www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Ok.....steven1 is headed to Merida Mexico on assignment and learns that the 1st checked bag is NOT free but costs $25.00. That means $50.00 since I have to return with it.

Steven1 does some more calling as Steven1 has been in contact with Matt and is working out a fee structure for my stay given Steven1's unique sets of needs: There is, now, a $25.00 first checked bag fee to SJO now....and that is out of MCI. That means another $50.00 added to the already bloated fare. Incredible.

Guys....seriously......we need to consider chartering flights for "our purposes" out of gateway cities the bulk of us can get to and start traveling to SJO "....under our own steam.....". $25.00 for my aluminum gear filled bag......extra insurance time me thinks.....

what a sucky process United has for checked bags and nickel and diming me like this.....

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

na

That is the Spirit model. I totally agree.. However, there are some airlines that don't charge low fares... and therefore, you expect bags to be included... but they don't because they are just trying to make an extra buck. That is the kind of nickle and diming I hate the most.

American and Jet Blue give you one bag free on International flights.

There is SOME merit to charging for what is used and paying for what one uses. It is akin to being in a condo association, however. I don't consume alcohol on planes, so my fare should be cheaper in that my portion of the fare to support the weight of the liquor bottles ought to be less. Same with all the other crud I don't use. Why am I compelled to subsidize the guy who is using the "inflight entertainment system" given I don't use it?

Same with the head: You should have to pay to use the head via a "parking meter style" system: The longer you're in the thing, the more you have to pay. Want toilet paper? You should have to pay for it. Water to wash your hands; soap to make washing functional (what is it with these idiots who run cold water over their hands after wiping their asshole and consider that "washing their hands" no soap involved)? Want to dry your hands after washing them? Pay for the paper or time to use the blow drying device. There are all sorts of ways to "nickel and dime".

As well, those further away from a "hub" city should have to pay more fare wise. Oh. Wait. We already do.

Then there are the dopes who bring their entire life in a "carry on" bag trying to avoid the checked bag fee (and thinking they're saving time not having to wait for the checked bag).

One checked bag to an international destination is not extravagant or hedonistic. It's pretty basic if you're "playing fair" with what you stick in your carry on.

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

I have thought of this as well. If you had 10 guys you could easily charter a private jet to SJO without costing that much more than commercial. For us Canadians you could go Toronto-Miami-San Jose. On the East coast you could go New York-Miami-San Jose.

I actually think there is a business opportunity here for someone to organize this.

Devo

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The most dangerous adversaries are the ones that come with a smile instead of a sword

If an option, switch to Copa (if your point of departure allows). Two free 50 lb bags. Lots of destinations are direct to PTY (Panama City), quick layover and on to SJO (45 minute flight), Also receive full Mileage Plus/Star Allaince rewards

Coming down in a couple of weeks with United, and as of today I can bring two 70 lbs. bags for free. Just wondering if I'm gonna have any surprises when I get to the airport.

Glad and thanks you've latched onto this concept, Devo. It IS quite doable and not particularly complicated. The complications come in relative to the personalities of the fliers and even that is minor: As long as everyone is paid up, it doesn't matter if they get along or not. It's a cost effective alternative to getting screwed by these huckster boys at the airlines.

It could start out quite slow, cherry picking the primary departure cities (they already exist....like IAH or FLL or anywhere in Florida....even Chicago......and see what happens. I am convinced it could grow from their to something much larger although getting "too big" isn't, in my view, such a great idea as it'll draw attention to the purpose of the flights. But the charters out of most East Coast towns, not to mention out of Chicago to Jamaica are models to take a look at.

Save money AND control how and when and where one departs from. Non "hub city" guys can fly into where the charters are leaving from and still save.

I have time to work on this concept if you have time Devo......what say ya?

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

Love it ! The Monger Express where stewardesses are hot sexy nude putas giving lap dances during turbulence !!!!

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Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...

I agree except for this part...."stepping on a scale and only charge me the fuel it will take to haul my weight."

Probably 85% of the members as well as other mongers will fight you on this...have you looked around the HDR and Sprtsman's lately ??? We're going to be charged double !!!!

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Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...

I've often wondered just how strict they are when charging the extra fee ($75, $100, whatever) for being over the 50 lb limit for check-in bags. The closest I came was 48 lbs. Will most airlines charge extra if the bag is only one or two lbs over? If the bag is only one or two lbs over, will they allow you to remove some items and put them in your carry-on? I imagine that would really hold up the line, unless they allow you to go back to the start of the line, if that's possible. Anyone have experience with a bag being only one or two lbs over the limit?

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"In a nation ruled by swine, all pigs are upwardly mobile, and the rest of us are phucked until we can put our acts together; not necessarily to win, but mainly to keep from losing completely"...Hunter S. Thompson (RIP)

JetBlue has a limit of 50 lbs. for one checked bag.

I showed up with 54 lbs. to test the weight limit. I knew that I was over the limit because my bathroom scale correlates with JetBlue's scales.

The agent told me to remove 2 lbs. and return to the head of the line. I stepped aside and put 2 lbs. into my carry-on. Hardly any lost time for me or others in line.

i also fly united september was the first time they charged me international...clerk said it was new but here to stay.Think i read that checked bag fees total over 3 billion for airlines/year.

Gringotim:

Spirit will Phuck you over if you are over there 40 pound limit. JetBlue lets you slide on a few pounds over.