Complete Guide to Wingo Baggage Policy and Other Rules

Get ready to explore the vibrant skies of Latin America with Wingo, the Colombian low-cost airline focused on smart, affordable, and fun travel. As part of the Copa Holdings family, Wingo connects travelers to many destinations without costing a lot. Headquartered in Bogotá, the airline uses modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft to fly passengers to beaches, cities, and cultural spots across the Americas. Its main routes link Colombian cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali with popular international spots such as Cancún, Mexico; Panama City, Panama; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Aruba; and Havana, Cuba. This makes it a top choice for vacations and budget-friendly adventures.

What makes Wingo stand out is its “good vibes” approach and a flexible service model. The airline is known for its bright, playful look and a no-frills style that lets passengers pay only for what they need. Unlike traditional airlines that include baggage, meals, and seat choices in a higher ticket price, Wingo starts with a very low base fare. This gives travelers the freedom to build their own travel experience. If you travel light with just a backpack, you’ll save money. Need to check three bags and want extra legroom? You can add those on. This way to customize and control costs makes Wingo a strong competitor, especially for those who want to save money and travel efficiently.

This guide will help you understand everything about Wingo. We’ll look closely at the airline’s specific policies to ensure your journey is smooth from booking to landing. We’ll break down the Wingo checked baggage policy, including weight and size limits for each fare type. We’ll explain the Wingo extra baggage fee structure so you know what to expect. We’ll also cover rules for carry-on luggage, discuss the Wingo food policy and its onboard menu, explain how to travel with pets under the Wingo pet policy, and go over other important services like cancellations and wheelchair help. Finally, we’ll share some essential tips to make your flight even better.

Wingo Checked Baggage Policy

Knowing the Wingo baggage dimensions and its system for pieces of luggage is your first step to a smooth check-in. I remember my first time flying with a new airline, I was so worried about my bag size, it actually made me miss my train to the airport. Don’t be like me!

Piece Concept

Wingo uses a piece concept, common for airlines in the Americas. This means your baggage allowance is based on the number of bags you can check, not a total weight you can split between bags. Each checked bag must follow specific weight and size rules. Your initial checked baggage allowance depends on the fare bundle you buy: Go Basic, Go Plus, or Go Premium. The Go Basic fare, the cheapest, includes no checked baggage. Go Plus and Go Premium fares each include one checked piece. This helps travelers who pack light get the lowest fares, while those who need more space can buy it.

Important Note: The Wingo Baggage Size of 158 linear centimeters (62 inches) is calculated by adding the length + width + height of your suitcase. This is standard for most airlines and fits most large suitcases. Any bag over 23 kg (50 lbs) or 158 linear cm (62 inches) will be charged extra fees for being overweight or oversized. Wingo will not accept any single piece of luggage weighing more than 32 kg (70 lbs) or more than 204 linear cm (80 inches) for safety reasons.

Wingo Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

For everyone’s safety, Wingo strictly forbids certain items in checked luggage. Packing these can mean they get taken away at the airport, and you might not be allowed to board. Always check your bags carefully before you leave for the airport.

• Explosives and Flammable Materials: This includes fireworks, flares, gunpowder, dynamite, and blasting caps. Lighter fluid, gasoline, paint thinner, aerosol cans (except for limited personal toiletries), flammable paints, and “strike-anywhere” matches are also banned.
• Compressed Gases: Items like oxygen tanks (unless approved for medical use), propane cylinders, fire extinguishers, and pepper spray are not allowed.
• Corrosive Materials: This means car batteries, acids, alkalis, and mercury.
• Oxidizing Materials and Organic Peroxides: Bleach, fertilizers, and fiberglass repair kits fall into this category.
• Poisons and Toxic Substances: Arsenic, cyanide, pesticides, and infectious substances like live virus materials are strictly forbidden.
• Radioactive Materials: Anything emitting ionizing radiation is not permitted.
• Lithium Batteries: Spare lithium-ion batteries for your electronics (like laptops and cameras), while allowed in carry-on bags, are completely forbidden in checked luggage due to fire risk. Electronic devices with batteries should ideally be carried on. If you must pack them, make sure they are completely turned OFF and protected from accidental power-on.
• E-cigarettes and Vaping Devices: These must be in your carry-on bag, not checked.

