All airlines Latin America & Caribbean

Avianca Ecuador

IATA 2K ICAO GLG Ecuador · www.avianca.com (opens in a new tab)

Powered wheelchairs accepted · carried free · 48 h notice · 300 Wh installed-battery cap.

Advance notice: 48hours before departure
Powered wheelchair: Yes
Lithium, battery installed: 300watt-hours maximum
Cost to carry: Free

Who to contact

Transcribed from the airline’s own pages, exactly as it labels them.

Phone

+593 2342 2641

Ecuador — Avianca Contact center
Phone

+1 800 722 8222

Canada — Avianca group contact centre (avianca.com lists this number under Canada, not the United States)
Phone

+1 866 919 0081

United States — Avianca group contact centre (avianca.com lists this number under United States)
Online form

Manage your booking → Personalize your trip → Accessibility and assistance (declare your own wheelchair or request one) (opens in a new tab)
Relay / text

+1 844 413 7044. Avianca lists this next to the US DOT disability hotline 1-800-778-4838 (voice) / 1-800-455-9880 (TTY), which are the Department of Transportation's numbers rather than Avianca's.

TDD — telephone for passengers with hearing and speech limitations (United States)
Relay / text

+57 311 400 6797 (https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=573114006797). This is the chat channel Avianca links from the foot of its "Discapacidad física" accessibility page; it is a general assistant, not a disability desk.

WhatsApp — "Vianca chat"

Avianca publishes no accessibility e-mail address: assistance is requested on avianca.com during booking, through Manage your booking, or by calling the contact centre. For flights to and from the USA it says you can ask staff to put you in touch with a Complaint Resolution Official (CRO), but publishes no direct CRO phone number or e-mail. Avianca Ecuador uses the group contact centre; the Ecuador number above is the local Avianca line.

Read it from the source

Powered wheelchairs & batteries

The part that goes wrong. Battery chemistry and watt-hours decide whether your chair flies, and the rules differ depending on whether the battery can be removed.

Powered chairs accepted

Yes

"Se aceptan sillas de ruedas eléctricas, con batería de tipo litio, seca o húmeda como equipaje documentado" — electric wheelchairs with lithium, dry or wet batteries are accepted as checked baggage. Avianca notes they fall under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and that carriage may be refused if it is judged to affect flight safety; you must check in an hour earlier than normal and do any battery removal and packing yourself. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Información de condiciones y restricciones de Servicios Especiales a viajeros en condición de discapacidad (PDF, Rev 06, revised 2024-07-12) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Lithium-ion batteries

Yes

Lithium-powered wheelchairs are accepted as checked baggage. The battery should stay attached to the chair: "you should not remove the battery if it is dry, nickel-metal hydride, or lithium, unless necessary for handling", with terminals protected, circuits inhibited and the chair switched off. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Help Center — Can I travel with my wheelchair? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Información de condiciones y restricciones de Servicios Especiales a viajeros en condición de discapacidad (PDF, Rev 06, revised 2024-07-12) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Watt-hour cap — battery stays in the chair

300 Wh

"La batería no debe superar los 300 Wh; para equipos que requieren de dos baterías para su funcionamiento, cada batería no debe exceder los 160 Wh" — the chair's lithium battery must not exceed 300 Wh, or 160 Wh each where the device needs a pair of batteries to operate. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Información de condiciones y restricciones de Servicios Especiales a viajeros en condición de discapacidad (PDF, Rev 06, revised 2024-07-12) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Watt-hour cap — battery removed into the cabin

300 Wh

The same 300 Wh cap (160 Wh each where the device needs a pair of batteries) sits in the lithium section that also covers removal: removed batteries must be protected from damage, e.g. each in a protective pouch, and "las baterías se deben transportar en la cabina de pasajeros" (carried in the passenger cabin). Avianca publishes no separate figure for the removed case. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Información de condiciones y restricciones de Servicios Especiales a viajeros en condición de discapacidad (PDF, Rev 06, revised 2024-07-12) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Watt-hour cap — spare battery

300 Wh

"You may carry only in the cabin one (1) spare lithium-ion battery not exceeding 300 Wh, or two (2) spare batteries not exceeding 160 Wh each." [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Spare batteries permittedmaximum number under any published configuration

Lithium-ion: one spare up to 300 Wh, or two spares of up to 160 Wh each — cabin only. Dry or nickel-metal hydride: up to two spare batteries, hold only, in solid rigid packaging labelled with your name, flight number and destination. Non-spillable wet: a maximum of one spare, hold only, in the same rigid packaging. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Battery must be removed

Conditional

Dry, nickel-metal hydride and lithium batteries should NOT be removed unless removal is necessary for handling — they stay secured to the chair. Spillable (wet) batteries must be removed by the passenger and packed separately, since Avianca will not carry a chair with a wet battery installed. On folding mobility aids the battery may be removed at the passenger's request; removed lithium batteries travel in the cabin. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Non-spillable batteriesgel, AGM, sealed lead-acid, dry cell

Yes

Accepted with the chair switched off, the battery securely attached to the frame, the battery cables disconnected from the terminals, the terminals covered with non-conductive tape to prevent short circuits, and the battery's edge protectors properly secured. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Wet / spillable batteries

