www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Im thinking about booking Avianca RT out of San Francisco. Their web site has been down and I've read some horror stories. I'd be curious about others' experience with this airline. I'm getting ready to book end for an end of month trip. Any issues? Does the web site come back up? Any problems w using credit cards to book etc? I like the idea of flying in and out of SFO rather than trying to connect elsewhere and worry about a secondary delay for screening and missing a connecting flight.

Thanks for your help.

RED

Very good airline, especially in-flight service, but ground and customer service is very spotty if you don't speak Spanish. Things can get lost in translation.

New fleet and good pilots. You get a free hot meal and alcoholic drinks.

No issues with using their website. I used to fly them a lot out of JFK when they had the nonstop. Then they doubled the fare and then got rid of the nonstop.

I recommend.

To which country is the credit card being charged? If it is out of the USA you may have to notify your CC company prior to the charge.

I had to do this with COPA (Panama based). My charge was denied by Chase until I called them and told them I was authorizing the charge.

health & happiness to all................

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It's not the size of the wand that put the rabbit in the hat, it's the magic in it!!!

deleted

In the past 18 month, I flew with them 9 times Flight was always on time and they treat you pretty good. Never have a problem booking flight on their website. Always use my cc and never have to inform cc company before booking.

Avianca and COPA are great alternatives to the US carriers. I use them almost exclusively now... even if it means paying a little bit more. You may need to use the call center for assistance when booking on Avianca.

would fly avianca over a usa carrier everyday of the week and twice on sunday.

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im way deep into nothing special
riding the crest of a wave breaking just west of hollywood

Got a great rate on Avianca, $415, from JFK-SJO via San Salvador. Anyone stopover there? I have 1:15
for connector.
Also the itinerary says 35lbs. for a checked bag. Isn't usually 50?

Outside your failed Delta experiment, I don't remember you ever flying a US carrier

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The only thing that matters is happiness in all it forms...

What's up Al...
I've connected thru SS a bunch of times, easy. The arriving gate and departing gate will usually be 150 feet apart or on the opposite side, so 500 feet away. You will have time to go to the bathroom, get a snack/drink, even check out the duty free shops, and still be back at the gate to wait for the flight.

Luggage...You are allowed 2 pieces up to 50lbs each. And a carry-on up to 22lbs.
http://www.avianca.com/en-co/travel-inf ... p/baggage/

SS is a breeze just don't bring drugs. they have dogs most times i stop there and as you get off the plane those mutts are on you.
when are you going to be there mate?

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im way deep into nothing special
riding the crest of a wave breaking just west of hollywood

I try to fly Avianca from SFO to San Jose every time I can. Have never had a problem and they are far better than the US airlines.
Best thing is no customs/immigration till back at SFO where you are out in less than 30 minutes.
I try to book the midnight flight around 12:30 A.M. so you are at SJO by 10 A.M. flying time is about 8 hours.
Return by 5 P.M. flight the reaches SFO at midnight so I have a chance for 2 session on the day I am leaving.
The transit time at San Salvidor is about an hour or little more and you can have a 15 minute walk to get to your gate when you change planes. Used to be the gates were next to each other but they made changes ( for the worse).
Also on your return when you have to change planes you have to go through a security check of your carry on bag before you board your SFO flight. No big deal.
They used to do that check in San Jose before but now do it in San Salvadore.

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Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET

Thanks guys! Really appreciate it. I did book Avianca from SFO to San Jose. If. If I get hassled at secondary screening once I'm back to SFO, who cares? It also did book the 1:30 AM flight and the noon flight returning. I catch BART from SFO to my home so arriving SFO at 8:00 works!! Thanks again. It feel silly now for booking thru Miami and Denver before on different airlines. No hassle in Miami but was detained in secondary in Denver where they took me in a whole separate room and it took FOREVER. If I'd only had a two hour connection, I'd have missed my connecting flight. still makes me f$;&n mad!!

The hassle about getting off the return planes in salavador and guat is that if you buy duty free and have it in your carry on they are going to take it away.
so basically if you are planning on taking back some rum or whatever you need to plan ahead and buy it getting off the plane coming into SJO and put it in your check in going home.
its so stupid but thems the rules apparently laid down by our government. its not like you went through all the security leaving SJ and suddenly in flight you procured contraband.
i think it may be a ploy by the hubs to sell their own duty free. buy no way you find 20yr centanario 2/$58 anywhere else but SJ duty free.

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im way deep into nothing special
riding the crest of a wave breaking just west of hollywood

All good Orange, appreciate the detailed intel. Just a clarification as per your link, going North America to Central America the limit is 70 lbs. combined in 2 bags. If someone brings an over 35 and another over 35 there'll be some decent damage$.

LAdiablo, I'll try not to bring any dog biscuits! Be down Labor Day week, bringing one of my buddies from home,
you making an appearance? Be a lot of friendly faces....