Avianca

Special Medical Conditions

The well being of our Passengers is very important to us and we aim to make your travel as comfortable as possible within the confines of an aircraft. For this reason we have compiled this information for anyone who has a medical condition.

Click here and find a summary of the medical guide for the transportation of passengers published by the Civil Aviation Authority in Colombia on the 23rd of July 2008. It gives information on the prudent recuperation times that passengers need before travelling, and the medical conditions that require passengers to present a medical certificate to the airline before flying, among other relevant aspects that may be of interest.

Physician’s Certificate

Avianca has designed a form to have detailed information on your medical condition and also provide you with an appropriate service that fits your needs.

Click here to download the form. 

Please remember that in cases when we require a medical certificate it is indispensable that your doctor fills out the form or issues a medical certificate with the information required here. You must then present the original and photocopy at the check in desk to be able to continue the boarding process.

Keep in mind

If you request the Oxygen Service, you must ask your physician to complete this form or send a physician’s certificate including the information required herein. (See the Oxigen Service conditions on the left menu)

Said document must be sent by fax to the Call Center, selecting the menu options 1-1-4-2 for Colombia and for the rest of the world and the options 2-5-2 for the United States, care of Servicios Especiales (Special Services) or it may be sent by e-mail to genserespmde@avianca.com, minimum 24 hours before flight departure time for routes in Colombia and minimum 48 hours before flight departure time for international routes.  You must send this document in order to continue processing the special service request.

To obtain more information on how to contact us, click here .

On-board Cradle Service

 What is on-board cradle service?

Our on-board cradle service is available on Boeing and Airbus flights provided there is cradle availability. The cradle service is for babies up to eight months old who weigh a maximum of 11 kilos and who can fit in the cradle.

 What must I do to reserve the cradle service?

You must request the service when you check in at the airport counter.  Once on board the aircraft and after taking off, the flight attendant will install the respective cradle.  The cradle will be uninstalled before landing.

Remember:

• Availability per type of aircraft
  - Boeing B757 - B767 aircraft and Airbus A319 – A320 aircraft: two cradles per aircraft
  - Airbus 330: five cradles per aircraft
• Cradles will be assigned in the same order as requested.
• In order to guarantee your baby’s safety and comfort, once on board, babies will be examined to make sure that they meet the cradle service requirements.

OXYGEN SERVICE PROVIDED BY AVIANCA

The oxygen service is given to Passengers that require it during the trip and according to medical formulation. The bottle is supplied and certified by Avianca.

This service is only available onboard. If the traveler requires the service during their stay in the origin, destination or connection airport, they must contact an external supplier and the various required proceedures for the service will be their responsibility.

Who can use the oxygen service?

Passengers older than two years that require on board oxygen of 2 or 4 LPM (Liters per minute) according to their medical prescription.

What must I do to receive the oxygen service?

Please contact the Call Center and request the service when you make your reservation;  we recommend making it well before your flight or a minimum of 24 hours before your flight departs if it is an internal flight in Colombia. For international flights you must request the service 48 hours prior to the flight.

Please have the medical certificate available to prove the conditions and oxygen requirements. This must be sent via fax to the Call Center when requesting the service. You will then receive a confirmation call according to the availability of the bottles. Please remember that it is mandatory to present the medical certificate together with the photocopy to avoid complications.

To download the medical certificate recommended by the airline please click on Special Medical Conditions (in the left hand menu).

How much does the oxygen service cost?

For internal flights in Colombia it costs COP 100.000 per bottle.
For international flights it costs USD 100 per bottle.

The number of bottles required depends on the duration of the flight. If your route has an international destination the international tariff will be charged. This amount is paid in the airport of origin when you check in.

None of the charges include taxes, and some local taxes may apply.

Can the passenger use their own oxygen bottle on board?

Due to security policies only oxygen equipment supplied by Avianca is allowed on board. If you bring your own oxygen bottle as luggage you must transport it empty with the valve in the CLOSED position as checked in luggage (not hand luggage).

