Here is a detailed overview of our flight itinerary and hotel accommodations. Room assignments and grouping are also included below Hotel Accommodations (scroll down).

✈️ Flights

All flights for our tour will be with Southwest Airlines (SWA).

🛫 Departure - Sunday, April 13, 2025

• 6:00 AM – Depart Philadelphia (PHL) → Orlando (MCO) | SWA #1706
• 8:35 AM – Arrive in Orlando (MCO)
• 10:55 AM – Depart Orlando (MCO) → San José, Costa Rica (SJO) | SWA #0501
• 12:10 PM – Arrive in San José (SJO)

🛬 Return - Monday, April 21, 2025

• 8:45 AM – Depart San José, Costa Rica (SJO) → Orlando (MCO) | SWA #0502
• 2:05 PM – Arrive in Orlando (MCO)
• 3:35 PM – Depart Orlando (MCO) → Philadelphia (PHL) | SWA #2523
• 6:10 PM – Arrive in Philadelphia (PHL)

<aside> <img src="/icons/clipping_blue.svg" alt="/icons/clipping_blue.svg" width="40px" />

A Few Things to Note About Flights:

• Your traveler website displays the full itinerary with flights and hotels.
• Group check-in at the airport is required. </aside>

<aside> <img src="/icons/report_red.svg" alt="/icons/report_red.svg" width="40px" />

We will depart from West High School on a Werner Coach Bus at 2:30 AM (Yikes 😬). To ensure a smooth and efficient process, we have established the following assembly-line-style procedure:

🔹 Drop-off Time at West HS: 2:00 - 2:15 AM

Step-by-Step Check-In Process:

1️⃣ Luggage Drop-Off – Upon arrival, bring all luggage to Dr. Simmons and Ms. Dawson.

• YOU will weigh your luggage using a provided scale. See luggage guidelines below.
• A Costa Rica ribbon will be attached to both your checked and/or carry-on luggage.

2️⃣ Luggage Loading – Mr. Saddler and Mr. Shultz will handle placing luggage under the bus.

• Do NOT place your luggage under the bus yourself.

3️⃣ Medication Drop-Off – If you have any medications, proceed to Mrs. Plans to drop them off. However, Mrs. Plans has urged everyone to drop off on March 25 at the in-person meeting.

4️⃣ Final Check-In & Passport Verification – Before boarding the coach bus, you MUST check in with Mrs. Disantis and show your passport.

</aside>

<aside> <img src="/icons/suitcase_blue.svg" alt="/icons/suitcase_blue.svg" width="40px" />

Luggage Guidelines

Southwest Airlines allows one free checked bag that weighs up to 50 lbs and is 62 in (L+W+H) or less.

Checked baggage fees

• Bags that weigh more than 50 lbs but are under 70 lbs cost $150
• Bags that weigh more than 70 lbs but are under 100 lbs cost $200
• Bags that are larger than 62 in but are under 80 in cost $200
• Bags that are both overweight and oversized cost $200

Carry-on baggage

• Carry-on bags must be 24 in (L) + 16 in (W) + 10 in (H) or less, including handles, wheels, and attachments
• Personal items must fit under the seat. Personal items include backpacks, small bags, purses, and similar items that fit under the seat.

Pro Tip

Pack only a carry-on and avoid a checked bag. Remember the motto: pack like a traveler, not a tourist.

</aside>

<aside> <img src="/icons/arrivals_blue.svg" alt="/icons/arrivals_blue.svg" width="40px" />

Return from Costa Rica

Due to the unpredictability of flights, we ask that a parent or guardian be available to pick up their child from West High School within the following time window on April 21:

6:00 – 10:00 PM

This timeframe accounts for the time needed to retrieve checked baggage, gather the group, and travel back to West High School via coach bus.

It also accounts for potential flight delays or arriving earlier. The group leader will communicate any updates as soon as they become available in the parent Signal group.

</aside>

<aside> ✈️

Flight Changes and Delays

An email was sent March 28 to all parents asking them to join the “Costa Rica – Parents” group on Signal. This is where I will communicate any flight updates, delays, or changes. This group is for PARENTS ONLY.

We have a tight layover on the return trip. While we have a plan in place in case someone misses the connecting flight, it’s critical that every student traveler has Mobile Passport Control (MPC) installed on their phone. This will help them move through customs as quickly as possible.

If a Student Misses the Connecting Flight, this is the plan:

• Mr. Saddler (and possibly another chaperone) will stay behind with any students who don’t make the connection.
• No student will be left behind or travel alone on a flight without a chaperone!!
• Mr. Saddler will work with EF Tours and the airline to get everyone home as soon as possible. In the worst-case scenario, this may involve staying overnight.
• We recommend you send your child with an emergency credit card. If necessary, Mr. Saddler may assist with purchases and be reimbursed later, but he cannot cover expenses for everyone.
• Additional costs (overnight accommodations or rebooking fees) may be required upfront.
• Our travel insurance covers these situations, but reimbursement will happen after filing a claim. </aside>

🏨 Hotel Accommodations