Wingo Extra Baggage Fee

As a budget airline, Wingo makes money from extra services, including extra baggage. So, it’s important to understand the fees to avoid surprises. The most important thing to remember is that it’s always much cheaper to buy extra baggage online in advance than to pay for it at the airport check-in. Seriously, the difference is often huge.

So, how much does Wingo charge for extra baggage? The price changes based on three things: the route (domestic versus international), when you buy it (online or at the airport), and if it’s your first, second, or third checked bag.

Here’s a breakdown of potential costs (prices are estimates and can change; always check the Wingo website for your flight):

• First Checked Bag (for Go Basic Fare): If you bought the most basic fare, you’ll need to purchase your first checked bag.
  • Online Purchase: Around $30 - $55 USD for international routes, a bit less for domestic Colombian routes.
  • Airport Purchase: The price goes up a lot, from $50 - $85 USD.
• Second Checked Bag (All Fares):
  • Online Purchase: Expect to pay $40 - $70 USD for your second bag on international flights.
  • Airport Purchase: The cost at the counter can be as much as $65 - $100 USD.
• Third Checked Bag (All Fares): Wingo usually allows up to three checked bags per person.
  • Online Purchase: The third bag is the most costly, often ranging from $50 - $90 USD.
  • Airport Purchase: This could cost over $100 - $150 USD.
• Overweight Baggage Fee: If your bag is between 23.1 kg (50.1 lbs) and 32 kg (70 lbs), you’ll pay an overweight fee on top of any piece fee.
  • This fee is usually per bag and can range from $40 to $70 USD, depending on the route. Bags over 32 kg (70 lbs) won’t be accepted.
• Oversized Baggage Fee: If your bag’s dimensions are between 159 cm (62.1 in) and 204 cm (80 in), an oversized fee will be charged.
  • This fee is also per bag and often between $50 to $80 USD. If a bag is both overweight and oversized, both fees might apply. Bags over 204 linear cm (80 in) are generally not accepted and need to be sent as cargo.
• Special Baggage (Sports Equipment & Musical Instruments): Items like golf bags, surfboards, bicycles, and large musical instruments are considered special baggage. They usually count as one checked bag and often have a special handling fee similar to a first or second bag. You must declare and pay for these in advance, and it’s best to call Wingo to confirm the rules.

Wingo Carry-On Baggage Policy

Wingo’s carry-on policy is key to pay attention to, as it varies a lot based on your fare. Following these rules is vital to avoid having your carry-on checked at the gate, which usually comes with a big fee. Trust me, I’ve seen people scrambling at the gate to remove items because their bag was too big.

The main point is that the Go Basic fare only includes one small personal item that must fit under the seat in front of you (like a backpack, large purse, or laptop bag). If you get to the gate with an extra or oversized bag, you’ll pay a penalty fee to put it in the cargo hold. The Go Plus and Go Premium fares include this personal item plus a larger carry-on bag for the overhead bin.

Wingo Carry-On Baggage Additions

Besides your allowed items based on your fare, all passengers can usually bring these items on board for free:

• A coat, jacket, or blanket.
• An umbrella or walking stick.
• A small camera.
• Reading material for the flight (book or magazine).
• A small bag of duty-free items bought at the airport.
• Mobility aids like crutches, walkers, or a collapsible wheelchair, if you need them.
• Approved child restraint devices (car seats), if a separate seat was bought for the infant.

Wingo Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

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

• The Wingo liquid allowance follows the international 3-1-1 rule. All liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 ounces) or less. All these small containers must fit easily into one clear, resealable plastic bag with a maximum size of 1 liter (about 1 quart). Each passenger gets only one such bag, which must be shown separately at security screening.
• Sharp Objects: Items like box cutters, ice picks, knives (with blades any length in some places), razor blades not in a cartridge, and scissors with blades longer than 6 cm (4 inches) are not allowed.
• Sporting Goods: Baseball bats, ski poles, hockey sticks, golf clubs, and similar items must be checked, not carried in the cabin.
• Self-Defense Items: Stun guns, tasers, and pepper spray are forbidden in carry-on bags.
• Tools: Real tools like drills, saws, and wrenches must be in checked baggage.
• Lighters and Matches: One book of safety matches or one regular lighter is usually allowed on your person, but not in your carry-on or checked bags. “Strike-anywhere” matches, torch lighters, and lighter fluid are banned completely.