What are the characteristics of the service that Avianca offers to oxygen dependent Passengers?

Avianca only provides this service to people requesting either 2 or 4 LPM (liters per minute) bottles. The service is provided on board to passengers over 2 years old who use an oxygen mask and/or cannula.

PASSENGERS’ own OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS

If you have your own portable oxygen concentrator (POC) and need to use it during your trip, please keep in mind that, pursuant to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Safety Regulations, the only brands approved for use on board aircraft and permitted by Avianca are:

• Inogen One
• Airsep "Lifestyle"

Important: The AirSep LifeStyle concentrator must have a sticker on the inside cover that reads “RTCA/DO-1600 21 Category M Compliant” which confirms that the concentrator is suitable for use during airline flights. If your concentrator does not have this sticker you are not able to use it onboard.

• Airsep "Freestyle"
• SeQual Eclipse
• Respironics Evergo
• Invacare XP02
• Delphi RS 00400

If you wish to use your concentrator on the flight, to guarantee safe use, please take into account the following indications:

WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATION:

Travelers must inform Avianca that they need to use their POC during the flight and must clearly specify the concentrator brand.

The oxygen service is not on offer in Business Class as the space below the seat in front does not have enough space for the bottle. If you wish to travel in this class you can do so taking your portable oxygen concentrator.

When taking a connecting flight with another airline, including code-sharing flights operated by other operators other than Avianca, passengers have the sole, exclusive responsibility of notifying the other airline and making all relevant arrangements. Current FAA regulations allow airlines to accept portable oxygen concentrators (POC) but they are not obliged to do so. It is possible that some airlines will not accept POC or they may demand the payment of an additional fee, which will be fully borne by the Passenger.

Passengers must have a letter from their physician handy, stating the condition and oxygen requirements and must include the information below.
Please remember that to be able to use POCs onboard Passengers must present an original medical certificate and photocopy at the airport, that is either in the Avianca format or in the treating physician's format, but this must contain all the information required by Avianca. This is a mandatory requirement to board the airplane.

Please take into account:

The POC must only be used with a previously charged battery (on the ground). Passengers must make sure they have enough batteries for 150% of the flight duration. For example if the flight lasts four hours the Passenger must make sure they have sufficient batteries for 6 hours. It is important to verify that the replacement batteries are carried in secure cases that do not permit short circuits or insulated terminals. They must be carried on as  hand luggage.

If the Passenger has a connecting flight with Avianca-Sam, they must take into account the time required to make this connection in addition to the number of batteries required for the first and second leg.

Avianca can neither provide batteries for POCs; nor provide energy during the flight.

POCs to be used during the flight are not included in the allowed hand baggage weight.

If you wish to take a POC that is not going to be used during the flight (not for onboard respiratory assistance), it will be included in the allowed hand baggage or luggage hold baggage allowance weight and will be subject to the above-mentioned replacement battery packing conditions.
Equipment we request that passengers must check in at the Avianca airport counters to allow verification of the equipment.

IN THE AIRPORT:

Passengers must carry the concentrator and show it to Avianca’s personnel when required.

Please keep in mind that for the safe operation of your equipment, during your time in the airport, you must not be near anyone who is smoking.

DURING THE FLIGHT :

Conforming to the FAA Safety Regulations, Passengers who use POCS must:

- Not sit in an emergency exit seat or in any seat in front of a bulkhead.

- If possible passengers must sit next to a window and near the main regular exit doors

- The concentrator must be completely stored under the seat in front of the Passenger.

Avianca will not provide accessories or cannulas for any type of concentrator belonging to the passenger.

The passenger is responsible for the use (which includes hearing/seeing the POC alarms, and also being able to take action on these alarms) and for the maintenance of their equipment, if they cannot we suggest that they travel with a suitably qualified companion.

Important: The CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) respiratory assistance apparatus cannot be used onboard.

