Complete Guide to Flybondi Baggage Policy and Other Rules

Flybondi, Argentina’s first ultra-low-cost airline, has really changed how people fly within the country. It’s even spreading its wings across South America.

Since its first flight in 2018, the airline’s main goal has been to give “the freedom to fly” to more people. They do this by offering super competitive prices that have made air travel possible for millions.

Flybondi’s main hubs are in Buenos Aires (Ezeiza and Aeroparque airports). From here, it connects the capital to popular spots like Bariloche, Ushuaia, Mendoza, Iguazú, and Córdoba. It’s also a big hit internationally, with popular routes to Florianópolis, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo in Brazil. Whether Argentinians want a beach trip or Brazilians want to see Argentina, Flybondi is often the go-to.

What makes Flybondi stand out is its “à la carte” service. This is the core of its ultra-low-cost strategy. Unlike older airlines that pack services like checked bags, seat choices, and meals into a higher ticket price, Flybondi lets you pay only for what you actually need.

This is a huge plus for travelers on a budget, backpackers, and families who care most about a low base fare. By keeping the ticket price just for a seat on the plane, Flybondi lets passengers customize their trip and control their spending. With a modern fleet of Boeing 737-800 planes and a friendly, bright brand image, it’s become a major player in regional aviation.

This article will walk you through flying with Flybondi. We’ll dig into their policies to help you have a smooth trip. We’ll look at Flybondi’s checked baggage policy, including how they handle weight and pieces, and what extra baggage fees you might face. We’ll also go over carry-on rules, what food and drinks they offer, and how to travel with pets. Lastly, we’ll cover important things like cancellations and wheelchair help, finishing with tips to make your journey with Argentina’s favorite low-cost airline the best it can be.

Flybondi Checked Baggage Policy

Knowing an airline’s luggage rules is key when planning your trip. Understanding Flybondi’s baggage dimensions and weight limits will help you avoid surprise charges at the airport.

Piece Concept

Flybondi uses a “piece concept” for checked baggage, which is typical for ultra-low-cost airlines. This means your ticket doesn’t automatically include a checked bag allowance. Instead, you have to buy an allowance for each bag you want to check.

This gives travelers the flexibility to pay for exactly what they need, whether it’s one small bag or several bigger ones. The airline offers two main weight options per piece. The price changes a lot depending on when and where you buy the allowance – buying online when you first book is the cheapest way.

The smart move here is to plan ahead. Figure out how much baggage you need and buy it online well before your flight to get the lowest price. If you wait until you get to the airport to buy your baggage allowance, you’ll pay much more. This system rewards travelers who plan carefully and helps the airline manage check-in more smoothly.

Note: Flybondi is a single-class airline (all seats are Economy), so these baggage rules apply to everyone. The allowance isn’t included in your ticket; you must buy it separately. You can buy an allowance for up to five checked bags per passenger.

Flybondi Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

For everyone’s safety, Flybondi follows international aviation rules and strictly forbids certain items in checked baggage. Packing these can lead to confiscation, delays, and even legal trouble. Make sure your checked bags don’t contain any of these:

• Explosives and Flammable Materials: Think dynamite, gunpowder, fireworks, flares, and ammunition.
• Flammable Liquids and Solids: This includes things like gasoline, lighter fluid, paint, turpentine, flammable aerosols (unless for personal toiletries in small amounts), and matches that light anywhere.
• Gases: Compressed gases, whether they catch fire, don’t, or are poisonous, are not allowed. This covers propane tanks, butane, oxygen tanks (unless for medical use and approved beforehand), and self-defense sprays.
• Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides: Bleaching powders, fertilizers, and some chemical kits fall into this category.
• Toxic and Infectious Substances: Pesticides, insecticides, arsenic, cyanide, and materials with live viruses or bacteria are strictly forbidden.
• Radioactive Materials: Anything emitting ionizing radiation is not permitted.
• Corrosive Materials: This includes acids, alkalis, mercury (even in thermometers), and wet-cell batteries.
• Lithium Batteries: Loose or spare lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries cannot be in checked baggage. You must carry them in your carry-on luggage and protect them from short circuits. Devices with installed lithium batteries (like laptops) are usually okay in the cabin, but it’s always safer to carry them there.
• E-cigarettes and Vaping Devices: These can’t go in checked luggage because of their batteries and heating elements. They must be carried in your carry-on luggage.

