Let me update you to the situation. I just fly from JFK to MDE via CTG

First, you have to pay for a checked bag. Even if you are Star G*. If your original ticket doesn't have a checked bag you ll be charged no matter what. If your original ticket gets 1 checked bag, they will allow you to have 2 checked bags free asa Gold benefit.

Second, the checked bag price is ridiculous. My ticket cost me 120$ and the checked bag (20 kg) cost me 125$ (buy online as 'discounted' price. Immagine buying at the airport...). The reason being, that Avianca calculated the checked bag in the separate leg. Especially if you have to pick up the luggage at 1st airport upon arrival (GTC is my POA) then the system will charge you twice. They will counted as 2 separate flights not just one flight. So I was charged 75$+50$ even if the luggage tag was in one singer PNR and checked through.

No benefit when asked to change seats at the airport. No one at the counter, only the auto check-in line. When I managed to get the staff and ask them if they could change my seat to an aisle seat for me? (it was auto-assigned upon online checking in) they said no. You have to pay. And she knew I was Gold as she gave me a priority luggage tag later.

Be warned, Avianca website will not recognize your FF number as gold. In fact, In my case when I try to put the number on the system while doing online check in. Their system keep saying 'the FF number is wrong' It wont recognize the status and will not reflect any benefit you have. Upon the airport when print boarding pass, I notice it does show the *G on it though.

No water or drink served on my 4.3 hours flight. But ok, maybe it's because there is a sicked person and they ask for a doctor at the bringing of the flight and flight attendants running around almost all the time back and forth. it seem very serious.