SUPERVISED/UNACCOMPANIED PASSENGER SERVICE

Service Characteristics:

This is a special service provided for passengers who are traveling on their own and who require accompanying during the flight, the Airline receives the recommended traveler in the departure city from a guardian (of legal age) and will only deliver him/her to a designated responsible person (also of legal age) at their destination. The person at the destination must show his/her identification document (identification card, passport, etc...) to certify that he/she is the person identified in the form completed by the guardian in the city of departure.

From the moment that the supervised passenger is received at the point of departure by an Avianca officer until he/she is delivered to the responsible person at destination, the supervised passenger is always under an Avianca officer’s supervision. Our officers are also trained to assist various recommended passengers at the same time. 

This service does not include medical assistance, no officer of the airline is authorized to administer medicine to the supervised passengers.

Who can travel as a supervised passenger?

Obligatory:

Children between 5 and 11 years of age traveling alone are required to travel as Supervised Minors with the following exception:

1. If the destination/origin* is the United States, the range is from 5 to 14 years.

*Applies for reservations made from the 23rd of  December 2009.

2. If the destination is Panama, the obligatory range is from 5 to 17 years*.

*The person who picks up the supervised minor in the airport in Panama must be at the airport at the planned flight arrival time to receive the minor. Additionally if the receiving adult is a tourist in Panama, they must take their passport with them to immigration so that they can make a copy of the document. In the event that these recommendations are not complied with the immigration authority in this country reserves the right to send them back.

Optional:

• Youths between 12 and 17 years old.
• People over the age of 60 and adults of any age that require the service can also travel as supervised passengers (according to the policies and approval of the airline), with the exception of routes to or from Spain (origin or destination), in these routes only children between 5 and 17 years old can travel as supervised travelers.

Important additional notes:

- Passengers that wish to use the service and have a disability can use the service when they comply with the requirements and do not present the following conditions:

• Those travelers that due to their mental capacity do not understand or cannot respond adequately to the security instructions given by the Company personnel.
• Those travelers with a disability so severe that they are impeded from making a physical exit from the airplane.
• Those travelers that present a visual and hearing impairment  (both at the same time) that is so severe that they cannot communicate with the cabin crew to be able to receive security instructions or aid their own evacuation of the airplane.

- An adult of 18 years or older can take a maximum of one infant between 0 and 2 years old, if more than two are taken onboard they must be accompanied by another adult.
- All adults over 18 years can take a maximum of 10 children under the age of 12 and only one of them can be younger than 2 years old. In case there are more than 10 minors they must be supervised and the established service policies must be followed.
- In internal flights within Colombia, a minor between 12 and 18 years old, can supervise a minor of under 12 years old.
- In international flights, a minor between the ages of 12 and 18 years cannot supervise a minor of  under 12 years old, except when the parents are minors. In this case the father or mother must  prove that they are the father or mother of the child and then they can travel.

What is the cost of the Supervised Service?

For flights within Colombia

The Supervised Passenger Service for passengers of legal age (i.e. 18 years of age or over) will cost COP 25.000 to their final destination

For flights to the rest of the world

The service will cost USD 75 to final destination with Avianca, per person or family group (up to three persons including siblings, cousins, grandparents and spouses).

None of the charges include taxes, and local taxes may apply. 

NOTE: if the supervised traveler travels in Business Class, this service is free for routes to the interior of Colombia and international routes. If you perform an Upgrade with miles, certificates or money, it is also free*.

*Courtesy Upgrades do not apply for the supervised service. 

