Avianca Airlines Compensation

Avianca Airlines aircraft flying over airport with clean white background and compensation banner showing passenger rights including flight disruptions baggage tarmac delays and accessibility services

Welcome to your ultimate resource for understanding your passenger rights with Avianca Airlines under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), enforced by the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA). This comprehensive guide details your entitlements for flight disruptions, baggage issues, tarmac delays, and accessibility needs, ensuring you’re fully informed about compensation and support when travelling with Avianca, a leading Latin American airline operating flights to and from Canada.

If your Avianca flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked in Canada, you may be eligible for up to $1,000 CAD compensation under Canadian APPR. This page explains Avianca Airlines' delay compensation, flight cancellation compensation, and denied boarding claims in Canada under APPR.

Introduction to Avianca Airlines

Avianca, headquartered in Bogotá, Colombia, is a Star Alliance member and one of Latin America’s largest airlines, operating a modern fleet including Airbus A320s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Serving over 60 destinations, Avianca connects Canada (e.g., Toronto YYZ, Montreal YUL) to key hubs like Bogotá (BOG), Medellín (MDE), and San Salvador (SAL). As a large carrier under the APPR, Avianca is committed to fair treatment, clear communication, and compensation for eligible disruptions.

Key Services

Global Network: Flights to and from Canada with connections across Latin America and Europe.
Premium Offerings: Economy and Business Class with in-flight entertainment, meals, and Wi-Fi on select aircraft.
LifeMiles Program: Earn and redeem miles for flights, upgrades, or additional services.
Commitment to APPR: Avianca adheres to CTA regulations and the Montreal Convention, ensuring timely updates, standards of treatment, and compensation for disruptions on Canadian routes.

Flight Delays

Your Rights During Flight Delays

When an Avianca flight to/from Canada is delayed, the airline must:

Provide Timely Updates: Notify passengers every 30 minutes with the reason for the delay (e.g., mechanical issues, crew shortages) via gate announcements, email, SMS, or the Avianca app.
Standards of Treatment: For delays within Avianca’s control or required for safety, if notified less than 12 hours before departure, and the delay is 2 hours or more:

Food and Beverages:
- Meals or refreshments must be provided in reasonable quantities, taking into account the length of the delay, time of day, and airport facilities.
- Breakfast, lunch, or dinner for 3+ hour delays, if an overnight stay is required.
- Communication Access: Free Wi-Fi or phone calls to manage travel plans.
- Accommodation: For overnight delays, hotel or comparable lodging and transportation to/from the airport for out-of-town passengers, subject to availability.

Compensation for Delays

For delays within Avianca’s control (e.g., overbooking, non-safety maintenance), compensation is based on delay duration at your final destination:

3-6 Hours: CAD 400
6-9 Hours: CAD 700
9+ Hours: CAD 1,000

Exclusions: No compensation for delays outside Avianca’s control (e.g., weather, air traffic control), informed 14 days or more in advance, or if compensated under another regime (e.g., EU 261/2004). Claims must be filed within one year.

Additional Notes: You may opt for a refund instead of rebooking if travel no longer serves a purpose. Compensation may still apply if the disruption was within Avianca’s control and meets APPR criteria. For international flights, Montreal Convention may provide up to approximately 1,519 SDR (~CAD 2,800) for damages or expenses.

Avianca flight delayed in Canada? You could claim up to $1,000 CAD compensation. Check your eligibility – free in 2 minutes.

Flight Cancellations

Your Rights During Flight Cancellations

When Avianca cancels a flight to/from Canada:

Prompt Notification: Avianca must inform passengers of the cancellation reason (e.g., operational constraints, safety issues) via email, SMS, or gate announcements.
Rebooking or Refund Options:

Rebooking:
- Within Avianca’s control: Rebooking on Avianca’s next available flight or a partner airline within 9 hours. If the airline cannot provide a confirmed reservation within 9 hours, it must rebook the passenger on a competing airline at no additional cost.
- Outside Avianca’s control or for safety: Rebooking within 48 hours on Avianca or a partner airline.
- Refund: Full refund for unused ticket portions and optional services (e.g., baggage fees). If not at your point of origin, return to your origin with a full refund.

Compensation for Cancellations

For cancellations within Avianca’s control with less than 14 days’ notice:

3-6 Hours Delay: CAD 400
6-9 Hours Delay: CAD 700
9+ Hours Delay: CAD 1,000

Exclusions: No compensation for cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, government orders), safety requirements, or if denied boarding compensation was received.

Additional Support: For cancellations outside Avianca’s control, refunds follow fare rules. Avianca may offer travel vouchers, but you can insist on a refund to the original payment method within 30 days.

Avianca flight cancelled in Canada? You may be entitled to up to $1,000 CAD compensation. Check your eligibility – free in 2 minutes.

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Missed Connections

Your Rights During Missed Connections

If an Avianca delay or cancellation causes a missed connection:

Communication: Regular updates via email, SMS, or airport staff about the missed connection and next steps.
Rebooking or Refund:
- Rebooking: Free rebooking on the next available Avianca or partner airline flight to your final destination.
- Refund: Full refund for unused ticket portions and optional services if travel no longer serves a purpose.

Compensation for Missed Connections

For missed connections within Avianca’s control:

3-6 Hours Delay: CAD 400
6-9 Hours Delay: CAD 700
9+ Hours Delay: CAD 1,000

Exclusions: Compensation applies only if Avianca is responsible. No compensation for weather, security issues, or if compensated elsewhere. Submit claims within one year.

