AV vs VB · 2026 comparison
Avianca vs Viva
Avianca wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and cheaper checked bags; Viva wins on a bigger carry-on. 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 2 categories
- A carry-on on its cheapest fare
- Cheaper checked bags
Viva
VBWins 1 category
- A bigger carry-on
Quick verdict
Avianca wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and cheaper checked bags; Viva wins on a bigger carry-on. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.
- Carry-on size
- Avianca: 55 × 35 × 25 cm · Viva: 55 × 40 × 25 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Avianca: Not on some basic fares · Viva: Costs extra on basic fares
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- Avianca: 1 free bag · Viva: $38–$65
Side by side
| Avianca | Viva | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 55 × 35 × 25 cm | 55 × 40 × 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) | 10 kg (22 lb) |
| Personal item | 45 × 35 × 20 cm | 45 × 35 × 20 cm |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | 1 free bag | $38–$65 |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | Star Alliance | None |
| Loyalty program | LifeMiles | None |
| Main hubs | BOG, SAL | MTY, MEX |
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 Viva up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 in), so Viva's is roomier.
Avianca's Basic can be personal-item only, while Viva charges for it on its cheapest fare.
Carry-on weight limits: 10 kg (22 lb) on Avianca, 10 kg (22 lb) on Viva.
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 Viva.
Avianca includes one bag with M and L on flights between the U.S. and South America, and a first checked bag on Viva costs $38–$65 on flights between the U.S. and Mexico.
Basic economy
Avianca (Basic): The cheapest fares on many routes include only a personal item.
Viva (Zero): The cheapest fare includes only a personal item.
Loyalty and where they fly
Avianca is in Star Alliance and Viva is not in an alliance.
Loyalty programs: LifeMiles (Avianca) and none (Viva).
Avianca's main hubs are Bogotá (BOG), San Salvador (SAL). Viva's are Monterrey (MTY), Mexico City (MEX). 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
- cheaper checked bags
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from BOG, SAL
Choose Viva if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- nonstops from MTY, MEX
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 Viva FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Avianca wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and cheaper checked bags; Viva wins on a bigger carry-on. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Other comparisons
Connecting at their hubs
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)
- Viva Aerobus official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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