• Supervised passengers can only take one piece of hand luggage, with a maximum of 115 centimeters (the total of all the dimensions) and a maximum weight of 5 kilograms of carry-on baggage, so that they are able to carry it. Any piece that exceeds these requirements will be checked in in the baggage hold.
• The minor's carry-on or registered baggage cannot contain: canned goods, condensed milk, flour, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, medicines without prescriptions, fruit, vegetables, plants, pointed or sharp objects or hazardous substances. (liquids and gels among others).
• The hand luggage and the content of this luggage is the responsibility of the Supervised Traveler. However, onboard they will receive all the help available to accommodate the baggage. The airline will not be held responsible for money or valuable documents, such as: travelers cheques, credit or debit cards, that the supervised traveler has with them or has in their baggage.
• Supervised passengers cannot take excess baggage, even if he/she has the money to pay for it.
• The supervised traveler cannot travel with pets in the cabin or baggage hold unless the Supervised traveler has a disability that requires the use of a guide dog or emotional support.
• If the Passenger requests the wheelchair service and supervised service the permitted hand luggage weight is 10kg, when they comply with the previous conditions (with the exception of weight).

Can a Supervised Passenger make a connecting flight with another airline?

Each airline is free to define the requirements and policies of the services that they offer. Due to this reason when a Supervised Traveler travels with another airline (not Avianca-Sam) and these legs are in the same transport contract, the conditions and policies regarding supervised travelers of the other airlines and their associated costs will be verified (if they apply).

RULES FOR THE TRANSPORT OF SUPERVISED/UNACCOMPANIED TRAVELERS 

The family member or person responsible for the supervised traveler agrees to:

• Please request the service when you make your reservation (to make sure that you receive the service) as there is a limited capacity per flight.
• Take and deliver the required documentation. The information about the required documentation is given by the consulates and/or embassies in the countries of origin, connection and destination.
• Make sure that the Passenger complies with the luggage policies stipulated by the airline for this service. Consult in the Call Center or in Avianca.com.
• Go to the airport with the supervised traveler in the airport of origin two hours before the flight departure (for Colombian internal flights), or three hours before the flight departure for international flights.
• Make sure that the Passenger takes enough money to pay for any expense related to the trip in the connecting airports or required on arrival (service payments to other airlines, baggage services, taxes, food, among others). A sum no greater than USD 100 or its equivalent in another  currency. The use and custody of this money is the responsibility of the Supervised Traveler, the airline is not responsible for this money or for other valuable documents.
• Give complete and true information in legible writing.
• The person who requests the service and under whose responsibility the supervised passenger is received, must stay in the airport until the flight departs.
• Make the necessary arrangements so that the Supervised Traveler can be received in the destination airport by the authorized person, with the same Identification Document that corresponds to that filled out in the supervised traveler form. This person must be available from the planned flight arrival time until the flight arrives or a cancellation is confirmed.

Note: Supervised Passengers will not be returned to the origin airport unless there are unresolvable problems with documentation or the person authorized to receive the traveler in the destination airport has not appeared.

The supervised Passenger agrees to :

• Follow the instructions of the Avianca personnel, during their stay in the airports.
• Wait in the plane until they can be accompanied by the member of the Cabin Crew for disembarkation.
• Wait in the destination airport until the Avianca staff member helps them to retrieve their luggage from the baggage reclaim at the airport exit, and ensure delivery to the family member or authorized person in the destination airport.
• Comply with the baggage policies for Supervised travelers.
• Respond for the security of their hand luggage and contents.

The airline agrees to:

Assist the recommended Travelers in their migration processes, customs and baggage reclaim, communicate with their families when and if there is any news regarding the planned Avianca-Sam itinerary and accompany the passenger(s) until they are delivered safely to their families or authorized airlines.

Note: The Supervised Unaccompanied Traveler service is only available on routes covered by Avianca-Sam. If the recommended traveler must take a connecting flight with a different airline, the responsibility of the airline ends the moment that the Supervised Traveler is received by a representative of that airline.

