I'm going to try and nonrev the family to Costa Rica. We want to go to LIR but SJO has twice the flights out of ATL. In the event we get stuck in SJO, looks like a long drive or a flight on a shady carrier to make it to the NW coast.

For anybody who has done this before any recommendations? Just wait until the next day until I can find an LIR flight? I've got a good amount of vacation so we're not in a big hurry, other than my standard impatience with airport security BS.

I've done the SJO-LIR drive before. It is a long and sketchy drive. If you do it, make sure your arrival in SJO leaves enough time to do the drive during daylight. Road signs were a bit confusing at times, potholes big enough to swallow a car, a couple of sections on narrow mountain passes that were 2 way but were only narrow enough for 1.5 cars maybe and with no guard rails next to steep drop offs, and cows/horses that roam the roads freely. If you make the drive during daylight, it could be a scenic tour through the tropical mountain countryside.

06-06-2016 | 01:15 PM

#189272

GucciBoy

Gets Weekends Off

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 1,148

Likes: 0

From: Fetal

Latest Crew Resources update says upcoming AE will be "significantly smaller" than planned to help cope with the training churn.

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06-06-2016 | 01:37 PM

#189273

Dirtdiver

Gets Weekends Off

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 791

Likes: 0

From: 767A

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeF16

Buy an Eticket (Travelnet>Leisure Travel) on a couple other carriers to get out of SJO. Years ago folks used to fly Taca(?) to Panama City, and there's a late DL flight you could catch. Now we fly to several other central America cities that would also probably work.
SJO sits in a bowl, and depending on which way they're taking off, they sometimes have to block seats. Especially if it's a 737 instead of a 757. And have enough US cash to pay the departure tax.
There's an ATM but it doesn't always work.

I rode a van once SJO to the coast near LIR. Would not do that again. Nothing like coming around a corner to see a logging truck passing a logging truck bearing down on you. Pretty sure they had to replace that seat cushion.

06-06-2016 | 03:36 PM

#189274

dc10guy

Gets Weekends Off

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 340

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeF16

I have taken family twice. Both times bought tickets. Glad we did. We had a great time. We stayed at the RUi palace.

06-06-2016 | 05:24 PM

#189275

Justdoinmyjob

Looking for a laugh

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 4,099

Likes: 0

I've flown on those "sketchy" airlines between SJO and Manuel Antonio. Was actually enjoyable. They were new caravans and the pilots were all "appropriate." Spent some time talking to them. They were all dual citizens, and were all looking to eventually come fly here.

06-06-2016 | 08:29 PM

#189276

dl_1011

Line Holder

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 39

Likes: 0

From: A330 Capt

I did SJO to Manuel Antonio (Quepos) back in the late '80's in a DC-3, it was a blast. They left the cockpit door open. FO was busy reading his newspaper the whole flight. The runway in Quepos at that time was just wide enough to keep the mains on the paved surface.

06-07-2016 | 03:52 AM

#189277

flyallnite

Gets Weekends Off

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 1,898

Likes: 0

From: Stay THIRSTY, my friends!

Quote:

Originally Posted by badflaps

Before we flew into LIR (When it was military), I used to rent a car and drive over to the west coast. I f you are nimble and avoid the tree trucks it not too bad. Probably need a car anyway. Plenty of nifty little towns on the way.

Beware of rental car insurance scams, they are aplenty, even with the big firms. Highly recommend buying the 'local' insurance for damage. Be sure to fully check out the car, including the roof for damage. Still, there is a good possibility you'll get dinged by someone, and they'll charge you a fortune to fix cosmetic scrapes. Don't leave anything in the car, as it's an invitation for theft.

06-07-2016 | 04:13 AM

#189278

satchip

Gets Weekends Off

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 2,350

Likes: 0

From: Flying the SEC

June schedule had 3 LCA trips. Looks like I'll be 0 for 3 for OE drops. Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug....

06-07-2016 | 04:30 AM

#189279

MikeF16

Otto

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 1,806

Likes: 0

From: Turkish Pile Driver

Thanks for all the advice regarding Costa Rica. I'm hoping I can get all 4 of us down there via non-rev but we'll just go somewhere else if we can't.

06-07-2016 | 11:45 AM

#189280

BUSTED

Line Holder

Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 33

Likes: 0

Can anyone briefly explain the difference in the "Delta Pilots Savings Plan" and the "Delta Pilots Defined Contribution Plan"?

Cheers,
BUSTED

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