Wingo Food Policy

As a typical low-cost airline, Wingo’s model is to offer a cheap base ticket. This means free meals, snacks, and drinks are not included on any of its flights, no matter how long. All refreshments are available for purchase onboard. This lets the airline keep costs and ticket prices low while letting passengers choose what they want to buy. It’s a fair trade-off, I think.

The Wingo food menu, called the “Wingo Market,” is in the seat-back pocket. The selection can vary by route and season, but it usually has non-perishable snacks, light meals, and various hot and cold drinks. You can pay with a credit card (Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted); cash usually isn’t an option onboard.

Here are some examples of what you might find on the Wingo Market menu:

• Snacks: You can find popular snacks like Pringles, salted peanuts, M&M’s, Oreo cookies, and local Colombian brands. Prices for these are usually $3 to $5 USD.
• Light Meals: If you want something more filling, the menu often has items like a ham and cheese sandwich, instant ramen noodle cups, or a packaged muffin. These are simple and easy to serve snacks. A sandwich might cost around $8 to $10 USD.
• Combo Deals: Wingo often offers combo deals for better value, like a sandwich + a soft drink for a set price (e.g., $12 USD) or a coffee + cookie combo.
• Beverages: The drinks include standard soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Sprite), juices, still and sparkling water, hot coffee, and tea. Alcoholic drinks are also for sale, like local and international beers (e.g., Club Colombia, Heineken) and small bottles of wine. A soda might cost $3 USD, while a beer or wine could be around $6 to $8 USD.

It’s important for travelers to know that Wingo does not offer special meals for dietary needs (like vegan, gluten-free, or kosher) or for kids. If you or someone you’re traveling with has special food needs or allergies, it is highly recommended to bring your own food and snacks onboard. Just make sure your food items follow airport security rules, especially for liquids and pastes.

Wingo Pet Policy

Wingo welcomes small pets in the cabin, so you don’t have to leave your furry friend behind. However, the service has strict rules and limits to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety. Wingo only allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin; no other animals are permitted. Also, the airline does not transport pets in the cargo hold.

Here’s how to travel with your pet on Wingo:

• Cost of Travel: A non-refundable fee is charged for each pet traveling. The cost depends on the route:
  • Domestic flights within Colombia: The fee is about $150,000 COP (around $40 USD).
  • International flights: The fee is higher, usually around $60 - $80 USD.
  • This fee is per flight segment. So, a round trip means paying twice.
• Booking: You cannot book a pet spot online. You have to call the Wingo contact center at least 48 hours before your flight to register your pet. Wingo only allows a few pets per flight (usually about 6), so booking early is crucial to get a spot. You’ll pay the fee at the airport on travel day.
• Size and Weight Limits:
  • The total weight of your pet and its carrier must not exceed 10 kg (22 lbs).
  • The pet must be in a soft-sided, ventilated, and leak-proof carrier. The maximum size for the carrier is 40 cm (length) x 35 cm (width) x 25 cm (height).
  • The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you. Your pet must stay inside its carrier for the whole flight. No exceptions.
• Required Documents: This is super important. You’ll be denied boarding if you don’t have the right paperwork.
  • Health Certificate: A certificate from a licensed vet within a certain time before travel (e.g., 10 days), saying the pet is healthy enough to fly.
  • Vaccination Record: Proof of up-to-date vaccinations, especially a current rabies shot, is required. The rabies vaccine must have been given within a specific period (e.g., more than 30 days but less than a year before the flight).
  • International Travel: For international trips, you must meet all entry rules for the destination country. This might involve a pet import permit, specific treatments (like for parasites), or a microchip. It’s your job to find out and get all necessary documents. Not having them means your pet won’t be allowed in.
• At the Airport: You must show your pet and all its documents at the Wingo check-in counter for inspection and payment. You can’t use web check-in if you’re traveling with a pet.

Other Wingo Services & Policies

Besides baggage and pets, understanding the airline’s policies on changes, cancellations, and special help is important for planning your trip.

