[Pankaj]

I have an Australian Passport. I was travelling to Bogota on Friday 26th Nov.

I flew in from London and had a connecting flight to Bogota. Before my departure from Sydney and India, I checked with the Colombian consulate if I 'd need a visa; they told me no visa required as I had a short stay only in Bogota.

Continental staff at Newark (airline supervisory staff)did not allow me to board the plane. I was told I should get a visa from the embassy on Monday, 3 days after. I repeatedly told them that I've been advised by the embassy that I shall get a visa on arrival in Bogota.

I stayed in a hotel in New Jersey for 3 nights, causing severe inconvenience, I went to the Consul General on Monday morning - they were shocked that I;ve been treated like this. I was right - I was told by the consul general that I do not need a visa, the airline staff made a mistake.

CONTINENTAL PLEASE RESPOND TO ME WHY I WAS TREATED LIKE THIS. The supervisor was rude and shouted at me a couple of times, threatening me. I would like a) an apology from the airline, b) a full refund of costs (spent one thousand dollars on hotel charges etc in the US) c) the concerned supervisor and staff reprimanded. Please understand this treatment has caused me and my business severe loss. My itinerary reference is 6PP136, my name is Pankaj Dheer and I am an Australian passport holder
Damage Resulting = 1000 dollars unplanned costs