Flying With a Dog on Avianca

Quick verdict

Avianca is one of the most reliable airlines when it comes to flying with a small dog in Latin America. It is also a solid choice for flights to the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Spain thanks to its direct routes and straightforward in-cabin pet policy. Avianca is also extremely service dog friendly.

• Best for: Small dogs in cabin and medium-to-large dogs in cargo
• Biggest downside: Extra logistics and restrictions for cargo travel
• Overall: One of the best options in Latin America for both cabin and cargo pet travel

In-cabin pet policy

Avianca allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on most routes, provided they meet size and carrier requirements.

Weight Limits

• Maximum combined weight: 10 kg (22 lbs)

Carrier Requirements

• Must fit completely under the seat in front of you
• Soft-sided carriers are strongly recommended
• Your pet must remain inside of the carrier at all times

Restrictions

• Limited number of pets per flight
• Not allowed in emergency exit rows
• Some international routes have additional requirements

Cost

• From $25 – $250 USD depending on destination

Booking Process

1. Book your ticket
2. Call Avianca
3. Request pet reservation
4. Wait for confirmation

👉 Pet spots are limited—book early.

Service Dog Policy

Avianca allows trained service dogs and emotional support animals to travel in the cabin at no additional cost, but requirements depend on your route.

• Emotional Support Dogs: You must present a medical certificate issued by a mental health professional proving your condition
• Service Dogs: Must be trained to perform a specific task helping a person with a disability.
• There is no weight or size restriction as long as the animal fits in your lap or at your feet without blocking the aisle
• Advance notice is typically required, especially on international routes.

You must call Avianca at least 48 hours before departure to add your emotional support dog. Service dogs can be added online when purchasing your ticket, or by calling in. There are additional requirements for travelling with assistance animals.

U.S. Routes

Flights to or from the United States follow U.S. Department of Transportation regulations:

• DOT service animal form required
• Airline may request advance submission
• Dog must remain under control at all times

Onboard Rules

• Service dogs are not required to be in a carrier
• Must be at your feet or on your lap
• Must be harnessed or leashed

Document rules can change frequently and requirements differ more for service dogs than pets. Always confirm directly with Avianca before travel.

Cargo / Checked Dog Policy

Avianca allows larger dogs that cannot fly in the cabin in the cargo hold. Some routes have cargo restrictions so you should always check with Avianca before booking.

Weight Limits

• Maximum: 70 kg (154 lbs) including the crate

👉 If your pet exceeds this limit, transport must be arranged through Avianca Cargo separately.

Crate Requirements

• Must be provided by you
• Must be made of rigid materials (fiberglass, metal, or hard plastic)
• Must meet airline safety standards

Cost

• Starts at $70 USD and up depending on size, weight and destination

Booking Process

• Must be booked at least 48 hours before departure
• Can be arranged through:
  • Contact center
  • Travel agencies
  • Airport sales points

👉 Cargo is a good option if your dog exceeds cabin limits, but requires more planning and documentation than in-cabin travel.

Route & Aircraft Considerations

Tip: Your dog’s comfort can vary significantly depending on the aircraft—especially on long flights.

Avianca operates across:

• South America
• Central America
• North America (Canada, United States, Mexico)
• Europe (Spain)

Best use cases:

• Direct flights within Latin America
• Flights to/from Spain
• Flights to/from Canada, U.S. or Mexico
• Travelling with a service dog
• Minimizing layovers with a dog

👉 Fewer connections = less stress and fewer complications.

Aircraft and what it means for your dog)

The type of aircraft can significantly impact your dog’s comfort

Boeing 787 Dreamliner

• Used for long-haul routes (including Spain)
• More spacious cabin and better air quality

👉 Best for long-distance travel with a dog

Airbus A320 & A319

• Used for regional and short-haul routes
• Good for small dogs, but tighter fit

👉 Tighter fit for dogs traveling in cabin

Airbus A330F

• Dedicated cargo aircraft
• Used for freight operations

👉 Large pets exceeding limits may be transported through cargo services separately.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

• Allows both cabin and cargo pet travel
• Accepts trained service dogs (including international routes)
• Strong international network (LATAM, U.S., Canada, Mexico, Spain)
• Direct routes reduce complexity

❌ Cons

• Cargo requires more planning and documentation
• Limited pet capacity per flight
• Booking requires manual confirmation

Our experience flying with Avianca

Beckham and I have flown numerous times internationally and locally with Avianca. With Beckham being a service pug, I find being able to add him to my booking when I am purchasing the ticket super convenient. He loves being able to sit on my lap and look out the airplane window when we are in the air which is a nice change of pace for him.

And the staff are super friendly, they all know their pet policies inside and out and we have never had a bad experience with them.

Frequently Asked Questions