top of page

Can You Upgrade Your Seat After Purchase on Avianca Airlines?

  • Writer: ToursN TravelPro
    ToursN TravelPro
  • 2 days ago
  • 5 min read
Airplane wrapped like a gift on a snowy runway. Text: Avianca Christmas Flight Deal, 50% off. Contact info and festive background.

Booking flights early is often the smartest way to save money, but it doesn’t always mean you’re locked into the same travel experience. Many travelers book Economy class and later decide they want extra comfort, more legroom, or premium services. If you’re flying with Avianca, you might be wondering: can you upgrade your seat after purchase on Avianca Airlines?

The answer is yes, but the process is not always straightforward. Avianca Airlines seat upgrade options depend on your fare type, route, aircraft, loyalty status, and whether you’re paying with cash or miles. Some upgrades are instant, while others require approval. Some fares qualify easily, while others come with restrictions.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from how upgrades work, pricing expectations, LifeMiles integration, and Business Class details to edge cases like non-reclining seats, award tickets, and airport upgrades.


👉 Quick Overview: Avianca Airlines Seat Upgrade

Flexible Upgrade Opportunities: Avianca allows passengers to request seat upgrades after booking through online tools, check-in, airport counters, or mileage redemptions.

  • Upgrade Types: Standard seat changes, Avianca premium seats, or full Avianca upgrade to Business Class

  • Payment Options: Cash payments or Avianca seat upgrade using miles through LifeMiles

  • Fare Adjustments: Eligible tickets may allow Avianca upgrade from Basic to Classic for added flexibility

  • Cabin Comfort: Enjoy wider Avianca Airlines Business Class seats, priority services, and lounge access on select routes

📲 For help securing the best Avianca upgrade option, contact Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070.

Understanding Avianca Airlines Seat Upgrade Categories

Before requesting an upgrade, it’s important to understand how Avianca categorizes its seating and cabin options.

Avianca does not offer a traditional Avianca first class cabin. Instead, the airline focuses on:

  • Economy class (Basic, Classic, Flex)

  • Avianca premium seats (extra legroom and preferred location)

  • Avianca Airlines Business Class (highest cabin available)

Each upgrade path has different rules and pricing.


How to Upgrade Your Avianca Seat After Booking (Step-by-Step)

One of the biggest frustrations travelers face is unclear instructions. Here is a clear, step-by-step process.

Online Upgrade via “My Booking”

This is the most reliable and transparent method.

  1. Visit Avianca’s official website

  2. Click on “My Booking”

  3. Enter your reservation code and last name

  4. Review available upgrade offers

  5. Select premium seating or Avianca upgrade to Business Class

  6. Complete payment with cash or miles (if eligible)

If no upgrade appears, it means seats are unavailable at that moment—but availability can change.


Upgrade During Online Check-In

Online check-in opens about 24 hours before departure. During this window:

  • Discounted upgrades may appear

  • Business Class seats may be offered if unsold

  • Premium seats may cost less than pre-booking

These offers are time-sensitive and inventory-based.


Airport and Gate Upgrade Options

Upgrades can sometimes be requested at:

  • Airport check-in counters

  • Self-service kiosks

  • Boarding gates

Airport upgrades may be cheaper, but they are never guaranteed. If Business Class is full, no upgrade will be offered.

For advance confirmation and expert help, Tours N Travel Pro can assist at +1-866-679-5070.

Avianca Upgrade from Basic to Classic: What Changes?

Many passengers start with Basic fares due to low prices. However, Avianca upgrade from Basic to Classic can unlock better upgrade opportunities.

Basic Fare Limitations

  • No free seat selection

  • Limited baggage

  • Higher change penalties

  • Restricted upgrade eligibility

Classic Fare Benefits

  • Free standard seat selection

  • Better baggage allowance

  • Improved upgrade eligibility

  • Lower change fees

Not all Basic fares can be upgraded, especially promotional tickets. Always check eligibility before planning an upgrade.


Avianca Premium Seats: Extra Comfort Without Business Class

Avianca premium seats are ideal for travelers who want more comfort without paying Business Class prices.

