AV vs LA · 2026 comparison
Avianca vs LATAM
Avianca wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare; LATAM wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. 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 carry-on on its cheapest fare
LATAM
LAWins 1 category
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
Quick verdict
Avianca wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare; LATAM wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.
- Carry-on size
- Avianca: 55 × 35 × 25 cm · LATAM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Avianca: Not on some basic fares · LATAM: Costs extra on basic fares
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- Avianca: 1 free bag · LATAM: 1 free bag
Side by side
| Avianca | LATAM | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 55 × 35 × 25 cm | 55 × 35 × 25 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Not on some basic fares | Costs extra on basic fares |
| Carry-on weight limit | 10 kg (22 lb) | 12 kg (26.5 lb) |
| Personal item | 45 × 35 × 20 cm | 45 × 35 × 20 cm |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | 1 free bag | 1 free bag |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | Star Alliance | None |
| Loyalty program | LifeMiles | LATAM Pass |
| Main hubs | BOG, SAL | SCL, GRU, LIM, BOG |
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
Both airlines allow a carry-on up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in).
Avianca's Basic can be personal-item only, while LATAM charges for it on its cheapest fare.
Carry-on weight limits: 10 kg (22 lb) on Avianca, 12 kg (26.5 lb) on LATAM.
Personal items: 45 × 35 × 20 cm (17.7 × 13.8 × 7.9 in) on Avianca, and 45 × 35 × 20 cm (17.7 × 13.8 × 7.9 in) on LATAM.
Avianca includes one bag with M and L on flights between the U.S. and South America, and LATAM includes one bag with Standard on flights between the U.S. and South America.
Basic economy
Avianca (Basic): The cheapest fares on many routes include only a personal item.
LATAM (Basic): Basic fares include only a personal item.
Loyalty and where they fly
Avianca is in Star Alliance and LATAM is not in an alliance.
Loyalty programs: LifeMiles (Avianca) and LATAM Pass (LATAM).
Avianca's main hubs are Bogotá (BOG), San Salvador (SAL). LATAM's are Santiago (SCL), São Paulo (GRU), Lima (LIM), Bogotá (BOG). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Avianca if you want…
- a carry-on on its cheapest fare
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from BOG, SAL
Choose LATAM if you want…
- a more generous carry-on weight limit
- nonstops from SCL, GRU, LIM
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 LATAM FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Avianca wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare; LATAM wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. 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)
- LATAM Airlines official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
Deals on Avianca, LATAM and more
Whichever airline you prefer, we'll email you when fares from your home airports drop well below normal.
Free plan available · 14-day free Premium+ trial · Cancel anytime