www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I've done some online research about air passes, programs that allow you to fly to a number of destinations in a defined period of time for much less than buying each ticket individually.

I was looking at the Hahn/all america air pass as it would have been perfect; includes Cuba, DR, Ecuador and any countries in central America. Problem is, it cannot be purchased in North or South America, only over seas.

Anyone know about any other similar programs. General tips on saving on flights would be appreciated as well.

So I guess it can only be purchased in Europe, Asia, Australia - since Antartica is not famous for having travel agents

I looked into programs like this when we had our boat over in the Bahamas (no yacht; a 31' open fisherman) and you could buy a book of 10 flights; if they had space on the plane, you flew; you could book at the last sec.

But the flights were not cheap, not really discounted, and b/c they were not transferable (on this particular program, no idea what other programs may allow or prohibit) - you had to use it or loose it.

You could google London Bucket Shops, and contact one to get more info - you may find that the flights do not originate - or even land in North America.

You may find the restrictions make it not worthwhile - which I suspect is the case you might find out once you talk w/ someone. This is something you may find its imperative to actually have a conversation w/ someone and London has the advantage of being a center for this industry plus they speak english.

If you want to save on flights, join an airlines frequent flyer program, or at least sign up to receive their e mails - its said that booking on a Tuesday PM results overall in lower fares, as does travel on a Wed, Thurs, or Sat (who knows; maybe...) - also, book early, but not too early - think 30 - 45 days vs 6 months.

The guys who get the best deal are those w/ elite status in the airlines frequent flyer programs - they take for granted stuff that would cost the average traveler thousands - but for the guy (like me; and I suspect you ) who flys under 10 times a year on average, we are never going to reach those elite levels.

Post back on what you find out - just don't be surprised if it turns out not to be the deal you think. I'll put out a shout to CRT's resident travel guru - if its avation related, this guy knows it

Hey - Srlim - any intel - info on this - is my post on the right track?

Find an airline worker and get a buddy pass. They have raised the rates example ATL-SJO is $ 328 on Delta and remember you will be on a standby basis. Better yet go to Deltajobs.net and look for a part time job or ready reserve job in your area and fly round trip to Costa Rica for $ 23.58 . Fly in the United States for free. Like the above post stated get signed up with Jet Blue or Spirit for discounts . Also Delta , United , AA , and Taca to get special blast rates. Check your Sunday paper. Hope this helps Uncle H.

At that price, its not worth it - especially for standby (at least to me)

Also - I did not specify JetBlue or Spirit - what I posted applies to the discount as well as legacy carriers:

If you want to save on flights, join an airlines frequent flyer program, or at least sign up to receive their e mails

Well, I've done a bit more research and it seems like there are some people who have had success with buying a hahn all american air pass through a European company. There were a variety.

There are a number of good deals in South America, especially if one flies domestically in Argentina or Brazil. But, south america as a whole has few good package plans. Problem is, just reading the experiences posted by others, or contact with individuals who have purchased such passes, the airlines don't advertise such deals, and need to be bought from the air line directly. A common theme was the air line employees not fully understanding the passes, trying to up sell them (either intentionally or not), or just flat out were not aware of them.

Caribbean has/had a few similar deals. Although, its up in the air as I can't find any information post 2005ish. The more well known ones have been discontinued.

Central America, from what my couple of days of reading internet forums tells me, is perhaps the worst place in the Americas for budget air travel. I say this in the sense that there don't seem to be any stories of people getting deals like the ones discussed in this thread and above. I could be wrong on this.

I did find some other interesting websites though for air travel, but I'm on my iphone at the moment and don't have the links.

Thanks for the information though. As far as getting a job with an airline, I think that's a bit of a stretch just to save money on flights , but still a suggestion that would have likely gone unmentioned.

Ah, good point. I hadn't considered the non existence of a rail way system. I agree with you though, travel by rail is much better, not just for convenience sake, but I have enjoyed some of the train rides I have been on. Given the right route the scenery can be nice. I cannot say the same for flying. A good flight is one that was bearable for the majority of duration. Although there are views that can offer some perspective I am usually to uncomfortable or annoyed to really appreciate it.

One trip to Thailand and one to Costra Rica = 25K miles. That is enough to get you silver elite on Continental. If they still sold the "privilege packs", you could do it in just the trip to Thailand.

If you want to fly or upgrade on milage rewards.... Credit card sign-ups are another way to rack in miles. If you use the for upgrades you will be working twoards elite status.

2011 was good to me in respect to milage nesting. I pulled in 50K Continental (CC), 50K United (CC, later transfered into my Continental account), 25K Continental (chase onepass checking account, sadly discontinued now), 100K British Airways miles (CC, cost $95 up front). I also signed up the wife for each of these too. I only purchase stuff on the card that gives me Contiental miles.

I already have the Chase Continental Plus card planned for next year (currently 50K, or 60K if you spend 25K or more during the year on it). I am sure more mileage offers will appear soon.

Nature Air in CR has one going now, pretty cheap ($250) and your base is the small city airport in Rohromoser/SJ--for newer guys, that one is a little more convenient/less traffic.

Great idea if you want to see alot of CR. See their website.

Sansa used to do that once in a while, no mas. I'd fly to Quepos for the beach in the am, catch the 4pm back to SJ, mess around all night, and go back to the beach in the am, a little tiring, but best of both worlds.

Srilm, what are your thoughts on mileage runs?

Devo

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Thanks for the info Srilm.

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