Air Traffic Controler's Strike (CR)
 

Okay, so this air traffic controllers' strike in Costa Rica has got me a bit nervous. We fly down there next Saturday and it doesn't look like the strike will be over by then. The reduced staff and the fact that they aren't even using radar is what has me nervous! Is anyone else worried about this? There is no way I'm canceling my trip after waiting this long to go, but I'm afraid I'll be a nervous wreck when we get into CR air space! Here is a link to the article in today's Tico Times:
http://www.ticotimes.net/topstory.htm

That article was posted on July 2nd. Look at the top of the paper for the date. I'm not sure currently what is going on but I am leaving on Monday and I've decided just not to worry about it.
Tourism is one of their primary businesses and I don't think that they want anything to happen to the planes bringing those tourists to their country. I think that the government will take whatever appropriate steps are necessary to keep planes safe.

Just returned from Costa Rica on Tuesday. We had a Sansa flight from Puerto Jimenez on Monday, July 5th, then our international flight home on Tuesday, the 6th. Everything went smoothly and on schedule with all our flights -- even managed to watch the radar screen on our small Sansa plane since we were sitting so close to the pilots (flying thru a blinding rain storm as we got closer to San Jose). Can you contact the airline you're on and ask them for more information?? Katie

Mylisa, you're right, that was from July 2. I saw today's date on there somewhere, but that wasn't the date of the article. The article has now been moved to their archives, so here is the new link if anyone wants it
http://www.ticotimes.net/archive/07%5F02%5F04%5Fts.htm

The air controller's strike is having absolutely no effect on arrivals and departures. The major national daily newspaper hardly mentions it anymore. The government brought in scabs from other Central American countries and is stiffing the local controllers, who are among the best paid civil servants in the country anyway, so there is not much sympathy for them from other unionists or anybody.

Don't sweat it at all.

Greetings! We flew out of San Jose Wednesday, us on United and friends on AMerican with no obvious effects of the strike at all. In fact, we left on time, which is a whole lot more than I can say for our U.S. departures on the way down. Only in U.S. airspace did we encounter delays and have to "circle" for an hour before getting permission to land....go figure. Enjoy your trip! Also, on channel 8 or 9 on the United headset, you can actually listen to the air traffic controllers and pilots banter....interesting.

Happy travels!

Yeah, I like that about United, that they let you listen to the controllers and pilots, it's pretty cool. However, we'll be flying America West. The only part that has me worried is that they are NOT USING RADAR! I'm no expert in air traffic control, but it seems like that is not very safe. That and the fact that they are using about 60 less controlers! Eeeek

I don't think I'd worry too much as I don't think they are overloaded in flight take offs and landings.

I'd worry more about the Volcano Arenol as apparently it is acting up and there are tourists warnings out. I think I read that there was "moderate activity" and they have set up extra monitoring stations to watch the situation.

You are probably more likley to be a victim of the Volcano than an airplane accident.

Don't forget that most modern airplanes have their own radar's and your pilots are gonna be very careful as their own lives are at risk also.

Go, don't worry and have fun. I know I will!!

All radar systems and towers in Costa Rica are staffed with controllers. It was only for a few hours that they were not.

As far as Arenal goes, it acts up with some regularity a couple of times each year. If you're lucky, that is when you are visiting. It is quite a show, and there are no hotels within any danger zones under the worst of circumstances.

Not so, however, for the Tabacon Springs. They ARE in the direct line of danger! Don't relax too much while you soak. You might have to get the hell out pronto!!!

Thanks for the encouraging words (I think). For some reason, the volcano doesn't scare me as much as the flying thing. I guess it's because I have this illusion that we could just evacuate quickly if needed, but airplanes are a whole different story. I am releived to hear they are using radar again. Thanks Barbarian!

AM Costa Rica had an article on this (see their archives June 28, 2004) and as Barbarian indicated there was only a short (2 day) interruption in travel. Safe travels LA FadeAway! PS: Are you still traveling to Bocas/Panama on your trip? If so, I have some info for you re: the immigration policy. Pls. repost if you need the info.

Lisa in Manuel Antonio

Lisa,
Yes we are still traveling to Bocas from Puerto Viejo. Please send me any updated info! You can post it here or e-mail me at [email protected]. Thanks!