Flybondi Extra Baggage Fee

As an ultra-low-cost airline, Flybondi makes a good part of its money from extra services, and baggage fees are a big one. To answer how much Flybondi charges for extra baggage, you need to consider three main things: the bag’s weight (12 kg or 20 kg), the route (domestic or international), and, most importantly, where you pay for it. The pricing is set up to strongly encourage passengers to buy their baggage allowance online as early as possible.

Here’s a detailed look at the fee structure:

• Online Purchase (During Initial Booking): This is the cheapest and most recommended way. When you book your flight on the Flybondi website, you’ll be asked to add services. Adding your 12 kg or 20 kg checked bag then will get you the lowest price. For domestic flights, a 12 kg bag might cost about $8,000 - $12,000 ARS, while a 20 kg bag could be $10,000 - $15,000 ARS. Prices for international routes to Brazil will be higher.

• Online Purchase (After Booking via “My Booking”): If you realize you need a checked bag after you’ve already booked, you can still add it online through the “My Booking” or “Mi Reserva” section on the airline’s site. The price will be a bit higher than the initial booking price but still much cheaper than paying at the airport. This is a good choice if your packing needs change before your travel day.

• Airport Counter Purchase: This is where costs go up a lot. If you get to the airport with a bag that needs checking and you didn’t pay for it, you’ll face much higher fees. A 12 kg bag bought at the check-in counter could cost over $20,000 ARS on a domestic route, and a 20 kg bag could be $25,000 ARS or more. These prices are often double what you would have paid online.

• Boarding Gate Purchase: This is the most expensive option. If your carry-on bag is found to be too big or too heavy at the boarding gate, the staff will make you check it. The fee for this is meant to stop people from trying to get around the rules. This fee can easily go over $30,000 ARS for a domestic flight.

• Excess Weight Fees: If you’ve paid for a baggage allowance (like 12 kg) but your bag is heavier (say, 15 kg), you’ll be charged for the extra kilos. Flybondi charges per kilogram at the airport check-in counter. This fee can be quite a lot, so it’s really important to weigh your bags at home before heading to the airport to make sure they’re within the limit you paid for.

All prices are approximate and can change based on the route, season, and how the airline prices things. Always check the official Flybondi website for the most current fees.

Flybondi Carry-On Baggage Policy

Flybondi has a strict carry-on baggage policy to make sure boarding is smooth and there’s enough space in the overhead bins for everyone. The allowance is split into a personal item (which is free) and a larger cabin bag (which you must pay for).

Important Note: If you only have the free personal item, it must go under the seat in front of you. This leaves overhead bin space for passengers who paid for a cabin bag. If you arrive at the gate with a cabin bag you didn’t pay for, you’ll be charged a high fee to check it.

Flybondi Carry-On Baggage Additions

Besides your main carry-on allowance (either a personal item or a personal item plus a paid cabin bag), you can bring a few extra things on board without extra charge. These usually include:

• A coat, jacket, or blanket.
• An umbrella.
• A small personal camera or binoculars.
• Reading material for the flight (a book or magazine).
• A small bag of duty-free items bought at the airport.
• Mobility aids like canes, crutches, or walkers.

Flybondi Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

To follow global security rules, certain items are restricted or limited in your carry-on luggage. The most common rule affecting travelers is the Flybondi liquid allowance.

• Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols: You can carry liquids in your carry-on, but they must follow the 100ml (3.4 oz) rule. Each container must be 100ml or less, and all containers need to fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag. The bag’s total capacity shouldn’t go over 1 liter. This bag must be shown separately at security.

  • Exceptions: Medications, baby food, and special dietary foods are exempt. However, you need to tell security officers about them, and you might need to show proof, like a prescription.

