Learn Spanish (Latin America): A lo mejor no vas a recuperar el boleto. - Maybe you are not going to recover the ticket.

Even though we are expressing probability or doubt, the phrase a lo mejor is an exception to the usual rule. It almost always takes the indicative mood. That is why we use the normal present tense vas instead of the subjunctive vayas.

What does a lo mejor literally mean?

Literally, it translates to "at the best" or "to the best." However, it is a fixed phrase used universally in spoken Spanish to mean "maybe" or "probably." You should treat it as a single chunk of vocabulary.

Why is the no placed after a lo mejor?

The negative word no must go immediately before the conjugated verb or the pronoun attached to it. Since a lo mejor is an introductory phrase, no goes right after it, directly in front of the verb phrase vas a recuperar.

Could I use the future tense and say no recuperarás instead of no vas a recuperar?

Yes, you can. However, using ir a plus an infinitive (like vas a recuperar) is the most natural and common way to express the future in conversational Latin American Spanish. Since both are in the indicative mood, both work perfectly with a lo mejor.