www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I am going to be using Nature Air my next trip
I have flown with them before, but always a last minute thing so I just paid the price
This time things are pre-planed... set in stone?????
My question is two fold,Nature Air has promo code fares saves about $25 each way.
How do you get that fare?
They also have a Locos fare $40 off the rack rate
Can I have a local buy me the ticket or tickets? Will a CR drivers licence work?
Guess it is a three fold question would using a CR travel agent save any money,or is there a web-site wholesaler for Nature Air
Thanks in advance

I used Nature Air last year in June and received the "locos" rate booking through their website. BTW locos=crazy not local so you don't have to get a tico/tica to buy your ticket. They have only a limited amount of discount tickets so book early.

Thanks
Thought Locos was a typo Muy Tico
I will grab that crazy fare

Make sure to pack really light. Part of the locos fare is a reduced baggage weight allowance.

The earlier you book, the better the chance of getting the lower fares. They allocate a certain number of seats to each fare class.

Baggage allowance

Fare Class Checked Bag Allowance

Flex 40 pounds
Promo 27 pounds
Loco 15 pounds

I've been told by a resident that they have tico rates, but I reviewed the site on several locations/dates and noticed that the rates are much better further out, and many flights are sold out.

I heard that locals residents with a cedula (CR ID card) pay half on Sansa and Nature Air. But they must walk-up and buy the tix themselves, can't do it online.

Because of the Caldero Highway (new highway) being closed and a bridge on the Pan American Highway (old highway) being closed down to one lane, I took Nature Air round trip from Liberia at 6:00 am today and returned a little after 4:00 pm. Cost of my flight was about $300.

Nature Air has a corporate flying pass, but new memberships are currently not available. If I fly stand-by my flights are a little less than $50 each way (I think it is exactally $48???). But due to the urgent manner in which I needed to be in San Jose this morning and the road closure I could not take the chance that I could not get on the flight.

Sansa is also an option, flights are normally in the neighborhood of $110 to $125 each way. Once upon a time they also had a corporate program but now offer a mile program to frequent flyers. I have not flown Sansa very often as their flights leave Liberia later in the morning and leave San Jose earlier in the afternoon so it often does not meet my schedule.

Other things to consider. Nature Air flies into Pavas Airport while Sansa flies into SJO International airport. I believe Nature Air offers a shuttle service for $10 to $20 bucks between the airports but I have never used this service.

Luggage on both airlines can be costly. I only take my computer bag as I have clothing for San Jose's climate at my San Jose location and clothing for Guanacaste's climate at my Guanacaste home. If you are only doing a beach run, pack light as the weight limit for the cheap fare on Nature air is either 15 or 20 pounds and they charge by the pound for over this weight and it can add up quickly! There also will charge if the passenger is over 300 pounds and require the purchase of 2 seats!

Safety thoughts.... Nature Air uses twin engine prop planes and Sansa uses single engine. I personally have a little better piece of mind with the twin engine option, although I think Pac has once told me the type of plane used by Sansa has a better safety record but I really do not remember the details of that conversation 100%.

But in direct follow up to Orange's comment, currently there is no discount program for locals or residents. However, this corporate program usually reappears in the rainy season.

Anyone have any specific questions about these flight options please do not hesitate to ask me, I use the services quite a bit and will be happy to help!

Srlim,
I think the Sansa planes are 12 seaters, not 10, but it's been a couple of years since I've flown with them, so I'm not sure.

The shuttle from SJO-Pavas is $8, according to the NatureAir website (when booking tickers, at the bottom of the summary screen where they ask for your CC).

My dos colones....

I've flown both Sansa & Nature Air many times.
The Sansa planes are single engine & seat 12 people.
The Nature Air Planes are twin engine & seat 17 people.
Both companies will weigh you, your bags & your carry-on's.
Personally, I prefer Nature Air. I like their terminal better.
Their staff are all very nice, and they usually recognize me.
I consistently get cheaper prices on Nature Air.
Plus, they fly out of Tobias Bolaños Airport in Pavas.
It's much easier to get to, costs less for taxi, and takes less time.
And their restaurant on the 2nd floor is a nice place to wait for your flight, overlooking the runway.
Plus they've got free Wi-Fi onsite!

MG

_________________
You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!