SJO Intl-Intl Transit?
 

Any recent experiences with international to international transit at SJO? Found a cheap J ticket SJO-CDG on AF, will be arriving UA from US. Separate oneway tickets but plenty of time in between flights - I'll take the risk. Just want to know if there are issues with transit, including fact that I am arriving on oneway ticket (and departing later that day on another). Thanks in advance.

SJO built a transit security post several years ago. Arriving passengers no longer mix with departing passengers. Avianca "de-hubbed" the airport soon after. The post is rarely staffed, and only when Avianca is expecting the few transit passengers that come through. I question how you're going to communicate that you need security personnel to be there when you're on two separate tickets.

Thanks. I guess I could always clear immigration (assuming they are good with proof of onward travel)? I have 6-7 hours so no worries on timing. Anything fun to do nearby?

I might've gotten lucky but the transit checkpoint was staffed when I arrived, just had to tell them destination and go thru security. Fortunate for me because (around 12pm) immigration was nuts.

Oh, good! I'm happy it worked out for you.

For passengers arriving from the US to SJO, any fast track or VIP service to get through customs and immigration more quickly?

If you're elderly, disabled, or pregnant, there's a dedicated line at passport control. Otherwise, no.

By "elderly," I'd say the qualification is that someone is visibly in need of special accommodation.

I take that back. There is an outfit called Royal Airport Concierge that offers fast-track services for many airports worldwide, SJO included. I can't vouch for them.

Royal Airport Concierge

Thanks. I wrote to them a couple of days ago, but no reply as of yet.