GF and I are headed to Costa Rica on Dec 25th. We're on a 545a from ORD to SJO via FLL. I fly WN every week, but I haven't gone international in awhile. What's the current amount of security theater I have to plan for? Or is it just like domestic?

Also, any thoughts on what sort of crowds I'll find at ORD at 430a on Christmas day?

TIA

There are reports of the occasional show of force by Customs & Border Protection in the jetway looking for people carrying excess cash (or who knows what) out of the country.

TSA would be the standard theater as they harass everyone - domestic or international.

ThIngs should be similar to a domestic flight. As posted above, CBP sometimes appear. I've never seen them on any of my international flights, but I have heard some stories of them sometimes harassing people.. Of course, YMMV. Have a great trip!

It shouldn't be anything odd. You'll be required to show your passport as you board.

Some airlines, particularly Continental, request that you check in at the gate podium to verify that you have appropriate travel documents. This includes transit passengers. (In other words, if you are flying from Boston to San Jose de Costa Rica via Newark, you still need to stop at the podium in Newark.)

Flights to Tel Aviv are subject to an additional metal detector or wanding, explosive detection or x-ray for US carriers departing from the US to Tel Aviv. El Al uses its own procedures.

Other than that, you shouldn't notice anything extraordinary.

Buen viaje.

I just got back from Addis Ababa. Other than remembering to go to the podium in Newark (and on the return in Frankfurt) to have my docs validated, there wasn't anything special. I don't quite understand the extra check in Newark, because they check my passport when I check in. (I got new boarding passes in Frankfurt, too.)

Will be similar to a domestic flight.

On your FLL to SJO flight they'll distribute two landing forms - one is for immigration, the other is for customs. Don't be shocked when it asks for mother's maiden name as part of your name (it's cultural to naming in Latin America).

Departing SJO you'll first go through the primary checkpoint, I've kept my shoes on the past couple times clearing that particular checkpoint; you will have a secondary screening at the gate - no liquids past this point including water purchased inside the airport.

Upon arrival at SJO: If you need a taxi, get an official pre-paid taxi (there is an area to the left before walking out the door) -- it can be easy to miss as once you exit customs you're almost tossed straight outside .. but you can work your way back to the prepaid taxi queue.

There will be all kinds of people hawking rides - avoid them. Watch your wallet and valuables. Some area hotels do have shuttles.

Not sure where you'll be staying, but you can save time and pay your departure tax at many SJO area hotels. Otherwise, you'll need to queue to pay the departure tax at the airport.

Enjoy - Costa Rica is lovely this time of year! Pura Vida!

PS: Any particular Costa Rica Questions, feel free to send me a private message.

Edit: if weather is good, go for a window seat. You'll make a number of turns landing to avoid the mountains/volcano's and if the weather co-operates, the views can be spectacular.