OR THE AIRLINES SCAM.
ALERT: This is a vital page. As I’ve been traveling in South America I’ve been stung twice now at the gate two minutes before boarding. I’m quick enough to book ongoing flights (screaming “Well whats the airport WiFi so can book a fucking outward journey then.!!!) and still board my flight but it’s wasted me a huge amount of money. The casual wandering is no longer to be.
It’s called POOT or proof of outward travel. It’s a scam and infuriating. None of the borders care. It’s the airlines that get hysterical. Yeah and before you say it insurance blah blah blah.
I’m not sure what the hell it’s about but it’s happened again today even though I checked with Expedia. I’m furious and stressed and it’s given me a bitter taste in my mouth in the whole process of leaving Colombia.
This is a deal breaker, do your POOT like a good birdie!
Once in Thailand before going to Philippines, at 1 a.m. the airline desk told me I wasn’t allowed on plane to Philippines without an exit ticket. I was gobsmacked. I asked where I could go and she told me Kota Kinabalu. Due to this I stayed only two weeks in the Philippines and went onto Borneo. It wasn’t terrible but it was a shock and defeated the object of wandering. If Expedia can get it wrong it would seem to be a mystery to them too.
A few countries that absolutely require documented proof of onward travel are Peru, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Philippines, Indonesia, and Brazil. Now however I’m sure there are more so always check with the airline.
I now have to try to change my outbound ticket or lose the money or half of it due to cancellation charge. I haven’t even tried yet because it makes me want to weep.
To be really sure it would seem that booking a cheap bus ride out is the usual way of covering it but you’ll need an official ticket in your trembling sweaty paws. Nobody seems to know the exact rules but I would say have a security blanket and get that bus ticket.
I’m sure some smart arse will set me right but just do as I say, I’ve been tricked three times by this red tape in my world travels, it’s costly, upsetting and stressful and, my old birds, we don’t want that.
Old Bird Travels Solo! 