LatinPass/GlobalPass - Update on TACA's LAX operations

Beware folks! TACA is now in LAX's Terminal 2.

FWIW, if you're traveling on TACA in sheeple class I suggest that you allow LOTS OF EXTRA TIME. There are 6 or 7 flights all leaving within an hour or so of each other.

The Y check-in lines last nite were among the worst I have ever seen. Completely insane. Unbelievable! Seemed much worse to me than MIAMI on a FRI nite! Lines were out the Terminal door and half way down to Terminal 1 (just horrendous numbers of sheeples).

Check-in for Clase Ejecutiva was smooth, however. Beware, tho, there is no Lounge for biz psgrs and TACA doesnt share w any other carrier.

The flight to SJO was completely packed - not an extra seat anywhere. But even with the crowds, we pushed within 3 minutes of scheduled departure time - and so that was a good thing I do believe.

I was justifiably disappointed in the onboard service, however. It seems to have gone downhill considerably since the last time I flew this carrier.

I am currently in 'Casino Lounge Dennys.' Free WIFI, loads of coffee, and no pressure to rush off from the waiters. It's kind of cool! I think that this is the nicest Denny's I've ever been in and it forms part of a new 'complex' consisting of the Denny's/Casino/Hampton Inn/Hampton Suites operation.

There's a guy here right now entertaining the kids by making animal balloons.

I could have done the Cafe Britt Tour for $26, but spending the day w WIFI sounded better to me. A 4 hour day room at the Riviera (previously mentioned by someone else at about $40 per nite) was offered to me for $25 with bkfst or $20 without. Transportation was included. And FWIW, Hampton Inn wanted $79 for a day room. But the original Hampton Inn (of the Latin Pass Run fame) has now separated from Hampton and is called The Garden Court.

The only Lounge in the SJO is called the VIP Lounge Costa Rica (aka the Salones VIP - altho NOT associated w TACA). Priority Pass uses this Lounge too. Admission is $25 US and includes snacks and internet access. There are no showers. This Lounge is located below the Food Court across from Gate 4. Just take the escalator downstairs. The Food Ct. includes a Burger King and a Schlotzsky's for those who are interested. And the WIFI is working in the Food Court, too, 4free. Just fill out the bi-lingual form when it pops up.

I hope this info is helpful for others w trips4free in the works.

Cheers. Lima is next.

^ T4F- Denny's sounds real good. You made the right decision

T4F:

I think I may have been the one to post about Denny's, a couple of times. Yes the casino is attached, but I did not use. I agree, probably the best Denny's I have ever seen.

My wife and I will probably use La Riviera for a shower and short snooze in 2 weeks, as going on to EZE means two redeyes back to back -- not good, even in Busn. Class. I stayed there in Feb., and although not a 4 star by any means, a nice place for a nap and shower. And with the free shuttle, a good deal.

Thanks for the updated info.

In Feb., we left out of Intl. terminal in LAX -- and same long lines and waits. Busn. ticketing was not bad, but a seperate LONG line for baggage check and another LONG line to get through security. Probably took us 2 hrs. + from terminal to gate!! NOT a way to run an airline.

Agree also that service and food in Busn. has slipped a lot over the past few years.