Avianca
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
Avianca is frequently criticized by travelers for its transition toward a low-cost carrier model, characterized by minimal in-flight amenities and a customer service system that many users describe as intentionally difficult to navigate. While some find value in their frequent flight schedules and competitive pricing, the prevailing sentiment is negative due to poor legroom and a reliance on automated support bots that make resolving issues or obtaining refunds nearly impossible.
Pros
- Frequent flight options on specific routes (e.g., three daily flights on some corridors)
- Competitive pricing for regional travel
- Standard overhead compartment sizes that accommodate compliant carry-on bags
Cons
- Extremely poor customer service often described as a 'bot loop' with no human access
- Very limited legroom and cramped seating compared to competitors
- Lack of basic in-flight amenities, including no free water
- Significant difficulty processing refunds or flight changes, even within legal grace periods
- Technical issues with the website and app that prevent self-management of bookings
Caveats
- The airline is reported to operate like a budget carrier regardless of the ticket price or class
- Strict enforcement of carry-on dimensions is common; bags exceeding limits are likely to be checked and charged
- Users report that the airline often disclaims responsibility for baggage issues once the passenger has left the airport
Best for
- Budget-conscious travelers who do not require any in-flight service
- Passengers traveling with only compliant carry-on luggage
- Short-haul flights where schedule frequency is the priority
Avoid if
- You require reliable customer support for potential itinerary changes
- You are tall or prioritize seat pitch and legroom
- You expect traditional full-service airline amenities like free beverages
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 18-month half-life. The evidence is based on a consistent cluster of reports from early 2026, primarily within travel-focused communities.
Sentiment
3 positive (17%) · 1 mixed (6%) · 14 negative (78%)
Trust + time weighted score: -55% · raw score -61%
What redditors said (10 of 18)
I flew Avianca in September 2021
I've traveled with Avianca often, three times last year alone, always with carry on only, and not once I've been asked to check it, but then again, it has always fit in the overhead compartment, which is pretty standard, so I suspect your bag was above the limits (which is on you).
Yes, Avianca can be a crap airline.
Quickest: fly Avianca (3 flights daily for $160+)
Avianca was ever thus.
I would like to discuss what recently happened to me on Avianca Airlines, both as a warning for those who wish to take them and as a cautionary tale.
I am writing this to warn passengers about the dangers of booking with this airline, including a cautionary tale of what could potentially happen to your personal property should you choose to book with them.
Since that time, Avianca has disclaimed responsibility, saying a carry-on bag was my responsibility, and not theirs. There has been no apology or acknowledgement of wrongdoing or negligence.
If you care about the airline’s service, avoid Avianca, they are awful: they operate customer service and seating like a low cost without being low cost.
I can't comment about the luggage, but I would recommend using copa instead of Avianca due to the small space there is between seats in Avianca and the fact that they don't give you even a cup of water.
Compare
Avianca vs Virgin AtlanticAvianca vs All Nippon AirwaysAvianca vs Changi Airport
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