How to Easily Cancel Your Avianca Flight & Get a Refund?

Have you ever booked a flight only to have your plans change shortly after? Maybe a work emergency popped up or a family illness prevents you from traveling. Or perhaps you stumbled onto a better flight deal or destination but your existing ticket can’t be changed. Whatever the reason, when you need to cancel an Avianca flight, you likely want to do so as quickly and efficiently as possible to get the maximum refund permitted.

But between Avianca’s cancellation policies, potential cancellation fees, refund eligibility fine print, and simply knowing the best way to request a cancellation, the process can easily become confusing. Can I cancel my trip with Avianca? How much money will I get back? What steps do I need to take?

This comprehensive guide answers all those questions and more by outlining everything you need to know about how to cancel an Avianca flight booking, get a refund, and even what to expect if Avianca themselves cancel your flight. Read on for long detailing Avianca’s 24 hour cancellation policy, fees, process, refunds, and what to do before cancelling to ensure you recoup as much of your original booking payment as possible!

Understanding Avianca’s 24 Hour Free Cancellation Policy

The first key piece of the Avianca cancellation puzzle is their 24 hour cancellation policy. Within 1 day of booking your original flight, you can cancel your Avianca tickets for a full refund without any fees deducted. This provides helpful flexibility in case you happen to change your mind shortly after booking. But several key details further define eligibility for this 24 hour period.

What Types of Flight Bookings Are Eligible for Free 24 Hour Cancellations?

Most flight tickets booked directly via Avianca’s website or booking phone line can benefit from the 24 hour cancellation refund policy. This includes booking classes like economy, business, and promotional fares.

However, a key condition is that the tickets must be both booked directly with Avianca and then cancelled through Avianca as well within 24 hours. Thus, any Avianca flights booked through online travel agencies or other third party sites often cannot be cancelled for free within the 24 hour booking window. The parameters can differ if combining multiple airlines on one ticket booked through aggregators like Expedia, Orbitz, etc so always clarify during booking.

Additionally, flights booked with Avianca reward miles may have distinct policies. Review carefully when redeeming miles as usually reward tickets come with more restrictive terms.

Do Avianca’s Flight Classes Like Economy And Business Have The Same 24 Hour Cancellation Eligibility?

The good news is that free cancellations within 24 hours of booking do apply equally across economy, business, and promotional flight classes when booked directly on Avianca’s website. No matter if budget economy or business with extra legroom, all types qualify for zero deduction cancellations if completed the day after purchase.

The one potential exception is partner award bookings using air miles as mentioned. Always verify the precise 24 booking hour window privileges on any special or partner award reservation.

Overall, all passengers enjoy 24 no-fee cancellations regardless of their cabin class. Just be sure to complete the actual steps to cancel directly through Avianca within 1 calendar day of originally booking the ticket.

Can I Take Advantage of Free Cancellations on Connecting Multi-flight Itineraries?

For domestic or international multi-flight tickets, Avianca’s 24 hour full refund cancellation eligibility focuses specifically on the originating booking transaction. As long as you cancel the full journey within 1 day of the original purchase date, connecting flights or multi-city itineraries are still eligible for zero deduction refunds just like regular tickets.

However, there can be some complexity once portions of a multi-stop trip begin getting used via flight segments taken. In that case, provided at least 1 leg has not been traveled yet, partial refunds may still apply but with deductions taken for utilized flight segments. We’ll cover more partial refund eligibility details in a subsequent section.

In summary though, for 100% completely unused round-the-world fares or affordable connecting domestic flights within Colombia or Peru for example, as long as you act to cancel your Avianca flight within 24 hours of paying, Avianca will fully refund the entire original amount to your original form of payment.

Outlining Avianca’s Cancellation Policy Terms Beyond 24 Hours

Avianca provides travelers flexibility with their 24 hour no fee cancellation window when booking flights. But what about Avianca’s cancellation policies beyond that initial period? Unfortunately here is where dreaded cancellation and change penalties defined by Avianca can start to apply.

Several key factors influence fees like timing of request, class of ticket booked, and other fine print parameters. How much cancellation freedom you have hinges first upon two core considerations – whether a flight ticket is refundable or not, and then how close to departure a cancellation gets requested. Let’s break the policies down in detail.

How Much Are Cancellation Fees for Domestic And International Avianca Flights?

If you hold a refundable Avianca ticket, then cancellations are permitted at any point for a partial or full refund depending on timing policies. Cancellation fees then apply based on these categories:

• Domestically within Colombia or other South/Central American country

For economy class, request cancellations at least 60 days before departure = $75 fee

Business class tickets = $50 cancellation penalty

• International itineraries e.g. Miami/Bogota, New York/Lima etc.

