Hi -
We are taking the red-eye from Denver and need to make a tight interbus connect the morning of our arrival. So, we plan to carry on our luggage on the way there and check it on the way home. But I'm anticipating that we will buy a bunch of gifts (mostly pounds and pounds of coffee) that won't fit into our original baggage.

Usually I tuck a spare bag in my suitcase for gifts but we're going to be in CR for 10 days and with a carry-on size, I don't think there will be room this time around.

What's the likelihood of grabbing something around the airport before we leave? (We're at Hotel Pura Vida for a day and a half before we depart.)

Also, we're flying Frontier and I'm wondering if they'll let us take a regular school size backpack as our "personal item" as well as our carry-on suitcases. Anyone have experience with that?

Thanks again for all your help!

My suggestion is to take a bigger bag or try to fit your spare bag. You will have to go to downtown SJ to get a bag or go to one of the malls. It also would be expensive compared to what you can buy in the US.
Regarding coffee, try to buy coffee at the supermarkets, there is a wide variety and blends and much cheaper than the ones you get at the airport or tourist places. the most popular for tourists is Cafe Britt but as a local I love Cafe Volio. Have a great time!

You may also want to throw it all in a plastic bag and then buy one of the coffee sack bags at one of the many Cafe Britt stores at the airport. They're very big and were about $5. I agree with buying coffee at grocery stores, the airport & touristy stores mark it up a lot!

If it's the need for space for coffee that would cause you to spend money on new luggage, you might take a look at the Cafe Brit website to see if having it shipped to you would save money in the long run. Buy enough of the stuff and shipping is free. We did this and are quite happy with the result.

You can pick up a cheap bag at any Hipermas oe other similar type store. They are prevalent.

Regular old knapsacks work great. You know the kind like pillowcase material that cinch up at one end. You can put all your clothes in it, check it on the way back and pack your treasures in your suitcase. ;-)