Avianca Tightens Dimension Restrictions for Carry-On Personal Items

Colombian airline Avianca this month announced that it is tightening dimensions for the personal items that passengers will be permitted to carry on in its cabins.

Those boarding flights operated by the Bogotá-based carrier will now have to keep their personal items to a maximum of 45 x 35 x 20 cm (17.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches).

Avianca noted the change during a wider announcement regarding the coming of the summer high season, and the new policy has been met with widespread criticism by frequent travelers who have complained that it’s another example of the airline trying to pinch pennies and further cramp passengers following other cabin changes in recent years.

“Regarding the arrival of this holiday season, Avianca invites its customers to follow the following recommendations, so that they have a better travel experience,” stated the airline in its announcement.

The carrier describes potential personal items as a “purse, backpack, diaper bag, laptop bag, or package.”

Larger carry-on bags are included in certain fare tiers but incur additional charges on the most basic fare types.

These carry-on bags must fit in the overhead compartment of the aircraft cabin, with a maximum of 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and maximum dimensions of 55 x 35 x 25 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 inches) including wheels and handles.

(Photo credit: Avianca)