Economy & business classes = $600 for cancel requests 2+ months (60+ days) out

Cancel within 60 days all the way until 24 hours before = $250 cancellation charge

So in summary, economy flyers wanting to cancel refundable international roundtrips could pay anywhere from $150 to $400 depending on how close to departure the cancellation happens.

Meanwhile, non-refundable Avianca tickets provide zero ability to get money back once 24 hours elapse after first booking. But they can give future travel vouchers with associated change fees like:

• Domestic Routes: $75 for economy and $50 business class tickets
• International flights have a $400date/routing change cost

When Do Cancellation Policies Differ Across Ticket Classes Like Economy vs. Business?

In general, economy and business refundable tickets share similar Avianca cancellation policy timing when it comes to domestic routes within South/Central America and international flights. Economy seats simply have slightly higher penalties.

For non-refundable fares allowing only travel vouchers, business class seats consistently feature $25 lower change fees than economy too. First class on domestic or international routes would follow business rules.

The main time classes like economy, business, and first diverge is for partner award flight tickets booked using air miles. Award flight certificates often have much tighter, inflexible terms. Changing or cancelling them requires not just airline penalties but potential loss of mileage redemptions which further restricts incentive to alter award travel.

What About Partly Used Tickets? Do Cancellation Policies Allow Partial Refunds?

Absolutely – Avianca has cancellation provisions in place allowing partial refunds for unused flight segments if you originally booked:

• Multi-city connecting trips
• Round-the world itineraries with multiple stops

In this case, if due to a sudden change in plans you cannot make a portion or more of the journey, submitting a cancellation request is possible for unused legs.

The refundable amount then depends on:

1. Which destinations you actually traveled to already vs. future unused portions
2. If the remaining unflown legs have reserves cleared and checked in already

As long as a ticket has open segments that have NOT been traveled or checked into yet, partial refunds for the unused portions can be facilitated upon cancellation request. This allows for recouping some of your originally paid fare.

Any cancellation penalties like discussed prior are accounted for as well based on conditions influencing fees and deducted from partial amounts.

What About Travel Bank Credits or Vouchers? Can Those Substitute Refunds Too?

Besides partial monetary refunds, even completely non-refundable tickets cancelled well in advance of departure can request what Avianca brands travel bank credits or vouchers. Often these come with somewhat lower change vs. outright cancellation fees too.

Credits function similar to gift certificates – usable towards future bookings for the original passenger valid usually for up to 12 months. Their values help recoup part of a cancelled trip without necessarily getting money back.

So in summary between partial ticket refunds, lower change fees, and future travel credits, several options exist to maximize recovery of cancelled flight costs besides just outright refunds to your original form of payment.

Step-by-Step Process to Cancel Your Avianca Flight

Alright, with the cancellation policies and potentials fees covered, how do you actually request cancelling your Avianca flight? Fortunately multiple options exist – online, over the phone, or in person at the airport counter. Let’s outline how each avenue works to cancel reservations.

Using the Avianca Website to Cancel Flights

The fastest and most efficient way to take care of cancelling Avianca flights is through their online booking management portal. In just minutes you can execute ticket cancellations without waiting on hold or visiting an airport.

Here is the process:

1. Pull up https://www.avianca.com in your internet browser first and select your country.
2. Next choose “My Bookings” or similarly named tab to access your existing itineraries.
3. Provide login details like your reservation code and last name/email on file then validate your identity.
4. Your full flights display – choose which specific Avianca tickets to cancel and pick the cancel option.
5. Walk through the on-screen prompts specifying details around the cancellation reason, refund method, getting ticket numbers, etc.
6. Finalize by submitting the cancellation form and wait for Avianca email confirmation it went through!

Overall, the ability to cancel a flight directly on Avianca’s website makes it easy and quick without having to make a call or visit an airport ticket desk. Just ensure you have your original booking number or reservation code handy plus an email/password for managing your reservations online.

Calling Avianca Reservations to Request Cancellation

If you need guided personal assistance to execute cancellations, another way involves calling Avianca’s reservations contact center directly via phone (especially helpful for complex or international itineraries needing support):

 +1 866 919 0081 for North America based travelers

+595 21 728 9174 for Central/South America fliers

Just follow these steps when phoning Avianca to cancel flight tickets:

1. Prepare your 6 letter booking code, passenger names, flight dates/destinations, and contact info before calling.
2. Request to cancel your existing reservation after selecting language and providing the details above as prompted.
3. Specify whether requesting full cancellation or only partial if part of an itinerary has been used already.
4. Confirm you understand the cancellation policy and any fees that apply based on prior conditions discussed.
5. Wait for email confirmation that the cancellation went through successfully per Avianca’s policies.

