Avianca

Recent traveler reviews for Avianca present a mixed picture, highlighting both positive aspects and areas for improvement, particularly following the airline's restructuring.

What Travelers Love:

• Friendly Onboard Staff: Many travelers praise the friendliness and attentiveness of the flight attendants, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
• Extensive Network and Star Alliance Benefits: Passengers appreciate Avianca's broad network, especially for international routes, and the benefits of its Star Alliance membership, such as earning and redeeming miles.
• Business Class Comfort: The Business Class experience, particularly on international long-haul flights with lie-flat seats, is often noted positively for comfort.
• Punctuality: Avianca was recognized as the world's most punctual airline in 2023 by Cirium, a leading aviation data firm, with an 85.73% on-time performance rate.

Common Complaints:

• Inconsistent Customer Service: A recurring complaint involves inconsistent service, especially from ground staff and call centers, with many experiencing rudeness, incompetence, or long wait times.
• Fees for Extras: Travelers frequently express frustration over Avianca's "budget airline" model of charging for nearly everything, including carry-on bags, seat selection, and even water or snacks on some flights, often leading to unexpected costs.
• Uncomfortable Economy Seats: Many reviews mention uncomfortable economy seats with limited recline and small legroom, particularly on longer flights, suggesting a densification of aircraft.
• Website and App Issues: The airline's website and app are often described as difficult to use, contributing to problems with booking and managing flights or luggage.

Overall sentiment suggests that while Avianca provides extensive connectivity and a comfortable experience in its premium cabins, the general traveler experience, especially in Economy, is often marred by a "budget airline" approach to services and amenities, coupled with inconsistent customer support. Many feel the base fares are good value if traveling light, but the additional costs and service issues can make the overall journey frustrating.