Starting Dec. 3, Costa Rica will begin including the $29 airport tax in ticket prices, just like many countries do. That will eliminate that extra step at the airport of standing in line to pay the tax. I assume if you bought your ticket before Dec. 3, you will still have to pay the tax at the airport, but the end is in sight for having to perform this tedious task and for having to make sure you have $29 on you when you get to the airport.
It's about time.