Tips for Long Flights

Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Alleviate ear pressure by chewing gum, yawning, swallowing or gently blowing your nose.
Periodically walk up and down the aisle to stretch your legs and get blood circulating. You can also do a few isometric exercises while seated.
Try to sleep during your flight – an eye mask, noise cancelling headphones and a light sweater or scarf may help you to be more comfortable and sleep so you can acclimate to the local time more quickly.
Avoid wearing contact lenses during your flight, as recirculated cabin air tends to dry them out.

Airport Security and Check-in

It is recommended you be at the airport at least three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic flights. This allows enough time to check your baggage, present your passport and other forms required including proof of vaccination or related tests, confirm seat assignments and boarding passes, and clear security procedures before proceeding to the boarding area. Most airlines offer online check-in 24 hours prior to departure, which can help you avoid long lines once at the airport. If permitted, this is also a chance to request seating assignments or buy an upgrade if available. Airport security regulations require that sharp objects of any kind be stored inside your checked luggage, not in your carry-on bag. You may be asked to put your shoes and/or coat through an X-ray scanner, so be prepared to remove them.

Late or Missed Flights

If you miss a flight, immediately advise an airline representative that you are a cruise guest bound for a specific location/date/time to meet your ship. If your flight is cancelled, await instructions from the airline regarding alternate travel arrangements. Typically, airlines will do everything in their power to get you on the next available flight. Once you know your new flight information, please call the emergency contact number listed within this Travel Document.

Reciprocity Fee for Canadian Guests

Starting November 14th of 2023, all Canadian visitors are required to pay the fee of CDN$85 per visitor during the immigration process. This fee can be paid with a debit/credit card. It is important to remark that “failure to comply with this measure will be grounds for denial of entry to Colombia and will necessitate the return to the country of origin by the immigration authorities.”

Travel Protection and Insurance

If you have not yet taken out travel protection/insurance, please contact your travel advisor, independent insurance broker or AmaWaterways in advance of your departure. Foreign medical care is often paid for in cash prior to treatment and medical evacuation can be expensive. Travel protection/insurance is strongly recommended for all river cruise and land journeys to Colombia. Please make sure to write down important information such as the insurance company’s telephone number and your policy number.

Baggage

International air carriers are often very strict about the size and weight of baggage and carry-on luggage. Please contact your air carrier or visit its website for specific requirements prior to your departure, as size and weight limitations vary according to the airline. It is also important to check Intra-South America Air flight regulations as these too may vary. International flights allow one piece of checked luggage and one carry-on bag per person. Some airlines limit each checked bag to a maximum of 62 linear inches (158 linear cm) and weight do not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg). Your carry-on should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (55 x 35 x 22 cm) or weigh more than 15 lbs. (7kg). International air carriers may impose fees for baggage that is too large or heavy and/or require you to remove certain articles in order to meet weight restrictions. Current security regulations require that all liquid items in your carry-on bag be no larger than 3 oz. and contained in a clear quart-sized plastic bag.

Intra-South America Luggage Restrictions (applies to any flight within South American countries)

One checked-in bag: must not exceed 50lbs/23kg in weight and a maximum of 62 inches (158 cm)
One carry-on bag: must not exceed 15lbs/7kg in weight and a maximum of 45 inches (115cm), plus one small personal item, such as ladies’ purse or a small handbag must fit under the seat in front of you.

*An extra fee will apply for overweight and/or each additional piece of checked-in luggage. Fees to be paid by guests directly to Avianca, Latam Airlines and Copa Airlines. Fees may be charged at the different airlines counters at Rafael Nuñez International Airport (Cartagena), Ernesto Cortizzos International Airport (Barranquilla), Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (Medellin), El Dorado International Airport (Bogota) or Tocumen International Airport (Panama).

NOTE: Airlines may impose fees for excess baggage and/or require you to remove articles and place them in another bag if weight/size limits are exceeded. AmaWaterways is not responsible for any additional fees imposed by airlines. Also, storage space may be limited on board your ship and/or motorcoaches/AmaWaterways excursion boats, and porters may refuse to carry heavy, oversized suitcases.

For these reasons, we recommend bringing only one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person.

It is a good idea to place your itinerary and contact information inside your checked bag, just in case it goes temporarily astray.

Delayed Baggage

Baggage can sometimes be delayed during air transport. Pack a change of clothing in your carry-on bag or your traveling companion’s bag just in case. Place a copy of the hotel and ship contact info inside each piece of checked luggage, as this will help the airline locate you should your bags be delayed. Please note that it is the responsibility of the airline to deliver any delayed bags to you. Claims for reimbursement for delayed luggage should be submitted directly to the airline. Fill out a claim form at the appropriate airline desk before leaving the airport.

Mobile Phones

Please contact your service provider for information on overseas usage. Your phone will need to be set up for international roaming.

Making the Most of Your Journey

Experienced travelers know how to be flexible. The more you can adapt to constantly changing conditions, the less stressed you’ll be and the more you will enjoy your journey. This is especially true when traveling in developing countries such as Colombia and Panama. Being friendly and open-minded will make things more enjoyable for everyone. No matter where you go in the world, a warm smile is always welcome!