drvb

I will soon fly to Colombia and I will need to fly domestically and internationally. Will my Aegean Star Alliance gold card give me any free bags if I choose Avianca's XS-fare (the cheap fare that doesn't even include a regular carry-on bag)?

LisaH

Not sure if you have done that already. I would like to know as well. Will be traveling within Colombia, I would fly Avianca if SA Gold gives me free checked bag on XS fares.

drvb

I chose to fly with Copa instead because I know how frustrating it can be to argue with check-in staff. So, unfortunately I can't help you.

LisaH

Thanks. When I did the Google flights search, COPA didn’t come up. Is it too early for next Jan?

drvb

Copa is a Panama-based airline and I flew internationally (USA-Colombia), not domestically within Colombia. If you want to find alternatives to Avianca for domestic flights, try e.g. www.kayak.com

PM2011

Are there any news regarding free bags on XS-fares for *G?

PM2011

Just got an information from Avianca. Free luggage in S fare, but not in XS fare: https://www.avianca.com/us/en/experi.../our-benefits/

ivanwmc

Terms and conditions benefits Avianca
11. Additional baggage in Economy and Executive Cabin:
Depending on your Elite status, you are entitled to additional baggage allowance according to the fare purchased (Does not apply with Size XS).

drvb

This thread Non AV *G privileges on Columbia routes contains some related information.

SK AAR

I think the previous reports/posts in the other thread suggested that S A Gold /Elite would also be get a free checked bag even when on XS fare. But no first hand experience.

ivanwmc

Thanks, guys. I guess, the info I found only talks about Avianca Elites. I stand corrected and pleasantly surprised, as I can stick to booking XS fares as a TK M&S Elite+ member.

SK AAR

OK. Please report back if you experience issues getting a free checked bag when on a XS fare, as this issue is interesting for many of us.

ivanwmc

I will. You'll have to be patient with me, though. The flights are planned in December 2023, January and March 2024...

ryandelmundo

In Colombia now and had a few flights on AV while I was here. Probably too much flying around for a short trip!

Ticket 1: Bought tickets w Points. Checked in with Kiosk at Bogota airport and after adding my UA*S number, I could select seats in the first 3 rows which are kinda like business class. Win! I think it came with a checked bag but I carried on both my bags.

Ticket 2: Bought w points. Forgot to add my UA# when I did online check-in, didn't seem possible after that. Check-in agents were not able to upgrade me. "Only diamond" whatever that means.

Ticket 3: Bought XS fare with cash. Added my UA# in my reservation. Didn't do online check-in, went to the Kiosk and no problem selecting the up-front seats for both the flights.

Ticket "4": I'm pretty sure end of last year that I was able to select one of those first few row seats on my United ticket back home when I did online check-in. Since the Kiosk def did work, and the agents def didn't work, I didn't want to chance it with online check-in as I had 2 flights and one was long (haha 1.5 hrs in Colombia is about as long as you get).

Next time I'll have to brave the online check-in to see how that works. Interesting that there does seem to be a loophole, or perhaps the check-in agents just don't know. I am not complaining, the "biz" class seats are def more comfy. Doesn't seem to come with any other perk besides the space.

Etheereal

Correct, you cant add it once you've checked in, your only option is to go to the check in counter and ask them to add it for you.