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Guys; I only leave Costa Rica once or twice every year or two. I have to fly to miami next monday to resolve some probate issues. The last time I flew out was last October and I didn't have a problem with long lines. Is this a question of departure times or is it all day now. It takes me a hour and a half to two hours to get to the airport and I don't want to run into any problems. Any input apreciated.

Thanks
tuanis

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not as good as I once was, but as good once as I ever was

It really depends. The last two times i've flown out there has been no line, but others flying during the same time period (but different time of day) have said the line was terrible. No real way to know, so just get there at least 2 hours early.

I just left CR this past Monday and had no real issues.
I fly business class and even though there is a seperate line for business class, there was only a few people in line at AA.
the exit tax was just as easy, walked in and right up to the counter. this was for the 10:45am flight to Dallas.
you should know that the airport is all torn up from construction and are bus'd out to the plane, so boarding time is longer.
this was the case on my last 2 trips.
what i noticed different this time was that you were required to show your passport to get into the airport and beside the normal screening at security and the bag check at the gate, we were frisked out on the tarmack before being allowed to board the plane.

The early morning flights out are pretty busy, but I think that is because people are getting there almost TOO early.

The exit tax has never been an issue because there are usually plenty of people working the line.

The airlines are the slow part with 1 or 2 ticket agents checking in a full flight They need to dual train half the people standing around waiting to check the carryon bags before you get on the plane

Your longest part of the trip will probably be the walk from the gate at MIA to Customs!! Last time it felt like I walked from the A concourse all the way around

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In honor of Jimmy V week, "Don't give up, don't ever give up!"

The last time I flew into SJO was Feb 20th. While waiting for my ride I looked up and the line to get into the terminal went all the way up the sidewalk outside. I asked one of the sign holders why it was so long and he said extra security inside the airport. When I was leaving I went to the airport earlier than normal in case the line was long again, but it wasn't crowded at all.

As long as whoever's picking you up can read the situation, you're golden...and after all, that gives you more time for leisurely shopping at the ground-floor duty free...The last person out the door...gets out the door--same thing with getting on the plane. I never quite understood standing in line for 20 minutes waiting for the gate attendant to check folks on the plane--it's not a Cincinnatti Who concert, after all, what with assigned seating, gate checking your bag and all.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

The lines to go through security have been long as hell my past two trips. My depature tax took 2 minutes, checking in took about 5, and then it took about 50 to make it past security. The line has literally made itself to outside the airport, along the fence where all the cabs pull up, almost to the end. There are only 2 people checking passports, they need to figure something out to make it go quicker.

This is where a tramitadora (paid place holder) can come in handy while you lounge on the sidelines. Surprised that some enterprising Tico hasn't thought of this.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Thats a great idea. Maybe next time I'll get one of the guys asking for change out front to stand in line for me, and then give him a 5k propina.

What lines?

We fly Spirit out of Atlantic City. Its by far the smallest airport I've ever seen. lines are non-existent!

Get yourself the Onyx Spirit MC and if there are lines....it gets you directly to the front!!

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"Reality manages to phuck up every fantasy I've ever had....except in CR!"

Only 1 flaw with that Jazz...when the overhead bins get full they have to check the bag!! I usually do 2 and 3 day trips so never check a bag...I gotta have overhead space!!

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In honor of Jimmy V week, "Don't give up, don't ever give up!"

The last time I flew down in December, the line was about 30-40 minutes in SJO. That's the longest I've ever seen it. I hang out in duty free quite a while picking out what liquor I want to buy and usually hope that means all of my plane has gone through by then, but timing is everything - if three more planes land while I am in duty free, then I'm screwed.

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Man I'm living life like a great white shark swimming with minnows! It's all about panocha, great scotch, fine cigars, loud-ass rock music and speed, speed, speed - plus spending as much time as possible in paradise on earth, Costa Rica!

Amigo, you left out that your 50 minutes did not include the 20 plus minutes I had to wait in that line before I let you cut in front of me. I would have missed my flight but as you know an airport agent proactively announced that passengers on my flight should follow him to bypass the rest of the line.

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Sex with Gringas in the U.S. is like modern art. Most of it is pretty bad, and the good stuff is out of your price range.

This is true, I'm glad I found you. I think I mentioned it in my TR that I cut in line with you. But either way...that line is out of control.