Originally Posted by ricktoronto

That flight is actually a continuation (vs. a connection) from SAL to SJO so no matter if it's late or not, the SJO flight is not leaving with the same flight number that's still in the air. Often the plane changes so they can service the departing flight while waiting for the arriving one - not everyone on YYZ SAL go onto SJO, many don't because they cannot connect to other LATAM countries via the USA. Hence the SAL hub. Ditto the use of Copa to PTY for many Torontonians of CA descent. No US visas, you see, and TWOV died long ago.

SAL you walk to the next gate (like PTY) without security, immigration and such, though flights to the USA have the gate checks. The lounge is quite adequate though food at times is weak. The Subway in the terminal has better cheap food.

I used to fly TACA (what Avianca was called for CA flights before the merger with AV) and it's good service. Also remember to check Copa through Panama for J deals, especially refundable ones (though for $1000 you certainly have a restricted fare) , and avoid Rouge though Rouge would be non stop. Because it's Rouge.

Westjet Plus is also a good option, frankly totally adequate for SJO ex-YYZ because it's a non-stop and has a far better schedule than AV/TACA which lost my business when everything out of Toronto arrives in Central America at 10-11 p.m. and leaves for the return at 6 a.m. [NB crikey! now it's 5:40 a.m.] (seemingly from everywhere, certainly SJO and MGA) which both Copa and WestJet do not do.

Downsides of WestJet in SJO are one, you have to queue up for departure tax, a chore shared with the lowest of the low, Spirit Airlines, and two, no lounge for WS Plus or anyone else. But you do get expedited security and there's lots of food in SJO for the small wait. But it might be the best value to avoid stops, vs. Rouge.