How Avianca refunds generally work
Whether you get cash back usually comes down to two things: your fare, and who caused the change.
Higher fares (typically L and business XXL) are more likely to allow a cash refund; the lowest XS fare usually is not refundable when you cancel by choice.
If Avianca cancels or significantly reschedules your flight, a refund to your original payment method is generally available — regardless of how cheap the fare was.
You'll often keep the ticket's value as a travel credit rather than getting money back. Credits carry expiry dates and conditions, so it's worth using them intentionally.
Bought in the US and cancelling within 24 hours, at least 7 days before departure? US rules generally give you a full refund regardless of fare.
Card refunds usually take one or more billing cycles to appear. Requesting it correctly the first time is the fastest path — that's where we help.
Eligibility depends on your fare rules, route and the reason for the refund. We never quote refund amounts because yours depends on your ticket — an agent confirms what you're owed before anything is filed.
Will it be cash, credit, or nothing?
The two questions that decide almost every Avianca refund.
Cash refund is likely when…
Best case
- Avianca cancelled or significantly rescheduled
- You hold a refundable fare (often L / XXL)
- You cancel within the US 24-hour window
- A refund goes back to your original payment
Credit or nothing is likely when…
Restricted fares
- You cancel a restricted XS fare by choice
- The fare rules exclude a cash refund
- Value may survive as a travel credit instead
- Credits have expiry dates and conditions
How to give a refund its best chance
Small things that speed it up or avoid a rejection.
- Request it through the right channel for how the ticket was issued
- Keep your reservation code and any cancellation notice
- Ask whether cash or credit applies before accepting
- Expect card refunds to take one or more billing cycles
Airline-caused disruption changes everything. Even a non-refundable XS fare can qualify for a refund when Avianca cancels or heavily delays the flight — don't assume you're stuck with a credit. Call us and we'll check.
Frequently asked
Avianca cancelled my flight — am I entitled to cash?+
I have a non-refundable XS fare. Any options?+
Can I get miles or a credit instead of cash?+
Do you charge to request a refund?+
Contact options
Reach Avianca directly, or let us handle it.
Contact Avianca directly
The airline's own official channels — free.