Avelo Airlines Policies: Everything You Need to Know

The Bottom Line on Avelo Airlines

Avelo Airlines launched in 2021 as an ultra-low-cost carrier focused on smaller airports and underserved routes. It operates from two main bases: Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) in Southern California and Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) in Connecticut. The pitch is simple -- fly out of less crowded airports at rock-bottom fares.

Avelo uses Boeing 737-800 aircraft exclusively, which means a standard 3-3 seating layout with about 189 seats per plane. The airline keeps costs down by avoiding major hub airports (no LAX, no JFK) and flying routes where there's little to no competition. Popular destinations include places like Palm Springs, Bozeman, New Haven, and various Florida cities.

Like every budget carrier, that $29 fare you see in the ad is just the starting point. Bags, seats, and everything else cost extra. Here's what you're actually going to pay.

Carry-On and Personal Item Policy

Personal Item (Free)

Every Avelo ticket includes one free personal item. Maximum size is 18 x 14 x 8 inches. It must fit completely under the seat in front of you. A small backpack, purse, or laptop bag works. A full-size backpack probably won't.

Avelo gate agents do check. If your personal item doesn't fit the sizer, you'll be paying gate prices for a carry-on or checked bag. Don't gamble on it.

Carry-On Bag (Paid)

Overhead bin bags cost extra on Avelo. Maximum size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Fees use dynamic pricing based on route and demand:

• At booking online: Starting around $25-$45 each way
• After booking (online/phone/check-in): Higher, typically $45-$77
• At the gate: Highest price

The price difference between booking online and paying later can be significant. Always add your carry-on when you first book your ticket. Avelo's bag price checker on their website shows the exact cost for your specific route.

Avelo Airlines World Elite Mastercard holders get one complimentary carry-on bag per booking. If you fly Avelo regularly, that card pays for itself fast.

Checked Baggage Fees

Checked bags on Avelo can weigh up to 50 pounds and measure up to 62 linear inches. Fees are route-dependent and use dynamic pricing:

• At booking online: Starting around $20-$35 each way
• After booking: Higher rates apply
• Overweight (51+ lbs): Additional $100
• Oversized (63+ linear inches): Additional $100
• Both overweight and oversized: Additional $200

Active-duty military members get two free checked bags with valid military ID. They're also exempt from excess, oversize, and overweight charges. That's one of the more generous military baggage policies among budget carriers.

Use Avelo's online bag price checker before you book. Plug in your route and dates to see the exact fee. It takes 30 seconds and can save you from sticker shock at the airport.

Cancellation and Change Policy

Avelo's cancellation and change policies are relatively straightforward:

• Within 24 hours of booking: Full refund to original payment method if the flight is at least 7 days (168 hours) out
• Changes before departure: You can change or cancel up to 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure
• Phone changes: $25 per seated customer fee for changes made by calling Avelo's Customer Solutions Center
• Online changes: Make changes through Manage Trips on aveloair.com to avoid the phone fee

After the 24-hour window, cancellations result in Avelo credit rather than a cash refund. The credit can be applied to future Avelo bookings.

AveloFlex

AveloFlex is an add-on offered during booking that gives you more flexibility. With AveloFlex, you can change your flight date, time, or cancel without paying the standard change or cancel fee. It's a small upfront cost that can save you a lot if your plans are uncertain.

If there's any chance your schedule might shift, AveloFlex is worth adding. It's cheaper than paying change fees later, and it gives you peace of mind. You can only add it during the initial booking -- you can't buy it after the fact.

Airline-Initiated Changes

If Avelo cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, you're entitled to a full refund to your original payment method. You can request this through Manage Trips or by contacting customer service.

Seat Selection Policy

Avelo charges for seat selection, but you can skip it and get a randomly assigned seat at check-in for free. Seat fees vary by location:

• Standard seats (rear of plane): Starting around $9
• Better locations (mid-cabin, aisle, window): $15-$29
• Row 1 bulkhead seats: Up to $39

Avelo Airlines World Elite Mastercard holders get free standard seat selection. That's another perk that makes the card worthwhile for frequent Avelo flyers.

If you're traveling solo and don't care where you sit, save the money. If you're with someone and want to sit together, book seats early -- the cheapest options at the back fill up first.

Pet Policy

Avelo allows small pets in the cabin on domestic flights:

• Fee: $125 per pet container, each way
• Accepted animals: Small cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds
• Carrier size: Maximum 17 x 13 x 9 inches, must fit under the seat
• Domestic flights only
• No exit row seating for passengers with pets
• No seats without forward under-seat stowage

At $125, Avelo's pet fee is on the higher end for budget carriers (Allegiant charges $50, Breeze charges $75). But Avelo does accept rabbits and birds in addition to cats and dogs, which is more generous than most airlines.

Book your pet's spot early. Avelo limits the number of pets per flight, and once they hit the cap, you're out of luck.

Wifi and Entertainment

Avelo does not offer wifi on its flights. There are no seatback entertainment screens. You're on your own for in-flight entertainment.

Before you board:

• Download movies, shows, and music to your devices
• Charge everything fully -- there are no power outlets
• Bring a portable battery pack
• Pack wired headphones as a backup

Most Avelo flights are relatively short (1-5 hours), so the lack of wifi is manageable. But on a longer cross-country route, you'll want to come prepared.

Other Key Policies

Airports

Avelo intentionally flies from smaller, less congested airports. Hollywood Burbank (BUR) is far easier to navigate than LAX. Tweed-New Haven (HVN) is a tiny airport where you can arrive 45 minutes before departure and be fine. That's part of the appeal -- the airport experience itself is less stressful.

The downside is that these airports may be farther from where you actually want to be. If you're visiting LA, Burbank works for some areas but could mean a long drive to others. Factor in ground transportation when comparing Avelo to airlines at larger airports.

Route Network

Avelo's routes connect its two bases to leisure destinations across the U.S. From Burbank, expect flights to places like Boise, Eugene, Palm Springs, and various mountain towns. From New Haven, routes go to popular East Coast vacation spots in Florida, the Carolinas, and beyond.

The airline keeps adding new routes regularly. Check aveloair.com for the latest route map -- your city might have been added since you last looked.

Food and Drinks

Nothing is complimentary. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard. Bring your own food from the terminal to save money. An empty water bottle filled after security is the smart play.

Aircraft

Avelo flies Boeing 737-800 aircraft in a single-class, all-economy configuration with approximately 189 seats. The 3-3 layout is standard for domestic flying. Seat pitch is tight, comparable to other budget carriers. The 737-800 is a proven, reliable workhorse -- you won't have any issues with the plane itself.

Check-In

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. If you haven't selected a seat, one will be randomly assigned at check-in. Airport counters close 45 minutes before departure.

Unaccompanied Minors

Avelo does not currently accept unaccompanied minors. All children must travel with an adult. Plan accordingly if you need to send a child on a flight alone -- you'll need to use a different airline.

Avelo World Elite Mastercard

If you fly Avelo more than a couple times per year, the Avelo Airlines World Elite Mastercard is worth considering. Key perks include one free carry-on bag and free standard seat selection. The carry-on perk alone can save you $50+ per round trip, making the card pay for itself quickly.