Complete Guide to SATENA Baggage Policy and Other Rules

SATENA, which stands for Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales (Air Service to National Territories), is a special Colombian airline with a clear mission. The Colombian state owns SATENA. It was started to connect the country’s most remote and hard-to-reach places with bigger cities. SATENA’s flight map shows this purpose. It flies to places that are gateways to amazing natural beauty. Think of Leticia, a hub in the Amazon rainforest. Or Nuquí and Bahía Solano on the Pacific coast. You’ve also got the vast eastern plains, Los Llanos, and La Macarena, where the famous “liquid rainbow” river, Caño Cristales, is found. SATENA flies where other airlines often don’t. Because of this, it’s a vital link for social, economic, and tourist growth across Colombia.

What makes SATENA stand out and famous in Colombia is its dedication to its social mission. Its main advantage isn’t luxury or speed; it’s its reach and accessibility. For many communities, a SATENA flight is the only real way to connect with the rest of the country. It provides access to healthcare, education, and trade. This unique focus means passengers are often a mix of local people, government workers, medical staff, and adventure-seeking tourists who want to see less-traveled places. Flying SATENA is often a more personal and rugged experience. They use smaller turboprop planes like the ATR 42 and ATR 72. These planes are perfect for landing on shorter runways in remote airports. This way of operating adds to the sense of adventure and offers a true look into the diverse life of Colombia.

This guide is meant to be your complete resource for flying with SATENA. We’ll cover every practical part of your trip, from baggage rules to what’s offered on the plane. You’ll find details on checked and carry-on luggage, what to do if you have extra bags, and rules for bringing pets. We’ll also look at SATENA’s food and drinks, its policies for cancellations and special help, and other essential services. By the end of this piece, you’ll have all the information you need to plan and enjoy a smooth and memorable trip with Colombia’s pioneering regional airline.

SATENA Checked Baggage Policy

Knowing the airline’s luggage rules is key to a stress-free trip. This part will explain SATENA’s baggage dimensions, weight limits, and what you can’t bring.

Piece Concept

SATENA uses a Piece Concept. This means your baggage allowance is based on the number of bags you have, with each bag having its own weight and size limit. This is common for airlines that use smaller planes, as it helps with weight and balance for safe flights. Most travelers get one checked bag as standard. SATENA mostly uses an all-economy cabin, so the rules are usually the same for everyone on a route. However, some special fares might have different rules. Always check the allowance for your specific ticket when you book.

Here’s the usual checked baggage allowance for a SATENA passenger:

Important Note: The 15 kg (33 lbs) weight limit is strictly followed because of the planes SATENA uses on many routes. Bags over this weight will cost extra, and sometimes they might not be accepted if the flight is already at its total weight limit.

SATENA Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

For everyone’s safety, SATENA strictly forbids certain items in checked luggage. Putting these items in your bags could lead to them being taken, fines, or you being denied boarding. This list includes, but isn’t limited to:

• Explosives and Flammable Substances: This covers fireworks, flares, gunpowder, gas canisters (like for camping stoves), lighter fluid, aerosol cans (except small toiletries), flammable paints, and turpentine.
• Compressed Gases: Things like oxygen tanks (unless for medical use and approved), propane, butane, and fire extinguishers are not allowed.
• Poisons and Toxic Substances: This includes pesticides, insecticides, arsenic, cyanide, and infectious materials like live virus samples.
• Corrosive Materials: Items that can damage aircraft parts or skin are banned. This means acids, alkalis, mercury (even in thermometers), and wet cell batteries.
• Oxidizing Materials: Substances like bleaching powder and peroxides are forbidden.
• Radioactive Materials: Anything emitting radiation is not allowed.
• Firearms and Ammunition: Some firearms can be checked under strict rules (unloaded, in a locked hard case, and declared). This needs airline approval and must follow Colombian laws. Ammunition is also highly restricted.
• Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices: These devices, plus spare batteries, must be in your carry-on baggage, not checked luggage, due to fire risk.
• Lithium Batteries: Extra lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries are not allowed in checked baggage. You must carry these in your carry-on. Batteries already in devices (like laptops or cameras) are usually okay in checked bags, but it’s best to carry these electronics with you.

SATENA Extra Baggage Fee

If you need more space for your things, SATENA lets you buy extra baggage. Knowing the costs helps manage your travel budget. The big question is, how much does SATENA charge for extra baggage? Fees can change based on the route, when you buy it (buying online in advance is usually cheaper than at the airport), and the type of extra baggage.

The fees are for three main things: an extra bag, overweight bags, and oversized bags.

• Cost for an Additional Bag:

  • If you need a second bag (up to 15 kg and 158 cm), the cost is usually between COP 60,000 to COP 90,000 (about $15 to $23 USD) when bought in advance on their website or by phone.
  • Buying an extra bag at the airport costs more, possibly 20-30% higher. At the airport, it might be around COP 80,000 to COP 120,000 (about $20 to $30 USD).