• Sharp Objects: Items that could be used as weapons are strictly not allowed. This includes knives, box cutters, razor blades (except for safety razors in a cartridge), scissors longer than 6 cm, and tools like screwdrivers or drills.

• Self-Defense Items: Pepper spray, mace, and stun guns are not allowed in the cabin.

• Sporting Goods: Most sports gear, like baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, and pool cues, must be checked as baggage.

• E-cigarettes and Vaping Devices: While you must carry these in the cabin, using or charging them during the flight is strictly forbidden.

Flybondi Food Policy

Following its ultra-low-cost model, Flybondi doesn’t offer free meals, snacks, or drinks on any of its flights. This policy helps the airline keep its low fares by letting passengers buy food if they want to, instead of including the cost in every ticket. If you’re used to airlines with full service, it’s important to plan ahead – either eat before you fly or get something onboard.

The Flybondi food menu, called “Menú a Bordo,” has various items you can buy during the flight. The selection mainly includes non-perishable snacks, light meals, and a range of hot and cold drinks. Flight attendants will come through the cabin with a trolley, and you can pay with a credit card or, on some domestic flights, with Argentine pesos. The menu is designed for quick snacks and refreshments during your trip.

Here are some examples of what you might find:

• Snacks: Popular choices often include classic Argentine snacks like alfajores, bags of potato chips, peanuts, and cereal bars.
• Sandwiches: Simple, pre-packaged sandwiches, like ham and cheese on white or whole wheat bread, are usually available for something more filling.
• Hot Beverages: Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are served to help you relax.
• Cold Beverages: The choices usually include water, sodas (like Coca-Cola and Sprite), and fruit juices. On some flights, especially international ones, beer and wine might also be available for purchase.

Regarding special meals, Flybondi does not offer options for passengers with dietary restrictions like vegan, gluten-free, or diabetic meals, nor do they have special kids’ meals. The onboard items are just the standard menu. Passengers with dietary needs are strongly advised to bring their own food and snacks, keeping in mind the liquid carry-on rules for items like yogurt or purées.

Prices are what you’d expect for airline food. A coffee might cost around $1,500 ARS, a soda about $1,800 ARS, and a sandwich could be in the $3,000 - $4,500 ARS range. These prices are just examples and can change.

Flybondi Pet Policy

Flybondi knows pets are family, and they let you bring small dogs and cats in the cabin. However, the rules are very specific, and you need to plan carefully and in advance. Pets are NOT allowed in the cargo hold.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know to travel with your pet on Flybondi:

Cost:
A set fee is charged to transport a pet in the cabin. This fee varies for domestic and international flights. Expect it to be around $25,000 - $35,000 ARS for domestic routes and potentially higher for international flights to Brazil. This is per pet, per flight.

Size and Weight Limits:

• Your pet plus its carrier must not weigh more than 10 kg (22 lbs).
• The carrier must be soft-sided, waterproof, and have good ventilation. Hard carriers are not accepted.
• The maximum size for the carrier is 43 cm (length) x 32 cm (width) x 24 cm (height). It must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.
• Your pet must stay inside its carrier for the entire flight, from boarding to getting off the plane.

Required Documents:
Proper paperwork is essential. You’ll be denied boarding if you don’t have the correct papers.

• Health Certificate: A signed certificate from a licensed veterinarian, issued no more than 10 days before the flight, stating the animal is healthy and fit to fly.
• Valid Rabies Vaccination: Proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccine is mandatory. The vaccine must have been given at least 30 days before travel.
• SENASA Certificate (for travel within Argentina): For flights within Argentina, you might need specific documents from SENASA (National Food Safety and Quality Service).
• International Travel Documents: For flights to Brazil, you’ll need an International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) from SENASA that meets the destination country’s import rules. This process can be tricky and should start weeks ahead.

How to Book:
You can’t just show up at the airport with your pet. You need to book ahead.

1. Book Early: Flybondi only allows a few pets per flight (usually 2 to 4). You must reserve a spot for your pet by calling the Flybondi call center at least 72 hours before your flight.
2. Give Info: You’ll need to tell the agent your pet’s breed, weight, and carrier size.
3. Airport Check-in: On travel day, you must check in at the airport counter (you can’t do online check-in if you have a pet). Arrive early so staff have enough time to check your pet, carrier, and all your documents.