TRAVELING WITH PETS

1. Transporting Pets in the Passenger Cabin

Sometimes pets such as dogs, cats or small birds may with their owners inside the passenger cabin as carry-on baggage. So that both owners and pets have a pleasant flight, it is important to bear in mind the following recommendations:

• This service is provided on all domestic flights.  For international flights, the service is provided on flights within the American continent.  It does not apply to flights to and from Spain.  Pets traveling in the passenger cabin are considered carry-on baggage.
• For domestic flights, the service is provided at no additional cost.  For international flights, it costs USD 100 (per segment).  If the passenger travels using connecting flights, only the original segment will be charged.
• Dogs and cats are allowed on international flights.  Pets must be kept in the special pet kennels that Avianca provides for their transportation.  Remember not to place any food or water inside the cage.  The kennels are designed for pets and they can hold a pet maximum 30cm. (12”) long and 15 cm. (6”) tall.  The maximum weight allowed for the kennel with the pet inside is 8 kg. (17.6 lb.).  Passengers may acquire the kennel at the Avianca sales offices located at the airports that provide the service.
• Pets must be over eight weeks old.  For flights in Colombia, travelers must show a valid vaccination card.  For international flights, they must provide a Health Inspection Certificate issued by the Farming and Livestock Authority of the country of departure.
• When travelers make their reservations, they must clearly state that they are traveling with a pet in the passenger cabin.  Avianca limits the number of pets per flight: it allows two (2) pets in Business Class and maximum four (4) pets in Tourist Class.  For aircraft with 60 seats or less, only two (2) pets are allowed in the passenger cabin.
• Pets that are nervous or aggressive as well as pets that, due to their appearance, smell or some ailment, may disturb the passengers and the crew, must travel in the cargo compartment.
• Once on board, the kennel must be placed underneath the passenger’s seat or under the seat directly in front of the passenger.  At no time may the pet be taken out of the kennel, and only one pet per kennel is allowed.
• The charge for the transportation of pets in the cabin does not apply to guide dogs; they may travel at no additional cost.

1.1 Assistance Dogs or Guide Dogs

Animals especially trained to assist disabled people are allowed inside the cabin without a kennel, provided that their owners control them at all times.

Assistance animals or guide dogs must travel at their owners’ feet, wearing their special equipment and their muzzle, we recommend is attached to their collar.  Their owners must show their respective certification and microchip identification.

This transport is not counted as live animal transportation.  It is understood that they are trained to take care of their physiological needs at certain times, in certain places.

Guide dogs are allowed in the passenger cabin, provided they meet the requirements. They must also wear a muzzle and an appropriate collar. 

Passengers will not pay any additional charge for transportation of these; the animal’s weight will be included in the checked baggage weight.  Only one guide dog can travel in the passenger cabin.

1.2. Search and Rescue Dogs (SAR K-9)

Search and Rescue dogs must wear high-visibility jackets and must be identified with microchip identification and a certificate.  They may travel in the passenger cabin at the feet of their duly uniformed guides.  The dogs must wear a collar and a dual leash.  This transport is not counted as live animal transportation.  It is understood that they are trained to take care of their physiological needs at certain times, in certain places.

1.3. Special Considerations 

• Animals in kennels must not be located near guide dogs.
• The pet’s wellbeing solely and exclusively depends on the traveler or passenger traveling with the animal.  If a pet is sent alone in the cargo compartment, it is the responsibility of the person who sends it.  Avianca will not be held responsible for any injuries to the animal and/or death during transportation. 
• If before or during the flight, the animal becomes aggressive, causes any disturbance or makes customers uncomfortable, the commanding pilot may decide to place the animal in the proper cargo compartment, either before flight departure or at the next stop, as the case may be. 
• Birds that are naturally noisy must be sedated, under the customer’s responsibility, to be transported in the passenger cabin; otherwise, they must go in the cargo compartment.

2. Transporting Pets in the Cargo Compartment

2.1 Domestic Flights

• Transporting pets, such as dogs, cats and birds is allowed.  They are considered part of the free checked-in baggage allowance.
• Kennel service is provided at no extra charge.  Customers must ask for the service when making the reservation.
• Avianca has the following kennels available on loan:

2.2 International Flights

• Transporting pets, such as dogs and cats, is allowed.
• The kennel service is not free of charge on international flights.  The cost is established depending on the pet’s weight and on the destination.