Additional Notes: For codeshare flights, the operating carrier handles compensation and rebooking. Contact Avianca for assistance with partners.

Missed your connection due to an Avianca delay? You may be eligible for compensation. Check your eligibility now – fast and free.

Denied Boarding

Your Rights During Denied Boarding

If involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking or operational constraints within Avianca’s control:

Immediate Communication: Avianca must explain the reason (e.g., oversold flight) and outline your rights via gate agents or written notices.
Rebooking or Refund:
- Rebooking: Rebooking on Avianca’s next available flight or a partner airline within 9 hours. If the airline cannot provide a confirmed reservation within 9 hours, it must rebook the passenger on a competing airline at no additional cost.
- Refund: Full refund for unused ticket portions and optional services.
Standards of Treatment: Standards of Treatment apply when delay is 2 hours or more AND within control or safety-related AND notified <12 hours before departure:
- Food and beverages must be provided in reasonable quantities based on wait time, time of day, and airport conditions.
- Free phone call or email access.
- Overnight accommodation with transport for out-of-town passengers.

Compensation for Denied Boarding

For involuntary denials within Avianca’s control:

3-6 Hours Delay: CAD 900
6-9 Hours Delay: CAD 1,800
9+ Hours Delay: CAD 2,400

Exclusions: No compensation if denied for safety, security, non-compliance with check-in rules, or if offered equivalent seating. Claims must be filed within one year.

Volunteer Process: Avianca solicits volunteers to give up seats in exchange for compensation (e.g., travel credits, LifeMiles) before involuntary denials, prioritizing unaccompanied minors, passengers with disabilities, and families.

Denied boarding on an Avianca flight? You could receive up to $2,400 CAD compensation. Check your eligibility – free in 2 minutes.

Baggage Issues

Your Rights for Baggage Issues

For lost, delayed, or damaged baggage:

Prompt Communication: Avianca provides updates via the Avianca app or baggage agents. File a report at the airport or online via Avianca customer support.
Compensation:
- Lost or Damaged Baggage: Up to 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (~CAD 2,800) under the Montreal Convention for international and domestic flights.
- Delayed Baggage: Reimbursement for reasonable interim expenses (e.g., toiletries, clothing) upon submitting receipts within 21 days. You may also be entitled to a refund of baggage fees for delayed or lost baggage.
- Baggage Fee Refund: Full refund of checked baggage fees for lost, delayed, or damaged bags.

Process:

Report damaged baggage immediately or within 7 days, delayed baggage within 21 days, via Avianca’s baggage issues page or damage page.
Avianca aims to deliver delayed bags within 24 hours or arrange pickup/delivery.

Additional Notes: Do not pack valuables (e.g., jewelry, electronics) in checked baggage. Excess valuation can be declared for high-value items. Normal wear and tear is not compensable. Check Avianca’s baggage policy for restrictions.

Lost or delayed baggage with Avianca? You may be entitled to compensation or reimbursement. Check your eligibility today – no win, no fee.

Avianca Airlines baggage issues infographic with baggage service desk luggage icons and steps to report delayed lost or damaged bags with compensation and claim process

Tarmac Delays

Your Rights During Tarmac Delays

For tarmac delays at Canadian airports after doors close for takeoff or after landing:

Communication: Updates every 30 minutes via onboard announcements or the Avianca app.
Care After 90 Minutes:
- Food and beverages in reasonable quantities based on delay length and time of day.
- Access to working lavatories.
- Proper ventilation, heating, or cooling.
- Medical assistance if needed.
Disembarkation: After 3 hours, the aircraft must return to the gate to allow passengers to disembark, unless takeoff is imminent within 45 minutes or safety/security prevents it. Priority disembarkation for passengers with disabilities and their support persons or animals.

Additional Notes: Disembarkation may not be possible due to safety, security, or air traffic control issues.

Stuck on the runway with Avianca? While compensation may be limited, you still have passenger rights. Check your eligibility now – free.

Reimbursement of Expenses

Your Rights for Reimbursement of Expenses

When Avianca causes flight delays, cancellations, or delayed baggage within their control, you may be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses:

Eligible Expenses: Costs for essentials (e.g., meals, toiletries, clothing) due to flight delays of 2 hours or more, cancellations with less than 14 days’ notice, or delayed baggage.
Submission Process: Submit the official itemized receipts from the vendor along with the expense details when submitting the compensation claim form on our website.
Standards of Treatment: For delays or cancellations within Avianca’s control, expect reimbursement for reasonable expenses (e.g., delays of 2 hours or more, hotel/transport for 3+ hour delays) if not provided by Avianca.

Reimbursement Limits

Delayed Baggage: Up to 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (~CAD 2,800) for reasonable interim expenses, plus refund of baggage fees.
Flight Delays/Cancellations: Reasonable expenses based on delay duration, location, and time of day (e.g., snacks for 1-3 hours, meals/hotel for 3+ hours).

Note: Expenses due to uncontrollable events (e.g., weather, air traffic control) are not reimbursable.

Paid out of pocket due to an Avianca disruption? You may be eligible for reimbursement. Check your eligibility – no win, no fee.

Start Your Avianca Airlines Compensation Claim Today

You could be entitled to up to $1000 CAD compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. Check your eligibility and start your claim in under 5 minutes—no win, no fee.