I previously posted "Three Hacks to Make Your Travels More Seamless." Hack 1 is to check-in to your flight early. I'm doubling down on this #traveltip, given a recent travel experience.
When I traveled to Colombia earlier this month, I repeatedly got an error message when I tried to check-in online. I called the airline, and the agent said I needed to check-in at the airport because he was also getting an unexplainable error message. When I arrived at the airport, the desk agent informed me that I (1) needed a return ticket to travel to Colombia and (2) had to complete Colombia’s Online Check-Mig Form. Oh!
Therefore, I had to quickly book a return ticket while standing at the check-in counter and complete the online form required by the Colombian government. I don't recall having to do either of these steps when I traveled to Colombia in 2018, and I'm almost certain the online verification is a post-2020 requirement. The form is free to submit (link here), so don’t get suckered by sites requesting a fee.
Thankfully, the desk agent was extremely helpful, and I was able to check-in precisely in the last minute! Without her assistance, I definitely would have missed the flight.
So here's some additional insight:
When booking an international flight and/or if you attempt to check-in early to your flight and get an error message, (1) be sure to review the travel requirements for your travel destination and (2) make sure you've completed all necessary steps before arriving at the airport. #RemindertoSelf ✨
I had a similar experience when traveling to Brazil shortly after leaving Colombia. I checked the travel requirements, which didn't seem to suggest a return ticket was necessary, but I had to provide return ticket details to check-in online. When I saw the early check-in error message, I already knew what to do! And with most airlines, you can cancel your “return flight” booking within 24 hours, if needed.
The State Department's website is a good place to start to make sure you understand the travel requirements for your travel destination.
Completing "Hack 1: Early Check-in" is a great way to cross-check that you are all set to go!
See Yaa Soon, around the globe! #Ready