Conditional

"We do not transport mobility aids or wheelchairs with spillable (wet) batteries installed." The passenger must remove the battery and pack it leak-proof, protected against short circuits, secured upright and surrounded by enough compatible absorbent material, labelled "BATTERY, WET, WITH WHEELCHAIR" with the corrosive and package-orientation labels, and restrained in the hold. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Terminal protection & immobilisation

Yes

"Deliver it turned off, with terminals protected against short circuits and the battery securely attached to the frame… ensure that the electrical terminals (positive and negative) are protected against short circuits." For non-spillable batteries the cables must be disconnected and the terminals covered with non-conductive tape, and the electrical circuits inhibited. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Paperwork the airline wants

Yes

You must give Avianca the manufacturer's instructions for disassembling and reassembling the chair, tell the check-in counter what battery type it uses, and state any special requirements for hold stowage and battery handling. The PDF requires written assembly/disassembly and battery connection/disconnection instructions where necessary, and records the chair's condition on a wheelchair condition form. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Size limit for a powered chair

Not published

Not published. Avianca publishes no maximum size for a powered wheelchair; it asks you to declare the chair's dimensions in advance.

Weight limit for a powered chair

Not published

Not published. Avianca sets no maximum weight for a powered wheelchair; it asks you to declare the weight in advance. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Returned at the aircraft door

Yes

Avianca makes no distinction between manual and powered chairs: your own chair is returned at the aircraft door if you asked for that (allow up to 2 hours depending on the airport), or on the oversized-baggage belt. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Help Center — Can I travel with my wheelchair? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Avianca accesible — Discapacidad física (ES) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Removal of the battery, its packing and its preparation for carriage must be done by the passenger, not by Avianca staff, and you must present yourself an hour before the normal check-in deadline.

Manual wheelchairs

Manual chairs accepted

Yes

"Yes! You can bring your wheelchair when traveling with us." You may stay in your own chair until the last moment before boarding, though some airports require you to hand it over earlier for infrastructure reasons. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Help Center — Can I travel with my wheelchair? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Folding chair may travel in the cabin

Avianca states that if you travel with your own wheelchair "la transportaremos en la bodega del avión" (we will carry it in the aircraft hold). For flights to and from the United States it adds that on single-aisle aircraft the chair goes in the cargo hold, following US DOT regulations. No in-cabin wheelchair stowage is offered. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Help Center — Can I travel with my wheelchair? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Avianca accesible — Discapacidad física (ES) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

In-cabin stowage limit

Not published

Not published; Avianca states wheelchairs travel in the hold, so no in-cabin closet dimension is given.

Size limit for a checked manual chair

Not published

Not published. Avianca publishes no maximum wheelchair size and no hold-door or hold-compartment figures; it only asks you to supply your chair's dimensions in advance.

Weight limit for a manual chair

Not published

Not published. Avianca sets no maximum wheelchair weight; it asks you to declare the chair's class, weight, dimensions, battery type and assembly/disassembly instructions so it can be carried. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Returned at the aircraft door

Yes

"If you requested to have it delivered at the aircraft door when arriving at your destination, please note this may take up to 2 hours depending on the airport." The Spanish page confirms your own chair is returned either at the aircraft door or on the oversized-baggage belt. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Help Center — Can I travel with my wheelchair? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Avianca accesible — Discapacidad física (ES) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Booking & cost

Advance notice requiredhours before scheduled departure

48h

The help centre asks for at least 24 h notice for special assistance (48 h for a group of 10 or more disabled passengers), but requires 48 h for flights to or from Europe, and the Spanish "Discapacidad física" page tells passengers who already hold a booking to request assistance at least 48 hours before the flight. Spain, London and Paris are explicitly 48 h. 48 is the strictest published figure. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Help Center — Can I travel with my wheelchair? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Help Center — What should I do if I need special assistance for my trip? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Help Center — Can I request wheelchair service? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Avianca accesible — Discapacidad física (ES) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

How to request assistance

On avianca.com during booking ("Personalize your trip" → "Accessibility and assistance"), through Manage your booking, or by calling the Contact center

At booking you choose either "I need a wheelchair" (a loaner) or "I am bringing my own wheelchair"; the same options appear in Manage your booking. Avianca asks you to arrive 4 h before an international flight and 3 h before a domestic one, and warns that outside the recommended lead times the service cannot be guaranteed. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Help Center — Can I travel with my wheelchair? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Help Center — Can I request wheelchair service? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Avianca accesible — Discapacidad física (ES) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Charge for carrying the aid

No fee

"No additional charges: you can transport it free of charge if you use it due to a disability. If it is not for your personal use, it will be checked as additional baggage." The disability PDF adds that wheelchair service, carriage of up to two mobility devices, recognised guide dogs in the cabin and medical equipment are free but must be requested in advance. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Mobility devices carried free

