www.CostaRicaTicas.com

What are the usual prices from JFK to SJO? My first trip I paid 350. My last trip on Taca it was about $246. Now taca has risen prices to 400+. However, American Airlines is about $256.

When are you looking to travel?

You need to search multiple dates. Sometimes, 1 day earlier or later can be a big price difference. I just did a search on TACA and got $294 for mid November. If you are looking for December or next year, the prices are higher. Decemebr and early January are always higher, but after that prices will start to come down as it gets closer to the date.

I took AA once (free trip using miles). I'll say it wasn't terrible, but I hate layovers. I'd prefer to pay extra (<$100) to take the TACA nonstops. The JFK nonstop on TACA is awesome, you get in at 9:30 and have the whole day to play. The nonstop to JFK gets in a little late to be at work the next day, but what the hell.

I always take TACA and have been paying under $300 for most of my trips this year.

i just booked a continental non-stop jfk to sjo in may 2008; coach seats were $380.

_________________
newyork

While it's not a high fare, you overpaid a little. You bought it too early. Logically, one would think that buying a ticket more than 6 months in advance would be cheaper, but usually it's more. My educated guess would be that it has to do with accurate oil price forecasts. Also, there is also a lot of uncertainty in other factors as well. The ticket prices from NY are currently in the upper $200's. It's best to buy about 1-3 months before the travel date. Also, keep an eye out for periodic promotions and be ready to jump on it.

Something to keep in mind for the future.

Are the usual prices to Costa rica around 480 from NYC? That is what I got last year. However, my two previous trips I got 350, 248, and future 254.

Last year the fares were higher, but still usually lower than $480, on average. The most I paid last year on Taca (nonstops) was $450. This year, I've paid $250 or less about 4 or 5 times, and nothing over $370.

Why are the fares so low this year? Almost 1/2 off?

My guess would be that more competition is creating a price war between the airlines.

Also, empty seats may be another explanation. My last flight, rows 17-26 in coach were empty.

EEEWWW Coach!!!


Most of the time these days the first class cabin on TACA has been pretty empty. My last 3 flights down to Guatemala and/or SJO I've been the only one in 1st...

The cattle section seemed empty, but I wasn't looking...

Go to the Airlines own web sites and search a block of days. I just Paid 278 with all taxes and fees from Newark on Delta. Try Newark there are virtually no lines for their international check in for airlines like Delta that have JFK as their hub.