When the connecting flights are to points in different categories, the higher rate will always apply. For ex.: SCL BOG MEX for a 20 Kg. pet will have a rate of USD 80.

3. Notification

• The crew must be notified either by NOTOC or verbally of the presence of live animals in the passenger cabin and/or in the cargo compartment.

4. Travel Permits

• When making the reservation, customers must clearly state that they will be travelling with a pet.
• For domestic travel, cats and dogs only require an immunization record, to be transported.  Transporting birds requires an Internal Mobilization Airway Bill issued in the ICA offices at national airports.
• For international travel, see the requirements for each country.  A Health Inspection Certificate issued by the farming and livestock authority of the country of origin must be presented.  To obtain that certificate, a heath certificate (original and a copy) for the pet, issued by a licensed veterinarian must be presented. The veterinarian’s certificate must include the animal’s breed, gender, and age and a photocopy of an immunization record valid for the animal’s age and species.

Also, the pet must undergo a physical inspection.  The term for which the Sanitary Inspection Certificate is valid depends on the authority in each country. For Colombia the ICA certificate is valid for 24 hours.

5. Important Considerations

• Animals especially trained to be companions to disabled people and dogs trained to detect explosives or drugs are allowed inside the passenger cabin without a kennel, provided that their owners or guides control them.
• Cats and dogs under 8 weeks old are not allowed to travel because, due to their small size, they are more vulnerable to dehydration during the trip.
• Only one animal should travel per kennel.  Maximum two animals may be allowed in one kennel if they are small.  The pet carrier must be large enough for the pet to be able to be in a natural, upright position, turn around, and lie down comfortably. 
• For domestic and international flights alike, kennels must be sealed with industrial plastic bands and clamps by the airport personnel in the place of departure.

Plastic band (200-meter roll) code: 6002421
Plastic clamps (100 units) code 0273535

• When transporting live animals, the use of the -LIVE ANIMALS- label, code 005 28786 is mandatory.  The –THIS SIDE UP- label is also mandatory. These labels may be printed on the kennel.
• The entry of pets and food stuffs into the islands of Aruba and Curaçao is strictly prohibited by those countries.  This restriction does not apply to fighting cocks. To transport those fowls, the corresponding permits from the country of origin and from the country of destination must be presented.
• Special precautions are needed when transporting the following brachycephalic dog breeds (snub-nosed dogs):

Precaution is advised because dogs belonging to the breeds mentioned above are more susceptible to asphyxia and breathing problems when exposed to stress or heat.  They commonly suffer fainting fits during hot months because they strain themselves and run out of air.  Sometimes those fits are mistaken for a heart attack.  Avianca requires the following precautions:

1. The kennel must be one size larger than the normal size according to the dog’s dimensions.
2. The kennel must have ventilation on all four sides.
3. Travelers are warned that they must accustom their pets to the kennel, by having the animal spend some time in the kennel every day for several days before the trip.
4. All of the above-mentioned policies relating to the transportation of the dog breeds listed above must be stated as follows:

“Avianca will not be held responsible for any injuries, illnesses or the death of animals transported under these precautionary measures.”

• Pursuant to Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario - ICA (Colombian Farming and Livestock Institute (ICA) Resolution No. 03607 dated December 13, 2001, the entry into the Colombian territory of cats from countries affected by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, known as the Mad Cow Disease, is strictly prohibited.

This regulation applies to cats from the following countries: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Holland, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), and Switzerland.

• Pursuant to Colombian Agricultural Institute Resolution 1104 dated June 10, 2004, entry into the Colombian territory of crustaceans and mollusks for human consumption, in particular shrimp, crab, lobster, rock lobster, prawn, oyster, giant oyster, clam, and whole squid, is strictly prohibited. 
• Also pursuant to July 19, 2002 Law 746,  Chapter XIII, Article 108-E, “Given the dangerous nature of such animals, it is prohibited to import into the Colombian territory dogs of the breeds Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier or any cross-breeds thereof.”

