Redfield10 wrote:
Oh, is it necessary or worth it to change dollars at the airport?
I don't believe the BCR kiosk in the departures area will be open when you arrive. The Orange taxis will quote you a price in USD and you can pay in USD so no colones needed.
When you get to the Castillo and drop off your bags you can either hit an ATM or exchange dollars. Since you are arriving that early and your room won't be available, you might be able to scam them for a free breakfast.
For an ATM I usually use one of the two machines in front of the INS building. It's a two minute walk from the Castillo and the front desk can point the way. If you don't have a debit card that refunds ATM fees like the Schwab card, be sure to check what the fees are going to be. Also DO NOT choose the option to let the ATM bank do the currency conversion for you.
Assuming it is after 9am you can also walk into the lobby of INS building and go up the escalator and there is a bank where you can exchange dollars at the true rate. Just pick a number, have a seat and wait for your number to be called.
On Delta, if you pay for an upgrade AFTER you've purchased you ticket, the upgrade is non-changeable and non-refundable. If you purchase the upgrade when you buy the ticket by purchasing Comfort Plus or First then the ticket can be changed (you have to pay whatever the new ticket price is for your new dates) or you can cancel the ticket where you would get a full credit good for 12 months from the original date of purchase.
Comfort Plus really isn't worth it for the price difference they usually charge but sometimes the difference is minimal. The seat is a little better, a little more recline, priority boarding and I believe you get a drink. I usually get upgraded automatically to Comfort as I have status on Delta and frankly I prefer the regular Economy exit rows.
Be advised I do not know for certain what Delta's rules are for 2023. Be sure to check. They got a lot nicer during Covid and I would not be surprised if they started to get more restrictive again.
Enjoy your trip