AV vs CM · 2026 comparison
Avianca vs Copa
Avianca wins on a bigger personal item; Copa wins on a bigger carry-on and a carry-on on its cheapest fare. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Avianca
AVWins 1 category
- A bigger personal item
Copa
CMWins 2 categories
- A bigger carry-on
- A carry-on on its cheapest fare
Quick verdict
Avianca wins on a bigger personal item; Copa wins on a bigger carry-on and a carry-on on its cheapest fare. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.
- Carry-on size
- Avianca: 55 × 35 × 25 cm · Copa: 22 × 14 × 10 in
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Avianca: Not on some basic fares · Copa: Included on every fare
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- Avianca: 1 free bag · Copa: 1 free bag
Side by side
| Avianca | Copa | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 55 × 35 × 25 cm | 22 × 14 × 10 in |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Not on some basic fares | Included on every fare |
| Carry-on weight limit | 10 kg (22 lb) | 10 kg (22 lb) |
| Personal item | 45 × 35 × 20 cm | 17 × 10 × 9 in |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | 1 free bag | 1 free bag |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | Star Alliance | Star Alliance |
| Loyalty program | LifeMiles | ConnectMiles |
| Main hubs | BOG, SAL | PTY |
Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.
Bags and fees
Avianca allows a carry-on up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), and Copa up to 22 × 14 × 10 in (56 × 36 × 25 cm), so Copa's is roomier.
Avianca's Basic can be personal-item only, while Copa includes it on every fare.
Carry-on weight limits: 10 kg (22 lb) on Avianca, 10 kg (22 lb) on Copa.
Personal items: 45 × 35 × 20 cm (17.7 × 13.8 × 7.9 in) on Avianca, and 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 23 cm) on Copa.
Avianca includes one bag with M and L on flights between the U.S. and South America, and Copa includes one bag with Economy Classic on flights between the U.S. and Latin America.
Basic economy
Avianca (Basic): The cheapest fares on many routes include only a personal item.
Copa (Economy Basic): Economy Basic includes a carry-on and a personal item, but no checked bag.
Loyalty and where they fly
Both are Star Alliance members, so status and miles can work across the two.
Loyalty programs: LifeMiles (Avianca) and ConnectMiles (Copa).
Avianca's main hubs are Bogotá (BOG), San Salvador (SAL). Copa's are Panama City (PTY). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Avianca if you want…
- a bigger personal item
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from BOG, SAL
Choose Copa if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- a carry-on on its cheapest fare
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from PTY
On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.
Avianca vs Copa FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Avianca wins on a bigger personal item; Copa wins on a bigger carry-on and a carry-on on its cheapest fare. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Avianca official baggage policy
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- Copa Airlines official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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