www.CostaRicaTicas.com

No, CO goes through either Houston, or Newark.

Various info to add:

First I would recommend getting an AMEX card that allows points to be used where YOU want them. IF you fly Delta quite a lot (like me) then you might want to get a Delta SkyMiles AMEX card. The bonus miles just for getting the card can be pretty sweet depending on which card you get. Travel advisers DO NOT RECOMMEND getting a card that ties you to one airline.

Of course actually USING those miles is another trick. You need to book as soon as possible (I believe the earliest is 331 days out). Be flexible. Early or late flights are easier to find. Avoid holidays and try to fly during the week.
On my recent Medellin trip I had to catch a 6AM flight on American. My return got in at midnight (actually 1AM due to a storm in MIA). I booked it 5 months in advance and that was still the best I could due over 4th of July.

Delta and American both have calendars that will allow you to see exactly what's available. Be careful though because they might give you a 30,000 mile "deal" but it could include a side trip from ATL to Newark or even an overnight connection.

I have also noticed on American there have been times when the best economy seat was 70,000 miles but Business Class was available for 60,000.

Both will offer to sell you miles. If you hold at least a GOLD Delta SkyMiles AMEX card you can use their "Pay for Miles" program that will allow you to combine miles and cash.

http://www.lowcards.com/
https://web.da-us.citibank.com/cgi-bin/ ... antageCard
https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/delta/

Citibank AAvantage Mastercard and their new AMEX card allows you to use miles at reduced amounts. These are listed by quarter.
https://www.citicards.com/cards/wv/copy ... eenID=1213

Regarding AMEX themselves, I have had at least 4 charges I've had to dispute over the years and all 4 were found in my favor. I made the call, got a note in the mail and that was the end of them.

As for rental car coverage, yes, an AMEX card will cover SOME of your damage but I believe it may be AFTER your personal insurance kicks in. For $19.95 per rental AMEX will cover everything. That is probably not that could of a deal if you rent more than 4 or 5 times a year but it is something to look into.

Here is what it says on the AMEX website for the Platinum Card.

Four Complimentary Companion Airfares Per Year

Invite a travel companion to accompany you on your next flight. Receive complimentary companion airfare, up to four times each year, when you use your Platinum Card® to book qualifying domestic Coach-Class air travel - starting at $299 - aboard one of six major U.S. carrier. For more information or to make a reservation, call 1-866-354-8386 or the number on the back of your Card.

If you visit the website, http://www.blackcardsource.com/ and scroll to the bottom of the page, it has a link to apply for a AMEX Platinum Card. By using that link, if you are approved and spend $1,000.00 within the first 3 months, you get 25,000 bonus points. My buddy applied and got the deal. Obviously that is not enough to get to Costa Rica but you can use that for a domestic ticket. I just thought I would pass this along.

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El Gringo

Amex has treated me extraordinarily well since I became a card member 17 years ago.

1. While in Cancun, a shifty waiter at Chilly Willy International attempted to double-bill the card. While the transaction was in process, Amex called Chilly Willy's and demanded to talk to me. The waiter of course was apologetic, said he thought the first transaction hadn't gone through...despite the fact that the receipt printed correctly for the first transaction. When I returned to the U.S., I discovered that not only had Amex disqualified the second, false charge...but had put a hold on the first, pending investigation of CW's billing practices. I never did have to pay for the $300.00 worth of pu*sy I charged to the card.

Secondly, with enough lead time, I've never had a problem booking my Delta Sky Miles award travel. In fact, this coming LD weekend, I'm flying for $30.72 (taxes).

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

Amex is taking a big solid dump on cardholders now for starters no more "always double miles" for Delta frequent flyers after 12/31, and no more domestic companion ticket program after 11/15, this sucks.

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Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

I had an American Express card years ago, but got rid of it.....tired of paying the annual fee.

I fly atlanta to sjo 6-7 times a year. My skymiles card gives me $100.00 off per 10,000 skymiles. You can pay all or part with miles. Simple formula no blackout and easy to use. I would rather take two paid coach trips than one business class.ymmv

And to add to that, the value of your FF miles are devaluing faster than the Russian Ruble in 1998. CR trips are now routinely 50K plus miles from ORD.

dapanz1

Just an update here. AMEX is doing away with their 4 free domestic airfare tickets per year for Platinum card holders. HOWEVER, they still offer the "free" international companion ticket on full fare first/business class tickets. This may not be a good deal for everyone but, I paid $667.00 for coach per ticket out of DFW in September to go to CR. I just booked another up coming trip and I bought a first class ticket and it cost me $907.00. I got a free companion ticket that is also first class so it breaks down to $453.50 each. I consider this a good deal especially considering what I paid last time and now I get to fly first class. Again, this may not be a good deal to other people but it is for me.

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El Gringo