Wingo Cancellation Policy

As expected with a low-cost airline, Wingo tickets are usually non-refundable. Once you buy a ticket, you can’t cancel it and get your money back, except in very few, specific situations. It’s a bit of a gamble, so be sure of your plans.

• Right of Withdrawal (Colombia): For purchases made online or by phone for flights starting in Colombia, Colombian law allows cancellation within 5 business days of purchase, as long as the flight isn’t within the next 5 business days.
• Retraction (24-Hour Rule): For tickets to/from the United States, rules permit cancellation without penalty within 24 hours of booking, if the booking was made at least seven days before the flight.
• Voluntary Changes: While refunds are rare, Wingo does let you change your flight date or route. You’ll pay a change fee plus any difference in fare. This can get expensive. To help with this, Wingo offers an add-on called “Flex-1.”
  • Flex-1 Service: This is an optional service you can buy when booking. It lets you make one change to your flight date or route without paying the change fee. You still have to pay if the new flight is more expensive. This is highly recommended if your plans might change.
• Exceptional Circumstances: Wingo might offer a refund or a travel voucher in serious cases, like the death of the passenger or a close family member (spouse, child, parent), if you provide official proof (like a death certificate). Flight cancellations or major schedule changes by the airline might also make you eligible for a refund or to be rebooked.

Wingo Wheelchair Assistance

Wingo wants to help passengers with mobility issues travel safely and comfortably. This service is free but must be requested ahead of time. It’s vital to plan this out.

• Requesting Assistance: You must request wheelchair help by calling Wingo at least 48 hours before your flight. This lets the airline prepare at both the departure and arrival airports.
• Types of Assistance: The airline offers different levels of help based on international standards:
  • WCHR (Ramp): You can walk short distances and climb stairs but need a wheelchair for long distances in the terminal.
  • WCHS (Steps): You cannot climb stairs but can walk short distances.
  • WCHC (Cabin): You are completely immobile and need help from check-in to your seat on the plane.
• Traveling with Your Own Wheelchair: You can travel with your own manual or electric wheelchair.
  • Manual Wheelchairs: These can be checked at the main counter or used until boarding, then stored in the plane’s hold. They travel free and don’t count toward your baggage limit.
  • Electric Wheelchairs: Wingo accepts battery-powered wheelchairs, but with strict safety rules. The batteries must be non-spillable dry or gel types. The battery needs to be disconnected, and its terminals protected to prevent short circuits. You must share your wheelchair’s specifications when you call for help.
• Onboard Accessibility: Wingo planes have an aisle wheelchair to help passengers get to and from the restroom during the flight. The crew can help with stowing and retrieving carry-on items but can’t help with personal needs like eating, drinking, or taking medication.

Tips for Passengers

Having a bit more knowledge can make your travel experience much better. Here are some final tips for flying with Wingo.

First off, always use the airline’s official website as your main source of reliable information. Airline rules, especially for budget carriers, can change. Baggage fees might be updated, route-specific rules can appear, and promotions can vary. While this guide gives a good overview, the most current and official details for your flight will always be on on the official website. Taking a moment to check the baggage allowance or pet policy for your exact route before you pack can save you time, money, and stress at the airport. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

When you arrive, the last thing you want is to be stuck with your luggage, especially if you have a long layover or get to your hotel hours before check-in. This is where a service like Qeepl is a traveler’s best friend. With locations in hotels and shops in many cities Wingo flies to, you can find a safe place for your bags. Just book online, drop off your luggage at a Qeepl spot, and start exploring places like Cancún’s lively Hotel Zone or Bogotá’s historic La Candelaria district, with your hands free and no worries. It’s a great way to make the most of every minute of your trip.

Finally, keep these other helpful tips in mind for a smooth Wingo journey. Always check-in online through the Wingo website or app. This helps you skip long airport lines and can sometimes save you an airport check-in fee. Before leaving for the airport, weigh and measure your bags at home to make sure they meet the strict size and weight limits. Bring your own entertainment; Wingo flights don’t have in-seat screens or Wi-Fi, so a tablet or phone with movies, music, and podcasts is a must. And a smart traveler’s trick: bring an empty reusable water bottle and fill it at a fountain after security to stay hydrated without buying water on board.