Should I take a domestic flight?
Good to Know
Considering a domestic flight? While potentially convenient, these small-plane journeys carry specific considerations. Risks include susceptibility to motion sickness and significant financial penalties if connecting flights are missed due to delays. Furthermore, limited direct routes often mean travel times comparable to driving, with additional costs for transfers and various taxes. Always evaluate these factors before booking.
Domestic flights can be convenient in some cases, but as with any decision, there are pros and cons.
Domestic flights are provided on small planes. Sansa utilizes Cessna Grand Caravan airplanes. Small planes can leave you more susceptible to motion sickness, if applicable.
It is never a good idea to arrange a domestic flight on your arrival or departure date. If your international flight is delayed on arrival and you miss your flight, it will not be refunded or rescheduled. If your domestic flight on your departure date is delayed or canceled (very frequent) and you miss your international flight, you will not be reimbursed.
Most flight routes originate from San Jose. There are few direct routes between other destinations. This means that domestic flights often take as long and sometimes longer than just driving straight through. Several routes between popular destinations are not available on the same day which means you will be required to stay a night in San Jose before catching the next morning’s flight.
When considering a domestic flight, you should check the baggage restrictions. If you are over your weight limit, in addition to extra fees, the flights can only carry a certain amount of weight. If it is exceeded, your luggage may be bounced to the next flight and if that is full, it could repeat, until eventually it is possible to be delivered.
In addition to the flight, you will need ground transfers to and from the respective airports. In addition, flight rates normally do not include fuel surcharges, airport taxes, and municipal taxes. These mandatory expenses often cost as much and sometimes more than the flight itself.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of scheduling a domestic flight on my international arrival or departure date?
Scheduling a domestic flight on your international arrival or departure date is not recommended. Delays or cancellations of either flight can lead to missed connections, with no refunds or reimbursements for the missed leg.
Are there baggage restrictions for domestic flights?
Yes, domestic flights have baggage restrictions. Exceeding weight limits incurs extra fees, and your luggage may be delayed, potentially 'bounced' to subsequent flights until space is available.
What additional costs should I expect beyond the domestic flight fare?
Beyond the flight fare, expect mandatory expenses such as ground transfers to and from airports, fuel surcharges, airport taxes, and municipal taxes. These additional costs can often equal or exceed the flight price.
How do domestic flight routes and travel times compare to driving?
Most domestic flight routes originate from San Jose, with few direct connections between other destinations. This often means domestic flights take as long, or even longer, than driving, sometimes requiring an overnight stay in San Jose for connecting flights.