• Fees for Overweight Baggage:

  • If your single checked bag is over the normal 15 kg (33 lbs) limit but not more than 23 kg (50 lbs), you’ll pay an overweight fee.
  • This fee is usually per kilogram over the limit. The cost is typically around COP 5,000 to COP 8,000 (about $1.25 to $2.00 USD) per extra kilogram.
  • For example, a 20 kg bag is 5 kg overweight. You’d pay 5 kg times the per-kilogram fee, which is about COP 25,000 to COP 40,000.
  • Bags over 23 kg (50 lbs) are usually not accepted as one piece. You might need to repack or ship them as cargo. This is a strict rule for the safety of baggage handlers.

• Fees for Oversized Baggage:

  • Bags larger than the standard 158 cm (62 inches) total dimensions will have an oversized fee.
  • This is usually a flat rate and can be quite high, often from COP 100,000 to COP 150,000 (about $25 to $38 USD) per bag.
  • Keep in mind that oversized items, like large instruments or sports gear, are subject to space availability on the plane. You must contact SATENA ahead of time to make sure they can take your item.

To get the best price, it’s highly recommended to buy any extra baggage online when you book or soon after. This saves money and makes check-in faster at the airport.

SATENA Carry-On Baggage Policy

Your carry-on allowance with SATENA is simple, designed for comfort and safety on their smaller planes. You can bring one main carry-on bag and one small personal item.

These size and weight limits are strictly checked because the overhead bins and under-seat space on SATENA’s turboprop planes are smaller than on larger jets. A bag that’s too big might have to be checked at the gate, possibly with a fee.

SATENA Carry-On Baggage Additions

Besides your main carry-on bag, you can bring one small personal item. This should be small enough to fit easily under the seat in front of you. Accepted personal items include:

• A handbag, purse, or small backpack.
• A laptop bag or briefcase.
• A camera bag.
• Reading material for the flight.
• A coat, jacket, or blanket.
• An umbrella or walking stick.
• Items bought at airport duty-free shops (must be in a sealed bag).
• Mobility aids like crutches or a foldable walker.

SATENA Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

To follow security rules, certain items are restricted or limited in your carry-on luggage.

• Liquids and Gels: The main rule for liquids is the SATENA liquid allowance, which follows the “3-1-1 rule.”

  • All liquids, gels, aerosols, and creams must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 ounces) or less.
  • All these containers must fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag that holds up to 1 liter.
  • Each person can only have one such plastic bag.
  • Exceptions are made for medications, baby food, and special diets, but you must declare them at security and might need proof (like a prescription).

• Sharp Objects: Items that could be used as weapons are not allowed in the cabin. This includes knives of any size, box cutters, razor blades (except safety razors), scissors longer than 6 cm, and metal nail files.

• Self-Defense Items: Pepper spray, mace, and tasers are banned in both carry-on and checked baggage.

• Sporting Goods: Items like baseball bats, ski poles, hockey sticks, and pool cues must be checked.

• Tools: Power tools and hand tools like screwdrivers or pliers are not allowed in the cabin and must be checked.

SATENA Food Policy

Since SATENA mainly flies short domestic routes connecting Colombia’s regions, its onboard service is designed for these trips. Don’t expect a full meal on most SATENA flights. The SATENA food menu is simple and offers light refreshments.

On most flights, SATENA offers a free drink service. This usually includes water, sodas (like Coca-Cola or Postobón), and sometimes coffee or tea. The flight attendants serve this shortly after reaching cruising altitude. On some slightly longer routes, this might come with a small, packaged snack. Examples of snacks served include crackers, cookies, or a granola bar. The offering is standard for everyone and is meant as a simple refreshment, not a full meal.

There are no options to buy more food or a wider selection of meals on board. The airline doesn’t offer a buy-on-board menu. Also, SATENA doesn’t provide special meals for children, vegetarians, or those with other dietary needs. The snack is a standard, unchanging item.

Therefore, if you’re flying with kids, have special dietary needs, or think you might get hungry, it’s highly recommended you bring your own food. You can bring solid food through security and onto the plane. Sandwiches, fruit, salads, and snacks are good choices. Just remember not to bring liquids or semi-liquids (like yogurt or soup) in containers larger than 100 ml to follow the carry-on liquid rules. Planning ahead and packing your own snacks will ensure a comfortable trip.

SATENA Pet Policy

You can fly with your pet on SATENA, but planning carefully and following the airline’s rules is important for your animal’s and other passengers’ safety and comfort. SATENA allows small dogs and cats in the cabin, but cargo transport is more limited and depends on the aircraft type and route.

Booking and Registration:
You must register your pet at least 48 hours before your flight by contacting the SATENA call center. There’s limited space for pets in the cabin (usually just two or three), so booking well in advance is key. You can’t book pet travel online.

