I would not trust any departure tax to be included in your ticket price. However they name it, I can't see them doing away with it. As an FYI, many people have been notified that the departure tax will be going up to $29. I don't know if this will be in addition to the $18 or in lieu of it, but you will still have to pay at least $18 to leave the country. As an fyi, I would not attempt to argue around this fee, as the airport police are not very accomodating to Americans.....Trust me on this one.

Also, do not forget our friend here on FT, Gaucho100K, who has an excellent wine shop in BsAs. A visit by his place is always worth your while!!!