Up to two mobility-assistance devices (canes, walkers, crutches) plus medical equipment travel free and are not counted as carry-on baggage. Devices carried for someone else are not free: they either use your checked allowance or attract excess-baggage charges. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Help Center — Can I request wheelchair service? (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Información de condiciones y restricciones de Servicios Especiales a viajeros en condición de discapacidad (PDF, Rev 06, revised 2024-07-12) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Avianca accesible — Discapacidad física (ES) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

If they damage your chair

Montreal Convention baggage limit of 1,519 SDR; no mobility-aid-specific rule published

The contract of carriage classes wheelchairs as "special baggage" and, where the Montreal Convention applies, limits liability for destruction, loss, damage or delay of baggage to 1,519 Special Drawing Rights. The disability PDF adds that chairs and equipment must be returned in the condition in which the passenger handed them over, as recorded on the wheelchair condition form. No US ACAA full-value provision is published. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Información de condiciones y restricciones de Servicios Especiales a viajeros en condición de discapacidad (PDF, Rev 06, revised 2024-07-12) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Contract of carriage — names Avianca Ecuador S.A. as THE CARRIER (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

On board

On-board aisle chair

Yes

Avianca states its crew can help you move around inside the aircraft "con la silla de ruedas disponible a bordo" (with the wheelchair available on board). No aircraft-type exceptions are published. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Avianca accesible — Discapacidad física (ES) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Accessible lavatory

Yes

"Los baños de nuestros aviones cumplen con los estándares de accesibilidad para que puedas utilizarlos cómodamente" — Avianca states its aircraft lavatories meet accessibility standards. It publishes no per-aircraft detail and does not describe the equipment (grab bars, door width, aisle-chair access). [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Avianca accesible — Discapacidad física (ES) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Crew help you transfer

Yes

If you requested a loaner wheelchair, Avianca's providers assist you from the check-in counter to the point you specify — the aircraft door or the aircraft seat — and crew help you move within the cabin. If you need help with the toilet, personal care, eating or medication you must travel with a companion, seated next to you. [Avianca group policy on avianca.com, applied to Avianca Ecuador (2K)]

Información de condiciones y restricciones de Servicios Especiales a viajeros en condición de discapacidad (PDF, Rev 06, revised 2024-07-12) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Avianca accesible — Discapacidad física (ES) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Seating & movable armrests

Conditional

"Nuestros asientos tienen reposabrazos móviles para facilitar el traslado entre el asiento y la silla de ruedas." Disabled passengers may not occupy emergency-exit rows, and the first-row Economy seat offered for extra legroom has NO movable armrest. Route exclusion: the paid extra seat (EXST) bought by passengers who need more space "no está disponible para rutas intra-Ecuador" — it is not sold on domestic Ecuadorian routes.

Información de condiciones y restricciones de Servicios Especiales a viajeros en condición de discapacidad (PDF, Rev 06, revised 2024-07-12) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29 Avianca accesible — Discapacidad física (ES) (opens in a new tab) · read 2026-07-29

Fleet detail. For flights to and from the United States Avianca states that on single-aisle aircraft your wheelchair is carried in the cargo hold, in line with US Department of Transportation regulations.

Worth knowing

Avianca Ecuador S.A. is named in the Avianca contract of carriage as one of the companies that together constitute THE CARRIER (with Aerovías del Continente Americano S.A. Avianca, Taca International Airlines S.A., Avianca Costa Rica S.A., Aviateca S.A. and Regional Express Américas S.A.S.), so the Avianca-branded accessibility pages cited here are this carrier's own published policy; nothing separate is published under the 2K code. Ecuador-specific: the paid extra seat (EXST), which Avianca offers to passengers who need more space or a seat-belt extension, is explicitly not available on intra-Ecuador routes. Points no field holds: passengers travelling on a stretcher or in an incubator cannot be carried by Avianca at all; a safety assistant is required only where a passenger cannot receive safety instructions, cannot understand or respond to them, or cannot assist in their own evacuation; refusal of boarding on disability grounds can be decided only by the CRO or the captain, and must be explained to the passenger in writing within 10 calendar days. For flights to and from Spain the airport wheelchair service is delivered by AENA and requests made less than 48 h before departure must go directly to AENA.

Sources

Every figure above traces to one of these.

s1 Help Center — Can I travel with my wheelchair? (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
s2 Help Center — What should I do if I need special assistance for my trip? (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
s3 Help Center — Can I request wheelchair service? (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
s4 Información de condiciones y restricciones de Servicios Especiales a viajeros en condición de discapacidad (PDF, Rev 06, revised 2024-07-12) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
s5 Avianca accesible — Discapacidad física (ES) (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
s6 Contract of carriage — names Avianca Ecuador S.A. as THE CARRIER (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
s7 Contact us — contact centre numbers by country (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29
s8 Accessible Avianca — accessibility and assistance hub (opens in a new tab) · official · read 2026-07-29

Record status researched · confidence high · 8 official sources · 6 contacts · 85% of the fields this reference tracks are answered. Newest source read 29 July 2026, the day before this page was built. What these mean.

Avianca Ecuador

Who to contact

Read it from the source

Powered wheelchairs & batteries

Manual wheelchairs

Booking & cost

On board

Worth knowing

Sources

Record quality