How Avianca changes and cancellations generally work
The rules in plain language. Your exact fare always decides, and we confirm it on the call.
Flex and Business Flex are the flexible ones, with changes and a refund available before the flight. Basic, Light, Classic and Business Classic are not refundable, and a change on them is a paid add-on. Knowing your fare is the first step.
Avianca's lowest fares do not allow a free change and give nothing back if you cancel by choice. Before you write a ticket off, let us read your exact conditions, because a disruption Avianca caused or a retracto window can still help.
Avianca honors legal cooling-off rights that most sites never explain. Colombia allows withdrawal within 5 business days when the flight is not within 5 days of purchase, Ecuador within 2 business days, and El Salvador within 8 calendar days. These are worth acting on quickly.
Tickets issued in the United States generally qualify for a free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, as long as departure is 7 or more days away. Tell us fast if you just booked, because timing is strict.
When the disruption is Avianca's, such as a cancellation or a schedule change of 15 minutes or more, you are generally offered a free rebooking or a refund, even on a restricted fare.
Change and cancellation conditions depend on your fare, route and how the ticket was issued. We never publish amounts because yours is specific to your ticket. An agent quotes the exact figure, and our service fee, before anything is charged. You can always do it yourself free at avianca.com.
Avianca fares and how easily they flex
Where your ticket sits on the ladder decides how much it can move. Higher means more flexible.
Refund, tax recovery, or nothing? What is likely
It comes down to who caused the change and which fare you hold.
You cancel by choice
Most common
- Basic and Light return nothing
- Classic and Business Classic are not refundable
- You may still recover the applicable taxes on unused segments
- Flex and Business Flex are refundable before the flight
Avianca cancels or reschedules
Better for you
- A refund or free rebooking is generally offered
- Applies even on Basic and Light
- A schedule change of 15 minutes or more qualifies
- A Bogota misconnection Avianca caused is generally rebooked
Know your retracto rights. Colombia gives 5 business days to withdraw when the flight is not within 5 days of purchase, Ecuador gives 2 business days, and El Salvador gives 8 calendar days. On a US-issued ticket departing 7 or more days out, the 24-hour rule can also apply. If you just booked and want out, call us before the window closes.
Frequently asked
Can I change a Basic ticket on Avianca?+
Will I get money back or nothing?+
I booked in the US yesterday, can I cancel free?+
Do you charge to change it for me?+
Contact options
Reach Avianca directly, or let us handle it.
Contact Avianca directly
The airline's own official channels, free.