Departure Day!

Hey there! Just wanted to post a quick explanation of departure day (in case you spaced out at the meeting). We are so close! In just two days we will be leaving this frozen place and heading off to the complete opposite climate. I hope you're ready!

Flight Information
Outbound from the USA. Saturday, April 13:
- American Airlines Flight 1797; Departing DEN 10:55 AM > DFW 1:53 PM
- American Airlines Flight 986; Departing DFW 4:36 PM > SJO 7:37 PM

Where to Meet
Please plan to meet at the American Airlines check-in counter at 8:00 AM on Saturday. Yes, that is about three hours before our flight. However, the process of checking in 20 people can be time-consuming.

Checking In
You can check in using one of the AA kiosks. Please make sure you have your itinerary card and your passport readily available. You will need to enter either the flight number or confirmation number (both are on the itinerary card) and then scan your passport. Make sure you answer all of the questions asked. Most of you won't be checking a bag, but if you decide you need to, you will need a credit card to purchase the bag fee. Once you print your boarding pass(es), please find us and wait with the rest of the group until everyone has checked in. You will probably get both of your boarding passes. Put the second one away somewhere safe for the next flight. DO NOT go to security without the group. We travel together through security. Once we get everyone checked in, we will take a group photo, say bye to the 'rents and be on our way.

Going Through Security
Make sure you are keeping your boarding pass and passport in your hand until TSA has waved you through. You should already know this, but, all liquids in your carry-on need to be under 3.4 oz. They will stop you if you have any liquids over this size and make you either check your bag or throw them out. Some of you will have TSA pre-check (because mine transfers to people on the same itinerary). If that is the case, you will go through the pre-check line with me. You can keep your electronics in your bag and can to keep your shoes on. Once you have grabbed your bags on the other side of the X-ray machine, go down the escalator to the tram. DO NOT get on the tram until we have the whole group together. At the bottom of the escalator, go to the right (out of the way of everyone) and wait for the rest of the group. We will all get on the tram together. If the Security checkpoint for Terminal A is open Saturday, we will probably go through there. In that case, wait on the bridge off to the right for everyone.

And Then?
Once we have all found the gate, we will set up a mini-base and take turns watching bags. This would be a good time to get breakfast if you haven't already or a quick snack. Our flight to Dallas is only two hours and you will have time in Dallas to get a full meal.

The Flight
I cannot say this enough.... flight attendants are there for your safety, they are not your servant. Please do not make their job difficult. Your carry-on bag goes in the overhead bin. If you can't reach, ask someone to help you. Your personal item goes under the seat in front of you. If you are in a bulkhead seat (meaning there is no seat in front of you) then both bags go in the overhead compartment. Both of our flights are not very long, so please stay in your seats unless you need to use the bathroom. This is NOT a time for musical chairs. You can live without your friends for a couple of hours. You will have 9 days with them, you do not need to be with them at all times. Whoever you are seated next to, please be polite. If you are in the aisle or a window, remember that the middle seat person gets the armrests (this is common etiquette). Please do not speak louder than a conversational volume. Please do not play any music or videos out loud. You should always wear headphones..... the plane doesn't want to hear what only you can see. When we land, remember that planes unload row by row, this is not the time to run from the back of the plane to the front to be first off the plane (there is never a time for that....it's rude). Make sure you have everything....everything....EVERYTHING! Do NOT leave anything on the plane (cough cough...your passport...it's been done....it's not fun). If you are the first of the group to de-plane, find a place out of the way to start gathering up the group.

The Layover
We will go into all the details when we land in Dallas. Based on behavior, everything we said before is subject to change. Be at the gate 15 minutes before we board the next flight. You will need to have your passport and boarding pass in hand to get on the plane.

Landing in Costa Rica
On the plane, you will be given a customs form to fill out before landing in Costa Rica. Make sure your itinerary card and your passport are readily available. Also, please make sure you have a pen. The flight attendants rarely have extra pens. Read the directions and follow them exactly. Please do not skim over it and think you filled it all out. Make sure you filled it out correctly and completely. Everything you need to fill out will be information from your passport and the itinerary card. And as long as you aren't traveling with plants from the U.S. or over $10,000, you should clear customs just fine.

When getting off the plane, please make sure you have the itinerary card, your passport, and the customs entry form in your hand and ready to expedite the customs process. Same protocol as getting off the plane in Dallas, we need to group up before heading to the customs line. We will go through customs together. If they make you keep moving until you are out of the customs area, we will meet and group up on the other side. Once your passport has been stamped, put it away in a safe place. I will give you a copy of your passport once we get to the hotel and have our welcome meeting.

Outside of baggage claim, we will meet up with our Tour Manager, Eddy. He will give us a quick introduction and then take us to our bus. Please make sure you are quiet and respectful when he is speaking. The bus ride to the hotel is usually the TM's time to go over some rules of the road and give an introduction to the places you will be visiting.



Alrighty.....any questions?


I'm getting pretty excited! See you all Saturday!