ConviasaV0

Conviasa (Consorcio Venezolano de Industrias Aeronauticas y Servicios Aereos) is the state-owned flag carrier of Venezuela. Founded in 2004 under the government of Hugo Chavez, the airline was established to provide affordable air transportation for Venezuelans and reduce dependence on private carriers. Conviasa is wholly owned by the Venezuelan government and operates both domestic and limited international routes.

Critical Warning for US Persons: Conviasa is subject to US Treasury Department (OFAC) sanctions. US persons (citizens, residents, and US-incorporated entities) are prohibited from any transactions with Conviasa, including purchasing tickets, booking flights, or using the airline's services. Violations can result in significant civil and criminal penalties.

EU Air Safety Ban: Conviasa has been banned from European Union airspace since 2012 and remains on the EU Air Safety List due to safety oversight concerns. The airline cannot operate flights to any EU destination.

Due to Venezuela's severe economic crisis, international sanctions, and operational challenges, Conviasa operates a significantly reduced network compared to its peak. The airline maintains limited international service primarily to politically aligned countries including Cuba, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Mexico, and Bolivia.

Important: Due to Venezuelan Bolivar (VES) hyperinflation, all fees are quoted in US Dollars (USD). Cash payments at the airport may be required.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 16" x 12" x 6" (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
• Must fit under the seat in front of you
• Examples: Handbag, laptop bag, small backpack

Cabin Bag (overhead bin):

• Dimensions: 22" x 16" x 8" (55 x 40 x 20 cm) including handles and wheels
• Weight limit: 8 kg (18 lbs)
• Included on all fares

Checked Baggage

Standard Size Limit: 62 linear inches / 158 cm (length + width + height)

Domestic Flights (within Venezuela):

Class	Bags Included	Weight per Bag
Economy	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Business	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

International Flights:

Class	Bags Included	Weight per Bag
Economy	2 bags	23 kg (50 lbs) each
Business	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Weight Range	Fee
24-32 kg (51-70 lbs)	~$10 USD per kg excess
Over 32 kg	Contact airline; may be refused

Currency Note: Fees are charged in USD. Local currency (VES) acceptance varies and rates are highly unfavorable due to hyperinflation.

Special Items

Item	Policy
Car seat	FREE
Stroller	FREE (gate-check available)
Wheelchair/mobility aids	FREE
Sports equipment	Contact airline 48+ hours in advance

Policies as of January 2026. Verify at conviasa.aero before traveling.

Business Class

Available on select aircraft and routes.

• Enhanced seat pitch (approximately 38-40 inches)
• Wider seats in 2-2 configuration
• Priority boarding
• Enhanced meal service
• Additional baggage allowance

Economy Class

Embraer E190:

• Configuration: 2-2
• Pitch: 31-32 inches (79-81 cm)
• Width: 18 inches (46 cm)
• Note: Comfortable for regional aircraft

Airbus A340 (when operational):

• Configuration: 2-4-2
• Pitch: 31-32 inches (79-81 cm)
• Used for: Long-haul international routes

Dining

Complimentary meals and non-alcoholic beverages provided on international flights. Domestic flights typically offer snacks and beverages depending on route length.

What to expect:

• Venezuelan and Latin American cuisine options
• Non-alcoholic beverages included
• Limited special meal options; pre-order if needed

In-Flight Entertainment

• No personal seatback screens on most aircraft
• Overhead cabin announcements
• Spanish-language magazines
• Bring personal devices with downloaded content

Before Booking - Critical Warnings

US Persons (OFAC Sanctions):

• US citizens, residents, and green card holders are prohibited from transacting with Conviasa
• This includes booking flights, purchasing tickets, or using airline services
• Violations carry significant civil and criminal penalties
• US persons should use alternative carriers for Venezuela travel
• Consult OFAC guidelines at treasury.gov before any involvement

EU Air Safety Ban:

• Conviasa is banned from EU airspace since 2012
• Cannot connect through European airports
• Remains on EU Air Safety List due to oversight concerns
• Alternative carriers required for EU destinations

Travel Advisories:

• Multiple governments advise against travel to Venezuela
• Significant crime, political instability, and economic crisis
• Limited consular services available
• Comprehensive travel insurance essential (verify Venezuela coverage)
• Medical evacuation coverage strongly recommended

Booking

• Book through authorized Venezuelan travel agents when possible
• Direct website may have payment processing issues for international cards
• USD cash widely preferred; local currency impractical
• Verify route is actually operating before finalizing travel plans
• Routes change frequently based on operational factors

Payment

• USD cash is the most reliable payment method
• International credit cards may not be accepted
• Venezuelan Bolivar (VES) is impractical due to hyperinflation
• Official exchange rates do not reflect market reality
• Bring sufficient USD cash for all travel expenses

Fleet Considerations

Current Fleet (approximate):

• Embraer E190: Primary aircraft for regional routes
• Airbus A340: Limited long-haul operations (when serviceable)
• Small turboprops for domestic routes

Critical Information:

• Fleet renewal severely constrained by sanctions and economic crisis
• Parts and maintenance access limited
• Aircraft availability can change without notice
• Higher than average operational disruption rates

At the Airport (CCS - Maiquetia)

• Arrive very early; allow significant buffer time
• Security and immigration can be slow
• Limited services and amenities at terminal
• USD recommended for any purchases
• Personal safety: remain alert, use authorized transportation only

Connections

• Do not plan tight connections through Caracas
• Schedule changes and delays common
• If connecting internationally, allow 24+ hours buffer
• Consider positioning flights on separate tickets

Venezuela Travel Realities

If traveling despite advisories:

• Register with your embassy before travel
• Comprehensive insurance with evacuation coverage mandatory
• Carry multiple forms of payment
• Keep digital copies of all documents
• Have contingency plans for disruptions
• Local SIM card recommended for communication
• Limited ATM functionality; bring sufficient cash

Alternative Airlines

For Venezuela travel when Conviasa is not suitable:

• Copa Airlines (CM): Via Panama City hub (PTY)
• LATAM Airlines (LA): Via Lima (LIM) or other South American hubs
• Avianca (AV): Via Bogota (BOG)
• American Airlines (AA): Direct MIA-CCS (check current service)
• United Airlines (UA): Via Houston (IAH) - check availability

These carriers provide alternatives that are not subject to US sanctions for non-Conviasa travel.

Summary

Conviasa serves a unique role as Venezuela's state carrier, operating under extremely challenging conditions due to economic crisis and international sanctions. The airline is suitable primarily for:

• Venezuelan nationals without US person status
• Travelers from countries without sanctions restrictions
• Those who have exhausted alternative options
• Domestic travel within Venezuela

For most international travelers, particularly those subject to US jurisdiction, alternative carriers are both legally required and practically advisable.