Having your key flight and passenger data handy helps streamline cancelling over the phone quickly. For complex itineraries especially, calling in allows speaking through details with a live representative guiding you through every step.

Canceling at the Airport Ticket Counter In Person

Lastly, even if hectic and having to visit an airport when wanting to simply stay home, you can always fall back on cancelling Avianca flights in person too. By physically going to an Avianca ticket counter or transfers desk, an agent can handle processing your cancellation request on location after verifying eligibility.

Here is how airport cancellations work:

1. Seek out the Avianca Airlines Ticket Desk or other Check-in Support counters once inside the terminal
2. Inform the representative you wish to cancel an existing flight booking and provide all key details like reservation code, ticket numbers, passenger name(s), flight dates, etc.
3. Specify whether full cancellation or partial for any unused segments of active bookings needing canceling
4. Confirm understanding around any penalties or fees to be deducted based on prior timing vs. fare rules
5. Wait at the airport until receiving email notice the cancellation went through along expected refundable amounts
6. If any payment is still owed related to cancellation fees depending on ticket, be prepared to submit on location before leaving the airport.

In many ways, the airport allows human assisted cancellations for complex or international multi-stop situations. Just anticipate potential wait times verses online or calling to cancel Avianca flights instead.

Avianca’s Refund Policies After Cancellation

A core priority in canceling a flight is getting back some portion of what you originally paid. Beyond cancellation itself, what defines Avianca’s refund policies and how much of a refund you can expect though after a cancellation? Let’s break down key considerations around refund eligibility, amounts to expect, and processing.

Refund Eligibility For Fully Unused Versus Partly Flown Tickets

As discussed briefly already, the main factor influencing refund eligibility ties to whether a ticket has been wholly unused or if portions got used already via flown flight segments if part of a larger itinerary.

• Fully Unused Avianca Tickets

For any booking canceled before travel occurs whatsoever, eligibility for at least partial refunds do apply. Applicable cancellation penalties are then deducted and remainder is processable back towards one’s original form of payment.

So even non-refundable tickets whilst not giving full money back can provide future travel vouchers and credits as previously covered.

• Partially Used Tickets

If segments of a journey on Avianca have already taken place before canceling, previously flown routes become void of refunds. BUT – any totally unused remaining legs though in the future can still qualify for eligible refunds after fees subtracted.

Calculating complex partials requires contacting Avianca special assistance to tally canceled segments, deductions, and process refundable remnants to original payment method.

What Refund Amounts Should I Expect Back After Paying Cancellation Fees?

This answer varies most significantly depending on three key factors:

1. Was the Avianca ticket originally refundable or not? Most economy and discount fares are non-refundable.
2. How close to departure did the cancellation happen relative to initial booking? Last minute cancellations garner higher penalties.
3. Were segments already partly flown before requesting cancellation for the remainder? Partials mean smaller eligible refund pool.

As an example, say you booked a standard economy Miami->Bogota, Colombia roundtrip ticket 6 months out at $480 USD including all taxes/fees. Per prior points, this is likely a no-refund economy fare. If needing to cancel this flight with Avianca, here is what you could expect:

• Cancel within 24 hours = $480 returned
• Cancel before departure but passed 24 hours = $0 refund but $150 travel voucher
• Partly use outbound portion but cancel return flight before departure = $0 refund but minus voucher penalty from any residual assessed value of unused segments

In contrast, had it been a refundable business class ticket, penalties still apply but after subtracting associated fees, any unused leftover amounts successfully get returned to your refund method on file after processing the cancellation request.

How Long Does Avianca Take To Process Refunds After Cancellations?

So when can you expect to see the agreed upon refundable amount returned to your original form of payment after successfully canceling an Avianca flight?

As per Avianca’s policies, eligible refunds are processed back to the original payment method used within 30 days or less in most cases after first canceling tickets. This involves tallying any itinerary calculations, subtracting applicable fees, confirming amounts with involved financial institutions/card providers.

For exceptionally complex itineraries with multiple airlines involved requiring heavy coordination, as high as 90 days MAY apply but generally aim for 30 days.

You can login online and check status too for pending refunds showing the expected processing progress to completion. If feeling concerned after 45+ days with no refund appearance from an Avianca cancellation request, proactively contact Avianca billing support to investigate status.

But chances are high that within about one month after successfully canceling your reservation initially, agreed upon refundable ticket amounts will show back up in your account or monthly statement from Avianca.

What to Expect If YOUR Avianca Flight Gets Canceled

We’ve covered so far the ins and outs around travelers themselves requesting flight cancellations with Avianca either directly or via third party agents. But what if you show up eagerly at the airport ready to jet away only to discover your Avianca flight ended up canceled altogether?

