How Avianca refunds generally work
Whether cash comes back usually turns on two things: which fare you bought, and who caused the change.
On Avianca, Flex in economy and Business Flex are the refundable fares, both before the flight. Basic, Light, Classic and Business Classic are not refundable when you cancel by choice.
If Avianca cancels your flight or makes a schedule change of 15 minutes or more, a refund or free rebooking is generally offered no matter how restricted the fare. Airline-caused disruption is the strongest ground for cash back.
Here is a detail most travelers miss. If your non-refundable ticket cannot be rescheduled, you may request a refund of the applicable taxes on the unused segments. It is not the full fare, but it is not nothing.
Avianca tickets issued in the United States generally qualify for a full refund if cancelled within 24 hours of booking, provided departure is 7 or more days away. It is one of the cleaner paths to your money back.
Card refunds usually take one or more billing cycles to appear. Filing the request correctly the first time is the fastest route, and that is 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 are owed, and our service fee, before anything is filed. You can also request it free at avianca.com.
Will it be cash, taxes, or nothing?
The two questions that settle almost every Avianca refund.
Cash refund is likely when...
Best case
- Avianca cancelled or made a 15-minute-plus schedule change
- You hold a Flex or Business Flex fare
- You cancel a US ticket within the 24-hour window, departing 7 or more days out
- The refund goes to your original payment
Taxes or nothing is likely when...
Non-refundable
- You cancel Basic, Light, Classic or Business Classic by choice
- Basic and Light return nothing of the fare
- You may still recover the applicable taxes on unused segments
- The fare rules exclude a cash refund
Where your fare stands on refunds
General guidance. Only two Avianca fares are refundable before the flight.
Airline-caused disruption changes everything. Even a Basic or Light Avianca ticket can qualify for a cash refund when Avianca cancels or reschedules the flight by 15 minutes or more. Do not assume you are stuck. Call us and we will check your ticket.
Frequently asked
Avianca cancelled my flight, am I entitled to cash?+
My fare is not refundable, do I get anything?+
How does the 24-hour rule work on Avianca?+
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.