What You Get

  • Extra legroom

  • Preferred cabin location

  • Faster deplaning

  • Same Economy service

These seats can be purchased:

  • During booking

  • After booking

  • During check-in

  • At the airport

Premium seats do not include lounge access or premium meals.


Avianca Airlines Business Class: What to Expect

Since there is no Avianca first class, Avianca Airlines Business Class represents the airline’s top-tier experience.

Avianca Airlines Business Class Seats

  • Wider seats with more pitch

  • Reclining or lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft

  • Adjustable headrests and privacy features (aircraft-dependent)

Business Class Services

  • Priority check-in and boarding

  • Lounge access (route-dependent)

  • Premium meals and beverages

  • Increased baggage allowance

Short-haul Business Class may differ from long-haul offerings.


Avianca Upgrade to Business Class: All Available Methods

Paid Business Class Upgrades

  • Available online, at check-in, or at the airport

  • Pricing varies by route and demand

  • Confirmation is instant once paid

Avianca Seat Upgrade Using Miles

LifeMiles members can request an Avianca seat upgrade using miles, which is often one of the best-value redemption options.

Important notes:

  • Not all fares qualify

  • Approval depends on Business Class availability

  • Mixed-cabin itineraries may limit eligibility

Miles upgrades are especially valuable on long-haul routes.


Avianca Seat Upgrade Pricing: What to Expect

How Much Does an Avianca Seat Upgrade Cost on Average?

There is no fixed rate, but general trends include:

  • Premium seats: lower-cost add-ons

  • Business Class upgrades: higher prices, especially near departure

  • Miles upgrades: variable LifeMiles requirements

Prices fluctuate based on:

  • Route

  • Aircraft

  • Demand

  • Timing


Eligibility and Restrictions You Must Know

Which Flights Can Be Upgraded?

Upgrades may not be available on:

  • Codeshare flights

  • Partner-operated segments

  • Smaller regional aircraft

  • Certain promotional fares

Loyalty Status and Upgrade Priority

  • LifeMiles elite members may receive priority

  • Fare type often matters more than status

  • Free upgrades are extremely rare


Common Upgrade Issues and How to Handle Them

Seat Doesn’t Recline

Some premium or Business Class seats have limited recline due to aircraft design. Always check the seat map before upgrading.

Upgrade Denied or Reversed

This can happen due to aircraft swaps or operational needs. In such cases, refunds or compensation may apply.

Double Charges or Payment Errors

Immediately contact support. If unresolved, Tours N Travel Pro can help manage disputes at +1-866-679-5070.


LifeMiles Program and Upgrade Rules Explained

LifeMiles integration is powerful but strict:

  • Award tickets may not qualify for upgrades

  • Miles are refunded only if the upgrade is not confirmed

  • Partial upgrades on mixed cabins may be denied

Understanding these rules prevents disappointment.


People Also Ask: Avianca Seat Upgrade FAQs

How do I upgrade my Avianca seat after booking?

Use “My Booking,” online check-in, airport counters, or LifeMiles, depending on availability.

Can I use LifeMiles to upgrade my Avianca flight?

Yes, Avianca seat upgrade using miles is available for eligible fares and routes.

What is the difference between Avianca Plus and Business Class seats?

Premium seats offer extra legroom, while Business Class includes premium service and priority benefits.

Are Avianca seat upgrades refundable?

Refund rules vary. Some paid upgrades are refundable if the airline changes your seat or cancels the upgrade.

Can I request an upgrade at the airport?

Yes, airport upgrades are possible if seats remain available.


Final Verdict: Is an Avianca Seat Upgrade Worth It?

Upgrading after booking with Avianca can dramatically improve your travel experience—especially if you understand your fare rules, timing, and upgrade methods. Whether you’re choosing Avianca premium seats, requesting an Avianca upgrade to Business Class, or redeeming miles, being informed gives you a real advantage.

Because upgrade availability and pricing change frequently, expert assistance can save both time and money. For personalized help with Avianca upgrades, fare changes, or mileage redemptions, contact Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 for reliable travel support.

Comments


bottom of page