There was a mechanical issue with the plane that they had to work on before we could take off. That's fine, by all means, PLEASE make sure the mechanics are functioning properly. What was a problem was the fact that we sat on the tarmac for 4.5 hours without moving, without letting us off the plane, and without climate control and air running through the plane. There was no explanation as to what was going on; they just kept promising that it would be "15 minutes, then we are on our way." At one point, they even switched the entire crew out and told everyone we just needed to wait for new employees to show up. Then, as the 4 hours were not moving, an hour before the full refund, they made a big show about "the flight starting and the doors are locked, so you have to sit down." We didn't move for another 40 minutes; they were just trying to skirt around legalities that entitled us to restitution. When the flight finally was underway, the plane was gigantic but cramped in design, my entertainment screen kept freezing and glitching, and subtitles didn't work, and the crew was passive-aggressive. Terrible flight.
2.0 MediocreJess, Jan 2026BSB - GRU
There was a mechanical issue with the plane that they had to work on before we could take off. That's fine, by all means, PLEASE make sure the mechanics are functioning properly. What was a problem was the fact that we sat on the tarmac for 4.5 hours without moving, without letting us off the plane, and without climate control and air running through the plane. There was no explanation as to what was going on; they just kept promising that it would be "15 minutes, then we are on our way." At one point, they even switched the entire crew out and told everyone we just needed to wait for new employees to show up. Then, as the 4 hours were not moving, an hour before the full refund, they made a big show about "the flight starting and the doors are locked, so you have to sit down." We didn't move for another 40 minutes; they were just trying to skirt around legalities that entitled us to restitution. When the flight finally was underway, the plane was gigantic but cramped in design, my entertainment screen kept freezing and glitching, and subtitles didn't work, and the crew was passive-aggressive. Terrible flight.
Comfort in exit seat was excellent. FLight crew and flight were excellent. However exit seat tray table was broken so could not use it. Entertainment monitor did not work at all despite attempts to reset it.
Wish the seats were a little more comfortable.. it was a 6 hrs nonstop trip. But the crew was courteous and w a smile
I like this airline a lot no problems at all, except being forced to check a carry-on bag ., Overall very good airline
Check in -- in business took over 30 mins as there was only one attendant. Boarding was also a mess. The seat was too narrow and was not working properly. Food was very bad and the entertainment very poor. Crew was very polite and helpful, in fairness.
Poor handling of carry on luggage. We had a 8 hour stop in Santiago, are over 70 and, in spite of paying full fare they wanted to send carry on to luggage hold. No empathy. We had to show that several group 4/5 passengers were not sending their carry ons before they finally let Is keep them. Very poor .
Really bad experience – delayed for 6 hours without any notice, no food or drinks provided, and stuck in the horrible Cartagena airport.
I couldn't travel, now I can't get a refund and to change the date I have to pay an absurd fine.
My biggest complaint is the comfort. I am not tall and there was no legroom. It was very uncomfortable. During my transfer in Sao Paola, the flight was slightly delayed so boarding was confusing because there were no instructions in English.
Bought a ticket that included a bag and they still charged me to check it in, latam is the worst airline.
Avianca has transitioned from full service legacy airline to "low cost" but has now became a strange hybrid (minimum leg space, started offering business class in domestic flights again, charges passenger for printing boarding pass, etc.). National and international coverage and destinations are really wide but service is not at its best
Provide free food and drinks on an international flight. Add updated head rests
Not good, tried to purchase a first class upgrade and they couldn’t get it done. Was super uncomfortable the whole time.
Boarding was late due to the company’s that cleaned the aircraft (very poorly done) and the catering company. The entertainment system was not working for this six hour flight, uncomfortable seats in business (barely any cushion or recline). The airline staff is very good but the planes are horrible and not well maintained.
I like the crew members they're very friendly. Clean plane. The flight was on time. I dont like the comfort my car seat its better that the plane seats. They charge for everything. This airline was very good. Now it's a low cost airline
No free snacks nor drinks on very short 30min flight. Entertainment system is over wifi to your own phone or tablet, which is good but often a show or movie just stops and refuses to continue
6 hour flight and have to pay for everything 100 dollars to add a carry-on bag is insane
Usb plugs for charging your phone does not work in every flight. uncomfortable chairs even in higher categories.
The usb plugs for charging your phone didn’t work, the seats were coarse and hard. Not very comfortable. No inflight WiFi
The check in is the only positive thing in Avianca. The seat is the most uncomfortable I have traveled, the distance is minimal.