When it comes to planning your travel, flexibility can make all the difference. Whether your plans change unexpectedly or you simply need to adjust your flight for any reason, knowing how to navigate the Avianca flight change policy can save you time, money, and stress. Avianca, one of the leading airlines in Latin America, offers a range of options for passengers who need to modify their bookings. However, understanding the airline's policies on changes, including the associated fees and rules, is essential to ensure a smooth process.
In this blog post, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the Avianca flight change policy, including how to make changes to your booking, the fees involved, the types of tickets that allow changes, and tips to make the most of your flexibility.
What is the Avianca Flight Change Policy?
The Avianca flight change policy defines the terms and conditions under which you can modify your flight reservation. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these details before you book your flight, especially if you anticipate needing to make changes. The policy provides clarity on:
- When you can change your flight
- The fees involved
- The types of changes allowed
- How to go about changing your reservation
Avianca’s flight change policy offers flexibility for both domestic and international travelers, with the ability to adjust your departure date, time, destination, or even class of service. However, the fees and rules can vary depending on the type of ticket you have purchased.
Key Aspects of the Avianca Flight Change Policy
1. Flight Change Fees: What to Expect
Changing a flight is not always free, and the Avianca flight change policy makes it clear that change fees apply. These fees can vary based on several factors, including:
The Fare Type: Different fare types (e.g., economy, premium, business class) have different rules. Premium fares typically offer more flexibility, with lower or no change fees. On the other hand, economy or promotional fares often have stricter rules and higher fees for changes.
When You Make the Change: How far in advance you request the change can significantly impact the fees. Changes made closer to the departure date tend to incur higher fees, whereas making changes well in advance can save you money.
The Route: Some routes, especially international flights, may carry higher change fees due to the complexity of the booking.
Fare Difference: In addition to change fees, if the new flight you are booking is more expensive than your original flight, you will have to pay the fare difference. If the new flight costs less, you will not be refunded the difference.
2. Eligibility for Changes
The flexibility you have when changing your flight depends on the type of ticket you purchased. Avianca flight change policy typically distinguishes between refundable, non-refundable, and promotional tickets:
Refundable Tickets: These tickets offer the most flexibility, allowing you to change your flight with minimal fees. You may also receive a refund if you cancel your flight or opt for a new travel date. However, this flexibility comes at a higher initial price.
Non-Refundable Tickets: These tickets are generally cheaper but come with more restrictions. You can still change your flight, but non-refundable tickets typically come with higher change fees, and you may only receive a travel credit rather than a refund for any unused portion of your ticket.
Promotional Fares: Discounted or promotional tickets usually have the least flexibility. The Avianca flight change policy for these tickets can be restrictive, and while changes are possible, they often come with significant fees. In some cases, if you change your flight, you may only be given credit for future travel.
3. Changing Your Flight with Avianca: The Process
Making a change to your flight is fairly simple if you know the steps to follow. Avianca offers multiple ways to change your flight, including through their website, mobile app, and customer service. Here’s the process:
Step 1: Visit the Avianca Website
Log into the Avianca website or app and go to the "Manage My Booking" section. You will need your booking reference or e-ticket number, as well as your last name, to access your reservation.Step 2: Select the Change Option
Once you are in the "Manage My Booking" section, select the option to change your flight. You can adjust your travel dates, time, or even your destination (depending on availability).Step 3: Review Fees and Fare Differences
After selecting your changes, Avianca will display the fees for the change, including the change fee and any fare difference. Review these charges carefully before proceeding.Step 4: Make Payment
If applicable, you will need to pay any change fees or fare differences using the available payment options.Step 5: Confirmation
Once your changes are processed, you will receive an updated itinerary with your new flight details. Be sure to check your confirmation for accuracy.
If you’re unable to make changes online, or if you need assistance with more complex requests (such as destination changes), you can always contact Avianca’s customer service team for help.
4. How Far in Advance Can You Change Your Flight?
The timing of when you can change your flight plays a significant role in the Avianca flight change policy. Generally, you can modify your flight up to 24 hours before departure. However, the airline recommends making changes as early as possible to minimize fees and to ensure you get the flight options that work best for your new schedule.
Changes Up to 24 Hours Before Departure: If you change your flight within 24 hours of departure, be prepared for higher change fees. Last-minute changes often come with additional costs, especially if the flight is already booked and close to full.
Changes Made Far in Advance: If you change your flight well before the departure date, you’ll usually pay less in fees. You’ll also have more flexibility in choosing a new flight.
5. Changing Your Destination: Additional Considerations
Changing your destination is often more complicated than simply changing the date or time of your flight. The Avianca flight change policy allows for destination changes, but you’ll likely be responsible for:
Change Fees: Changing your destination comes with a standard change fee.
Fare Difference: If the new destination is more expensive, you’ll need to pay the difference. If it's cheaper, you won’t get a refund.
Changing your destination often requires more coordination and may not always be possible, especially if there are no available seats on the new flight.
6. What Happens If You Need to Cancel Instead of Changing?
In some cases, instead of changing your flight, you may decide to cancel it altogether. For refundable tickets, you can typically receive a full refund. Non-refundable tickets may provide a travel credit for future bookings. Promotional tickets may offer limited or no options for refunds or changes.
If your flight is canceled by Avianca (rather than you changing it), you’re entitled to either a full refund or to reschedule your flight at no additional charge.
Tips for Making the Most of the Avianca Flight Change Policy
Choose Flexible Tickets: If you think there’s a chance you may need to change your flight, investing in a flexible or refundable ticket is worth it, even though it costs more initially. It provides more options for changes without hefty fees.
Plan Ahead: The earlier you make changes, the less expensive it will generally be. Avoid last-minute changes if you can.
Check for Promotions and Waivers: In certain cases, such as during emergencies or extraordinary events (e.g., pandemics or natural disasters), Avianca may offer fee waivers or special rules for changing flights. Always check their website or customer service for current updates.
Travel Insurance: If you’re unsure about your ability to keep your plans, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers flight changes and cancellations.
Conclusion
Understanding the Avianca flight change policy is essential for travelers who want to ensure that modifying their flight plans is as easy and cost-effective as possible. Whether you’re looking to change the date, time, destination, or even the class of service, knowing the rules, fees, and flexibility options will help you navigate the process with ease. Keep in mind that purchasing flexible tickets, making changes well in advance, and checking for any special offers or waivers can make the process smoother and more affordable.
