Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, Avianca or Volaris?

Avianca: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), up to 10 kg (22 lb). Volaris: 55 × 40 × 25 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 in). Volaris allows the larger bag.

Do Avianca and Volaris include a carry-on on basic economy?

Avianca: The cheapest fares on many routes include only a personal item. Volaris: The Basic fare includes only a personal item.

Are Avianca and Volaris partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (Avianca: Star Alliance; Volaris: none), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

AV vs Y4 · 2026 comparison

Avianca vs Volaris

Avianca wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and cheaper checked bags; Volaris wins on a bigger carry-on and 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

Wins 2 categories

A carry-on on its cheapest fare
Cheaper checked bags

Volaris

Wins 2 categories

A bigger carry-on
A more generous carry-on weight limit

Quick verdict

Avianca wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and cheaper checked bags; Volaris wins on a bigger carry-on and 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 · Volaris: 55 × 40 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Avianca: Not on some basic fares · Volaris: Costs extra on basic fares
First checked bag (regular economy): Avianca: 1 free bag · Volaris: Up to $120

Side by side

	Avianca	Volaris
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)	None published
Personal item	45 × 35 × 20 cm	45 × 35 × 20 cm
First checked bag (regular economy)	1 free bag	Up to $120
Network
Alliance	Star Alliance	None
Loyalty program	LifeMiles	None
Main hubs	BOG, SAL	GDL, TIJ, 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 Volaris up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 in), so Volaris's is roomier.

Avianca's Basic can be personal-item only, while Volaris charges for it on its cheapest fare.

Avianca caps carry-ons at 10 kg (22 lb); Volaris publishes no limit.

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 Volaris.

Avianca includes one bag with M and L on flights between the U.S. and South America, and a first checked bag on Volaris costs Up to $120 on flights between the U.S. and Mexico.

Basic economy

Avianca (Basic): The cheapest fares on many routes include only a personal item.

Volaris (Basic): The Basic fare includes only a personal item.

Loyalty and where they fly

Avianca is in Star Alliance and Volaris is not in an alliance.

Loyalty programs: LifeMiles (Avianca) and none (Volaris).

Avianca's main hubs are Bogotá (BOG), San Salvador (SAL). Volaris's are Guadalajara (GDL), Tijuana (TIJ), 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 Volaris if you want…

a bigger carry-on
a more generous carry-on weight limit
nonstops from GDL, TIJ, 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.