Other Flybondi Services & Policies

Flybondi Cancellation Policy

Like most ultra-low-cost airlines, Flybondi’s cancellation policy is quite strict. The main rule is that all Flybondi tickets are non-refundable. If you cancel your flight, you won’t get your money back or a credit to your card. This strict policy is a major reason they can keep prices low.

However, there are a few options:

• 24-Hour Grace Period: In some places, and depending on the fare rules when you book, you might be able to cancel for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase, as long as your flight is more than seven days away. This isn’t a guaranteed Flybondi policy, so check when you book.
• Date and Name Changes: While you can’t get a refund, Flybondi usually lets you change your flight date or the name on the ticket. These changes come with significant costs. You’ll pay a change fee per person, per flight segment, plus any difference in fare between your original flight and the new one. Often, these added costs can be as much as, or even more than, a new ticket, especially if your original fare was very low. Changes must be made through the “My Booking” section or the call center well before your flight.
• Cancellations by Flybondi: If Flybondi cancels your flight due to operational issues, weather, or other reasons, you can be moved to the next available flight or get a full refund for the unused part of your ticket.

Flybondi Wheelchair Assistance

Flybondi aims to make travel safe and comfortable for passengers with reduced mobility. They offer free wheelchair assistance, but it’s crucial to request it in advance to ensure staff and equipment are ready.

Key points for wheelchair help:

• Request in Advance: Passengers needing wheelchair assistance must ask for it at least 48 hours before their flight. You can do this by calling the Flybondi call center after booking.
• Assistance Details: The service includes help from check-in to the gate, assistance boarding and leaving the plane, and help from the aircraft to baggage claim when you land.
• Using Your Own Wheelchair: You can bring your own manual or electric wheelchair.
  • Manual Wheelchairs: These are moved free of charge in the plane’s cargo hold.
  • Electric Wheelchairs: Wheelchairs with dry-cell or gel-cell (non-spillable) batteries are generally allowed. However, those with wet-cell (spillable) batteries are usually forbidden. You must provide details about your wheelchair’s type, size, weight, and battery type when you request assistance to ensure it follows safety rules. The battery might need to be disconnected and its contacts protected.
• Aircraft Limitations: Please note that Flybondi’s planes do not have aisle wheelchairs for use inside the cabin. Passengers need to be able to get to and from their seats with minimal help from the crew, or travel with someone who can assist them. Cabin crew can help with storing carry-on items but cannot lift or carry passengers.

Tips for Passengers

For the most accurate, current, and complete information, always check the official Flybondi website. Airline policies, especially fees for baggage and services, change often with little warning. The website’s “Help Center” or “FAQ” section is a great resource for the latest fee lists, policy updates, and travel advisories. Relying on other websites or old information can lead to costly surprises at the airport. Double-checking your booking details and the airline’s terms a few days before your flight is a smart travel practice that can save you both time and money.

Once you land in exciting cities like Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, or Bariloche, the last thing you want is to be stuck with your luggage, especially if you get there hours before checking into your hotel. This is where luggage storage services like Qeepl can be really helpful. With many secure and convenient spots in hotels, shops, and cafes near airports, bus stations, and attractions, Qeepl lets you safely store your bags for a few hours or days. No matter where you arrive, you can drop off your luggage and explore the city without being weighed down, making the most of every moment. It’s an easy, affordable way to fill the time between arriving and checking in, or between checking out and a late departure.

To make your trip with Flybondi as smooth as possible, keep these other useful tips in mind. First, always buy your baggage allowance online and as early as possible to get the best price. Second, check in online to save time at the airport and avoid potential counter check-in fees. Weigh your bags at home to confirm they’re within your purchased allowance. Third, get to the airport with plenty of time, especially for international flights or if you need to check baggage or documents. Finally, download the Flybondi mobile app to manage your booking, check in, and get your digital boarding pass on your phone for a smoother process.