tvl4free

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.