Cost of Transporting Animals:
There’s a non-refundable fee for transporting a pet in the cabin. It usually costs about COP 100,000 (around $25 USD) per flight segment. You pay this fee at the airport during check-in.

In-Cabin Pet Requirements:

• Eligible Animals: Only small dogs and cats are accepted.
• Age and Health: Your pet must be at least 4 months old and healthy.
• Carrier (Guacal) Size and Specifications:
  • The pet needs to travel in an airline-approved soft or hard-sided carrier.
  • The carrier’s maximum size is 43 cm (length) x 34 cm (width) x 20 cm (height).
  • The total weight of your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 10 kg (22 lbs).
  • The carrier must be well-ventilated, leak-proof, and big enough for the pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
  • During the flight, the carrier must stay under the seat in front of you. Your pet must stay inside the carrier the whole time.

Required Documents:
You must show these original documents at check-in:

1. Current Vaccination Certificate: Signed by a licensed vet, showing up-to-date rabies and other needed vaccinations.
2. Veterinary Health Certificate: Issued within 10 days of your travel date, stating the pet is healthy and fit to fly.

Important Restrictions:

• SATENA does not transport breeds with short snouts (brachycephalic), like Pugs, Bulldogs, or Persian cats, in the cabin or cargo. This is due to their higher risk of breathing problems during flights.
• Transporting pets in the aircraft hold (as checked baggage) is very limited and not available on all routes or planes. You must check directly with the airline if this is an option for your trip.
• The person traveling with the pet must be an adult.
• You cannot sit in an emergency exit row when traveling with a pet.

Other SATENA Services & Policies

Besides flights and baggage, SATENA has other services and important policies passengers should know.

SATENA Cancellation Policy

SATENA’s cancellation and change policies depend on the fare type you bought. The airline offers different fares with varied flexibility.

• Promotional Fares (Clases “P”, “T”, “U”): These are the most restricted tickets. They are usually non-refundable. Changing your flight date or time might be possible, but with a large fee plus any fare difference. Cancelling usually means losing the entire ticket cost.
• Standard Economy Fares (Clases “M”, “K”, “H”, “B”): These fares offer more flexibility. You can usually change your flight for a moderate fee plus the fare difference. If you cancel, you might get a refund or a credit voucher for future SATENA travel, minus a cancellation fee. The amount depends on how early you cancel.
• Flexible Fares (Clase “Y”): These are the most expensive but also the most flexible. They often allow changes with no fee (though a fare difference might still apply) and are usually fully refundable if you cancel within the policy’s timeframe.

To cancel or change a flight, you must contact SATENA’s call center or visit a ticket office. Always read the fare rules and conditions carefully before buying to understand the flexibility you’re getting.

SATENA Wheelchair Assistance

SATENA aims to help passengers with reduced mobility for a safe and respectful travel experience. This service is free but needs to be arranged in advance.

• Requesting the Service: You must request wheelchair help at least 48 hours before your flight. Do this by calling the SATENA call center after booking. Specify the help you need (e.g., from the curb to the gate, help boarding).
• At the Airport: Passengers needing wheelchair help should arrive 2 hours before departure for domestic flights. This gives enough time for check-in, security, and boarding.
• Types of Assistance: SATENA provides aisle chairs to help passengers get to their seats, as regular wheelchairs don’t fit down the narrow aisles of their turboprop planes. Staff will help you from check-in to the gate and onto the plane. When you arrive, they’ll help you from the plane to baggage claim.
• Traveling with Your Own Wheelchair: You can bring your own manual or battery-powered wheelchair. Manual wheelchairs can usually be checked at the gate and returned to you at the aircraft door. Battery-powered wheelchairs have specific battery handling rules; provide all battery details when booking the service.

Tips for Passengers

For the most current and accurate details, always check the official SATENA airline website or call their customer service. Airline policies, baggage fees, and schedules can change, so the official source is always best. This is especially important for checking route-specific rules, booking special help, or confirming service fees. Using the official website before and during your trip helps avoid confusion and ensures a smooth journey.

Once you land and are ready to explore, you might not want to be stuck with your luggage, especially if you have a long layover or your accommodation isn’t ready. Services like Qeepl can be very helpful. Qeepl is a network for storing luggage in cities worldwide. You can easily find a nearby Qeepl spot (like a hotel, shop, or café) to leave your bags for a few hours or days. This lets you explore the city, eat, or sightsee without your suitcases, turning travel time into exploration time.

Finally, a few more tips for flying SATENA. Since the airline flies to many remote areas, it’s smart to arrive at the airport a bit earlier than usual, as check-in can sometimes be slower. Be ready for smaller airports with fewer facilities. Pack for your destination; Colombia’s weather varies greatly, from cool highlands to hot, humid Amazon. Lastly, while many staff at main airports know some English, learning basic Spanish phrases (“Hola,” “Gracias,” “Por favor,” “¿Cuánto cuesta?”) will be appreciated and can make interactions much easier, especially in the more remote places SATENA serves so well.