Note:  Whenever any of these breeds return to the Colombian territory, before leaving Colombia their owners must have taken care of the formalities for obtaining the permit to allow the pets back in.

• In order to increase the safety and comfort involved in transporting dogs, a regulation has been implemented whereby dogs whose backs are taller than 35 cm must wear a muzzle, and the muzzle must be kept on during the entire flight.  We recommend intertwining the muzzle support and the collar, to prevent the dog from taking the muzzle off and biting its way out of the kennel and hurting itself.  Muzzles in sizes 6, 7, and 8 are available for sale at airports.  They cost COP 17,000 at national airports and USD 19 at international airports (including tax).
• If a pet taller than 35 cm is travelling in a metal kennel, the use of a muzzle is not required.
• The entry into Colombian territory of poultry meat and of any poultry byproducts as part of the baggage is strictly prohibited by the Colombian Farming and Livestock Institute.
• Live exotic birds will not be transported as baggage.
• Pets being transported to Panama require a mobilization certificate issued by the health authorities in the place of origin and authenticated by the Panamanian Consul in the country of origin.

Passengers travelling with pets to Panama must keep in mind the following:

The Panamanian Farming and Livestock Quarantine Department is in charge of controlling the entry of pets into that country.  Department personnel are available Monday through Friday at the Tocumen airport.  Pets are allowed to travel on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays but the pets’ owners must be informed that they must contact a Farming and Livestock Quarantine Department doctor to go to the airport, at a cost of USD 100.  If for some reason the pets’ owners cannot afford to pay USD 100, they must leave the pet at the Farming and Livestock Quarantine Department until the following Monday when a doctor will carry out the formalities for the pet to enter Panama.

• Pet transportation via Avianca is regulated by Technical Bulletin NPV 02-005 dated July 12, 2002; Technical Bulletin NPV 05-020 dated April 11, 2005 and Technical Bulletin NPV 06-018 dated March 24, 2006, issued by the Flight Rules and Regulations Division.
• Pursuant to international agreements, transporting protected or endangered species is prohibited.
• As of February 17, 2006, a certificate of immunization against rabies issued by a veterinarian, valid for one year must be presented for all pets (cats and dogs) more than four months of age being transported to Porlamar (Margarita Island).

Aircraft Restrictions

• Pets in the Passenger Cabin.  Two (2) animals will be allowed in business class and maximum four (4) animals will be allowed in economy class.  On aircraft with 60 seats or less, only two (2) animals will be allowed in the passenger cabin.  
• Pets in the Cargo Compartment

4.1 Number of Pets (Dogs) Allowed per Aircraft

Due to operational restrictions regarding the number and weight of pets, the maximum number of pets allowed on the on the aircrafts are listed in the following  table and reservations cannot exceed this number.

For F-100 aircraft, kennels over 70 cm high are not accepted.

For F-100 aircraft, transporting live animals is allowed up to a maximum weight of      50 Kg. on segments with maximum two (2) hours of flight time, applicable to all domestic routes.  The animals will be transported in the front cargo compartment only.  It is important to keep in mind that, due to this type of cargo compartment, when transporting live animals is required, there must be minimum one (1) meter in length of free space in the cargo compartment.  That will allow sufficient oxygen in the compartment for the animals not to suffocate during the flight. 

In addition, we recommend putting the pets in open spaces before boarding them, closing the cargo compartment where live animals will travel last, and avoiding playing with the animals because this stresses them, which increases their oxygen intake.  For this fleet, the policy on transporting animals in the passenger cabin is the same as for the MD-83 fleet.

For the Bogota – San Jose – Bogota route operated with F-100 aircraft, transporting pets in the cargo compartment during the whole flight is prohibited.