When you're flying solo with a toddler on your lap, the small things decide whether a flight is manageable or miserable. On this two-hour daytime flight with Avianca, they got most of them right: a gate agent moved me to a row with an empty middle seat before I even asked, and the crew was kind from start to finish. The fees, though, can sneak up on you. Here's my honest review, from booking to landing. Booking & Baggage Costs Avianca operates like a traditional airline, but its fees can add up like a low-cost carrier's. Base fares were reasonable, yet change fees and baggage costs added after booking can be significant if you're not careful. Pay for baggage when you book. In my experience, prices were fairly standard at the time of the initial ticket purchase, while baggage fees at the airport counter were ridiculously high. Paying in advance helps you avoid hefty last-minute charges. The good news: like most airlines, Avianca lets you check a strol...