BOG Transit

I feel like I haven't been on a plane in a looooong time. Let me think...yeah, this is the first time I'm flying this year!
I love LAN's business class - airy, bright, comfy, good entertainment. That got me to Bogota airport. From where I had to switch flights for Quito.
Now, I didn't check in all the way from Santiago to Quito. I just didn't feel comfortable leaving my bag in the hands of the Colombia baggage handlers, especially since I had to change airlines.

Anyways, I went over to Avianca’s counter to check in. Didn’t happen as easily and as smoothly as it should have. The agent refused to let me on board since I didn’t have an onward ticket from Quito. She claimed that Ecuador requires proof of onward departure; otherwise I’d be deported back to Bogota as soon as I landed. What the f*ck?!?!?!
I knew that was complete bullshit. So many travelers fly into Quito without an onward ticket because they overland into either Peru or Colombia.
Woman, I’ve been traveling long enough to know what’s legit and what isn’t!!! I must’ve spent at least 30 minutes arguing with her. At which point she finally called in the supervisor, who again refused to check me in for the same reasons. I went through my “I am going to take the bus back to Colombia” again. Over and over. And I did the “I absolutely HAVE to get on the flight to catch the Galapagos cruise I’ve already booked and paid for! It’s been my dream for ages...”, etc. etc. etc. in my sweetest, cutest possible manner. It worked : )
She told me to go to the ticketing counter and just book a return flight – I wouldn’t be charged for it. WHY COULDN’T SHE HAVE TOLD ME THIS EARLIER?! It was such a piece of cake.

With boarding pass in hand, I made my way through the airport, wishing I had some Colombian pesos on hand to drink a cup of coffee. Smelled soooooooo good! I can’t wait to visit the coffee plantations when I come back here.

The flight was fine. I kept a close eye on my belongings since a guy told me that he got his wallet stolen during an Avianca flight. His bag was underneath the seat in front of him, so the culprit must’ve been whoever was sitting in that row.

Immigration was fine as well. I got my passport stamped (well actually, they have this funky printer thing that records entry directly onto the passport rather than normal stamps) without incident. I wasn’t even asked about my onward plans out of Ecuador. Just as I expected.