheels and handles)

This is the number to pack to. If you’re close, measure the bag fully packed—overfilled exterior pockets are what usually push a bag over the limit.

If the bag is too big or too heavy, you’re going to have to pay a fee, so it’s always better to know your bag size and the limitations in advance.

Is a carry-on included on Avianca?

This is where Avianca can differ by fare type and route:

• Avianca states that all fares include one free personal item.
• For carry-on baggage, Avianca’s Help Center explains you can purchase carry-on baggage during booking or online check-in, and it notes this option is available if you purchased (or wish to purchase) a Basic fare.
• Avianca also publishes a fare comparison page that lists cabin-baggage inclusions by fare family, which can vary by market/route.

Practical takeaway: treat the personal item as guaranteed, and confirm whether your booking includes the 10 kg carry-on—or whether you need to add it—before travel day.

What happens if the flight is full?

Avianca notes that if the aircraft has high occupancy, your carry-on may be checked into the hold at no additional cost. If you’re traveling with valuables, medications, or anything breakable, keep those in your personal item so they stay with you in the cabin.

Avianca Carry-On Weight Limits

Avianca requires your carry-on bag and personal item to weigh less than 10 kg (22 lbs.) combined. However, they don’t weigh your carry-on items prior to boarding, so you’re generally not going to have a problem if it’s too heavy. The weight issue applies to check baggage more than carry-on bags since they weigh your checked bags when you check in for your flight.

Recommended carry-on bag for Avianca: Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-On Spinner (19″)

When you’re flying internationally, the safest play is a carry-on that matches international sizing norms rather than domestic max dimensions. That’s why I recommend the Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-On Spinner (19″)—it’s compact for a spinner, rolls well, and it’s a reliable “default” bag for a lot of international itineraries.

If the airline you’re flying is known for strict sizing or weight checks, keep the bag unexpanded and avoid overstuffing exterior pockets so it stays as slim as it measures.

Manufacturer dimensions:

• Overall dimensions: 21.75″ H × 15.75″ W × 7.75″ D (includes wheels and carry handles)
• Case dimensions: 19″ H × 15″ W × 7.75″ D

Important fit note for Avianca: Avianca’s published carry-on limit is 55 × 35 × 25 cm, and that 35 cm measurement can be the tricky one. The Maxlite 5 International’s overall width (15.75″ ≈ 40 cm) is wider than Avianca’s published 35 cm limit, so if you want the lowest-risk “fits the sizer” option specifically for Avianca, look for a carry-on whose external dimensions stay at or under 55 × 35 × 25 cm.

Restricted items for Carry-on

Before you board your flight, check the guidelines for the following items:

• Any size rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium or lithium-ion batteries. These may also be found in some MacBook Pro 15 models. Click here to check if your MacBook Pro has this issue:
• Liquid-battery-powered wheelchairs.
• Electric and gas lighters
• Smart Bags that are checked at the counter and at the gate with removable batteries will be allowed on board, so long as the passenger removes the battery and carries it on their person. It is the passenger’s responsibility to remove the battery.

Carry-On Liquids: Avianca Liquids Policy

The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA, EASA, and FAA. Avianca doesn’t have its own specific Liquids Policy, they just enforce the rules and policies of the Authorities.

• Containers with liquids and gel-like substances may hold up to 100 ml (maximum capacity must be printed on the container).
• All containers must be carried in a plastic bag (transparent, resealable, max. capacity of one liter). One bag per person.
• The bag must be presented separately at security. Take your liquids out of your carry-on baggage at the security screening point and present them separately. In exceptional cases, liquids may be opened during security checks and removed from their outer packaging.
• Liquid duty-free goods purchased at an international airport or on board an aircraft outside the EU must be transported in a tamper-proof, certified bag on connecting flights via an EU airport. The proof of purchase must be inside the bag and the bag must be sealed by the retailer.
• Medicines and special food (e.g., baby food) can be carried outside the plastic bag and must also be presented at security.

Below is a table that provides some examples of Non-solid Food and Personal Items that are considered “liquids”:

The TSA 3-1-1 Rule

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or one hundred milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and lotion.

Any liquid that does not meet the TSA 3-1-1 rule will either have to be checked with your luggage or will be thrown away at the security checkpoint.

Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food/child nourishment.

Avianca Carry-On Size and Fees

Avianca does not charge a fee for carry-on baggage that meets their size requirements. If your bag is too large and doesn’t meet Avianca’s carry-on restrictions, you may be charged a fee to gate-check it.