nancyogc

We are scheduled to arrive at SJO at 12:50 on Sat, 12/12 and (I think) foolishly plan to take the last flight with SANSA at 3:45 to Puerto Jiminez. Any delays from US, including baggage, and we lose the $115 each flight. We are a little too excited to get to the Lookout Inn on the 13th. There is a 6am flight to PJ. I think I better try to cancel our PJ hotel reservation - just made yesterday.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

It's risky. Any delay anywhere along the line and you won't make it.

volcanogirl

You might make it, but I personally wouldn't risk it. One trip, we were stuck in the immigration line for 3 hours because several planes landed at once. Have also breezed through in 30 minutes, so you never know.

plumboy

We arrived at SJO maybe around 11:30 AM, had a flight to PJ via Sansa at 2:30 PM maybe? We made it with lots of time to kill, but it is a chance. But I was quite anxious until it became apparent we were going to make it. Just depends on how comfortable you are.

Personally, though, I would never do it again. Not so much because of the chance of missing the flight, but making it all the way down there on the same day as your international flight is absolutely, utterly exhausting. Just really not worth it. Once you land in PJ, then you have to get to Lookout Inn. Not sure how you're doing that, but if it's by car, then that's another (I think) 2 hour drive on a very bumpy road. You will be completely wiped out when you arrive. Better to start the next morning really.

nancyogc

We planned on staying in PJ on 12th (first night), then taking the colectivio at 6am to Lookout.

Considering Volcanogirl's reply, I think I will try to find out how many flights will be arriving at SJO that morning/early afternoon.

tully

I've breezed thru as well (I always get off the plane and haul butt to hit immigration before the whole plane does). I think the worst was when our plane was delayed in Miami once and we were an hour wait. I think as long as you know you may have to eat those tickets and buy new ones for those next morning, there is a good chance of making it. Just pray for no delays, good luck!

plumboy

It may be too late for this, but we also never check our bags and we get seats in the front of the plane. That way, like tully, we can book it out of the plane and to the immigration line and out of the airport lickity split. We've only been twice, but we've never been in the immigration line longer than 10 minutes -- but others have had much longer waits, like volcanogirl (I dread the day...).

nancyogc

It seems like from what I am reading that Dec 12 and being a Saturday might be a heavy travel day. I don't know how the economy has effected that this year, though.

We could only get 13, 14 & 15th at the Lookout Inn, so I want to get there asap!

shillmac

I am tempted to tell you to go for it, but instead, just to start everything off on a relaxing note, why don't you find a nice hotel near the airport where you can relax, rest, and just enjoy being in Costa Rica. You'll have to miss breakfast the next a.m., but you could certainly add to your overall experience by having a relaxing afternoon on the 12th!

Vista del Valle (20 min from airport) comes to mind as they have beautiful views, a little waterfall hike, and fun rooms. We loved Ylang Ylang, and the lights of San Jose were pretty at night. An afternoon and evening there would be well spent, and you'll not have to stress about times and connections. A room there will run you about $160.

Or for less money (50), one of our favorite places (no frills but Tico owned), Hotel Villa Bonita, 5 min. from airport. Humberto, the delightful owner, is always there on Saturdays, and he would be happy to assist you in every way. There are 2 very good restaurants within 2 blocks. Humberto and Carmen and little Felipe are always fun to visit with and will make you feel right at home. This hotel is in Alajuela, though, no view, but you could walk to the city park and experience city life in Costa Rica!