How Early Can I Check-In for Avianca Airlines?

When flying with Avianca, one of the most common questions travelers ask is, "How early can I check in?" Having flown with Avianca multiple times across South America, Central America, and even a few transatlantic routes, I’ve gathered enough experience to confidently say that Avianca offers flexible and fairly efficient check-in options—but it helps to know what to expect ahead of time.

First, let’s talk about online check-in, which is by far the easiest and fastest way to check in for Avianca flights. The airline opens online check-in 24 hours before your scheduled departure and closes it 1 hour before takeoff for international flights, and 45 minutes before departure for domestic routes. I’ve used Avianca’s mobile app and website for check-in, and both platforms are straightforward. You can select your seat, update your frequent flyer number, and download or email your boarding pass directly to your phone. In my experience, this saves a lot of time at the airport, especially if you're only traveling with carry-on luggage.

For those who prefer or need to check in at the airport, Avianca’s airport check-in counters typically open 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights. The counters close 60 minutes before departure for international flights and 45 minutes before departure for domestic routes. I’ve found that at major hubs like Bogotá (BOG), San Salvador (SAL), and Lima (LIM), the check-in process is smooth and usually well-organized. However, during busy times, such as holidays or early morning departures, lines can build up quickly. In these cases, arriving early is crucial, especially if you’re checking bags or need special services.

Avianca also offers self-service kiosks at select airports. I’ve used them in places like Miami (MIA) and El Dorado International Airport (BOG), and they’re generally user-friendly. These kiosks allow for faster check-in if you're comfortable with the technology and aren’t traveling with complicated requirements.

Another point worth noting is that if you’re traveling with pets, sports equipment, or need special assistance, Avianca recommends checking in earlier than the standard times, ideally 3 hours ahead or more. I once traveled with extra luggage and needed to re-pack at the counter due to weight limits—getting there early saved me from missing my flight.

Final Verdict: Overall, Avianca provides a range of convenient check-in options, but early planning makes a big difference. For most travelers, online check-in 24 hours before the flight is the most efficient method. If you're checking bags or need airport assistance, arriving at least 3 hours before departure is strongly advised. My personal experience has been positive, and with just a little preparation, Avianca makes the check-in process smooth and stress-free.