Sorry, but with the EZE - LIM flight running a bit late and the departure gate to SJO a long way from the immigration entry to airport, I did not have a chance to visit the VIP lounge in LIM. I had my emailed letter ready, but to no avail.

On the way down to EZE, I did just talk my way into the lounge. If anyone is going thru there, I can forward my email reply from TACA so you will not need to write them.

The lounge in EZE did allow my wife and I in without a problem. In fact, the ticket agent wrote the "magic" word on our boarding passes without me asking. The lounge is not real good (and this time TACA flight to LIM was not at the gate the lounge is at). But much better than the regular seating.

HINT: When changing in LIM, they unload you on the tarmac and have you load busses. Unload from front and rear. Both times, the rear bus left for the security check first - so walk back to that one. Also stand by front right hand door, as that was only one that opened one of our times and closest to get into terminal. Once in terminal, need to walk up stairs to security. One time line was to bottom of stairs. We with a couple of others went in elevator (at bottom of stairs) and went up and merged into the line at the top. (Why they need security check when coming off a flight is beyond me). If there is one or two flights ahead of you, the security line can take about 10-20 min - a real pain.

TACA did let me check in a box I bought in SJO on my 4 hr. layover. We had 3 items checked in EZE, but I asked in advance (good English) and they said ok. I was unsure if they would allow an extra item check in during a connection.

Also the Denny's near SJO airport is still great. I just jumped on a shuttle bus (to Hampton) and tipped the guy a dollar. Same on return. (for those who have not done the 3+ hr stopovers - it is about 5 min drive away. Also no tax if you do the "transit" process when you are ready to re-enter terminal.) Still the LaRivera "hotel" is best bet for a short snooze and shower for those 6 hr. layovers. Free pickup and back to terminal.

SJO is still about the same - pretty bad. Looks like they are working on a new area, but I would say a year away until any new sections open.


I concur on TACA service. There are NO pillows or blankets on the flights in Central America. The flights in S. America did have pillows. So pack a soft jacket in your carry -on. The meals are just ok - but considering the long flights in Business, not too good. We did have some different meals on some flights. The only good thing is the hot nuts. A long way from the flights we took for our million mile runs.