Experience with Avianca airlines?

[Anonymous]

I'm looking at a trip to Costa Rica. The best itinerary, by far, for my dates and times is on Avianca. I'm reading poor reviews on reddit, but curious what experience DCUM-ers have.

I'd fly business class.

[Anonymous]

I flew IAD to Bogota a while back, it was fine. Colombian friends fly Avianca all the time.

[Anonymous]

It’s very popular in Latin America. Took it to bogota once no problem.

[Anonymous]

I flew Avianca to San Jose, CR. I thought it was fine, they do charge for every single thing. I advise to prepay for bags, once you get to check-in the price is doubled. No bells and whistles but planes seemed new, clean and flight was on time.

[Anonymous]

I flew it a few weeks ago. They are basically no frills (no wifi, no in flight entertainment screens) but it gets the job done. One some flights, there is no business class but you can upgrade to a "premium seat" (first 3 rows, no middle seat) for $100-150. Worth it.

[Anonymous]

We flew it last month. As PP said, no frills, not even an in flight entertainment system. Seats felt a bit uncomfortable and crowded, DH complained but I thought it’s fine. Business class isn’t much better, it’s the same seat configuration with the middle seat left empty, so you gain elbow space but not comfort.

[Anonymous]

I always think of the plane that nearly crashed on my house in NY in 1990. Ran out of gas, and had it done so a few minutes earlier would have been over us.

[Anonymous]

I have flown business class on Avianca to Colombia and it was perfectly fine.

[Anonymous]

Flew today, economy. Probably my 4th time flying with them this year. This was for a domestic flight from the Galapagos to mainland Ecuador. Totally fine, a little better than spirit with customer service etc. I’ve flown both non stop and a connection, no issues.

[Anonymous]

If you can afford business class, don't fly Avianca.