The airline has updated the conditions for international passengers. Take note.
Avianca has made some adjustments for passengers on its international flights. The measure will affect those departing from Colombia who have purchased their return flight just a few hours in advance.
According to the company, the requirement was updated in “compliance with the regulations established by the immigration authorities” of the countries where it operates.
Who will not be able to board Avianca’s international flights with one-way tickets?
As of July 15, 2024, passengers who will not be allowed to board are those who:
Do not have a return ticket or purchase their return ticket less than 24 hours in advance of the initial travel date.
Do not have a valid immigration status in the destination country that exempts them from the obligation to have a valid return ticket.
Travelers with “all their journeys under the same reservation” will be exempt from the restriction, explained the airline in an information bulletin.
What happens to travelers who do not meet the new conditions for international flights with Avianca?
If you do not have a return ticket or purchased it a few hours before the outbound flight, you can request a refund from Avianca. This will depend on internal policies and the fare conditions under which you purchased the flight.
Documents needed for international travel
In addition to the return ticket, the main document required to leave Colombia is the passport.
You should review the entry conditions of the destination country to gather other necessary documents. For example, if you are traveling to the United States for tourism, a B2 visa is mandatory. Some territories may also require health insurance and/or an updated vaccination card.
If traveling with minors, you will need:
- Passport.
- Original copy of the civil registry or birth certificate.
- Authorization or exit permit if the minor is traveling with only one parent or guardian. The permit must be signed and authenticated.
Remember to consult the immigration rules of your destination country before traveling to avoid any inconvenience.
Avianca’s restriction for children traveling without their parents
The company has changed the minimum age for traveling alone. Previously, children aged 12 to 17 could board planes with family authorization. However, there is a new restriction: all children aged 14 or younger must be accompanied by their parents or a responsible adult over 18 years old.
Although the measure was announced earlier this year, Avianca confirmed that it was formalized as of May 15, 2024. From that date, “boarding will be denied to passengers aged 14 or younger who are not accompanied by their parents or a responsible adult,” reiterated the airline in an information bulletin. If the minor does not meet the requirement to travel with a companion, a refund can be requested, “as long as the fare conditions allow it.”
Therefore, the minimum age to travel alone on Avianca will now be 15 years old.
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Source: El Tiempo Newspaper