About Avianca
Avianca is Latin America's second-largest airline and one of the oldest carriers in the world — a full-service legacy airline, not a budget operation. Its network of 328 non-stop routes across 83 airports is built around Bogota's El Dorado International (BOG), which alone connects 69 routes. The airline's real strength is South and Central America, with Colombia accounting for 156 routes across the entire network. Think of Avianca as the backbone of air travel between the Americas, with reach that smaller regional carriers simply can't match.
Why fly Avianca?
The honest case for Avianca comes down to coverage and connectivity. If you're moving through Colombia, El Salvador, or Ecuador, there's often no better-connected option. BOG is one of the most useful connecting hubs in the Americas for southbound travel — and Avianca leans into that hard, running 69 routes from there alone. The LifeMiles frequent flyer program is genuinely underrated; points can be earned and burned across partner airlines, which matters if you're points-stacking across multiple programs. For the SAL-MAD route at 8,665 km, Avianca is one of the few carriers flying Central America directly into Europe, which cuts out a frustrating North American connection. Service quality sits comfortably above budget carriers without the price tag of a premium transatlantic operator.
Avianca hub airports
- BOG Bogota — 69 Avianca routes from Colombia
- SAL San Salvador — 27 Avianca routes from El Salvador
- MDE Medellin — 27 Avianca routes from Colombia
- UIO Quito — 11 Avianca routes from Ecuador
- CLO Cali — 10 Avianca routes from Colombia
Top destination countries on Avianca
- Colombia — 156 Avianca routes
- USA — 41 Avianca routes
- El Salvador — 27 Avianca routes
- Ecuador — 26 Avianca routes
- Guatemala — 11 Avianca routes
- Costa Rica — 10 Avianca routes
- Mexico — 9 Avianca routes
- Argentina — 6 Avianca routes
Tips for booking Avianca
Book directly through Avianca's site for the best fare class visibility — third-party sites often surface higher booking classes that earn fewer LifeMiles. If you're connecting through BOG, build in at least 90 minutes; it's a big airport and immigration can slow things down. San Salvador (SAL) is a smart positioning hub if you're heading to Madrid — the SAL-MAD route is long but avoids the chaos of routing through Miami or New York. Check your baggage allowance carefully against your fare type before booking; carry-on inclusions vary more than you'd expect between economy tiers.
Frequently asked questions about Avianca
Where does Avianca fly?
Avianca operates 328 routes primarily connecting Colombia, the United States, and El Salvador, serving major cities across Central America and North America. The airline focuses on regional and international routes, making it a key carrier for travel within and from the Americas.
What is Avianca's main hub?
Avianca's primary hub is Bogotá (BOG), located in Colombia, which serves as the airline's central connection point for most of its network.
Is Avianca a legacy carrier, low-cost airline, or regional carrier?
Avianca is a legacy carrier with a regional focus, operating a substantial network across Central and South America with service to the United States. As an established airline with multiple routes and destinations, it operates as a full-service carrier rather than a budget or ultra-low-cost option.
When should I book flights with Avianca?
For the best fares, book 2-3 weeks in advance, though prices vary by route and season. Avianca typically offers multiple fare classes, so compare options based on your flexibility and baggage needs.
What should I know about baggage and check-in with Avianca?
Baggage allowances vary by fare class and route, so check your booking confirmation for specifics. Online check-in is available 24 hours before departure, and it's recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours before international flights.