Unfortunately airline canceled flights occur somewhat commonly. But when they do, Avianca does pledge certain reimbursements and assistance policies to help ease the inconvenience as best plausible.

Let’s examine common reasons for involuntary cancellations plus what compensation policies may come into play if your flight gets scrubbed.

Why Might Avianca Have to Unexpectedly Cancel Flights?

Avianca aims to run the vast majority of scheduled routes on time dependably. But situations can arise jeopardizing the ability for planes to physically or safely fly as intended.

Common reasons Avianca or other airlines might suddenly need to cancel whole flights include:

• Aircraft mechanical problems
• Extreme weather events
• Air traffic control interventions
• Airport facility issues or damage preventing takeoffs/landings
• Geo-political impacts like airspace closures
• Medical emergencies onboard requiring immediate landing
• Airline staff shortages like pilots or flight attendants unable to meet minimum legal crew requirements

If ANY irregular operations concerns as above emerge that introduce uncertainty for getting passengers safely from point A to B, canceling the flight becomes mandatory for companies like Avianca.

What Sorts Of Assistance Or Compensation Does Avianca Provide For Involuntary Canceled Flights?

When an Avianca flight cancellation happens unexpectedly, they do pledge certain support and reimbursements to impacted customers. Types of assistance if your trip gets interrupted can include:

Hotel Accommodations – If cancellations require overnight stays due to no alternate flights until the next day, Avianca promises to arrange complimentary hotels for stranded passengers. This includes potential meal vouchers too.

Rebooking – Priority goes towards getting travelers onto the very next flight possible, even if requiring routing via partner airlines or connections. Avianca focuses maximum effort to minimize delays reaching your destination.

Refunds – Travelers have the right to request full refunds back to original payment methods for canceled legs, rather than accepting rebooking only. Avianca processes prompt refunds within 7 days mandated by most countries’ aviation authorities.

Compensation – Depending on cause, in some cases additional monetary compensation enters the picture too – especially for repeat offense airlines per passenger protection regulations. Meal vouchers, mileage points, or cash reimbursements may supplement inconvenience too.

The core focus becomes providing alternative transport, then refunds secondly. But hotels, meals, and potential compensation can enter the mix pending situational factors.

What Should I Do First If My Avianca Flight Gets Suddenly Canceled?

The most urgent step involves connecting promptly with Avianca to understand rebooking options to prevent major delays reaching your destination despite a canceled flight.

Here are key actions to take immediately if your Avianca trip gets unexpectedly canceled:

1. Check flight status alerts via your email or Avianca’s mobile app for initial cancellation notification. This details contingency guidance like rebooking instructions or customer service contacts.
2. Call Avianca reservations right away at contact numbers provided in alerts – or reach airport staff soon as feasible if already present when learning of a cancellation.
3. Clarify options for re-accommodation via alternate flights – either same day or next available. Understand route changes, potential stopovers etc required to still expediently reach destination.
4. Request suitable hotel stays, transfers, meal assistance as needed if new flights not until the next calendar day at least. Inquire compensation eligibility too.
5. Weigh preferences around being rebooked swiftly versus getting original payment method refunds within 7 days then booking new flights separately.
6. Provide all necessary contact data and record provided new itinerary info, confirmation numbers, etc for rebooked flights or issued refunds after cancellations by Avianca.

In summary – don’t hesitate reaching Avianca via 24/7 contact channels as soon as learning of a cancellation. Clarify all support policies in play and decision paths on fastest way still getting you to your intended destination despite the disruption!

Conclusion

Getting stuck needing to cancel – or worse yet – having your Avianca flight outright canceled unexpectedly can jeopardize long awaited vacations and critical business trips. But as we’ve discussed in this guide, options exist to either proactively cancel Avianca flights yourself when plans change or handle involuntary cancellations by the airline with minimum delays or financial losses.

The key comes down to acting fast – whether reaching out shortly after booking flights if needing to cancel yourself, or connecting urgently with Avianca soon as informed of an involuntary cancellation. Take advantage of 24 hour no fee cancellations when applicable, clarify fees/policies if needing to cancel later, and understand all the rebooking, refunds, and assistance provided when flights get canceled by the airline itself.

With the points covered throughout this guide, you now can confidently manage cancelling your own Avianca travel when situations emerge or handle disrupted trips through swift actions if Avianca suddenly grounds flights. Just focus upon minimizing delays and financial impacts above all else.

So don’t let cancellations derail your South American adventures for too long! Arm yourself with everything we detailed here for smarter cancellations, refunds, rebookings, and handling those unpleasant flight canceled scenarios smoothly when the need arises down the road. Safe travels!