Information on Travel to Costa Rica
Are you looking for flights and travel information for a vacation in Costa Rica. Here is some information I use when I want to plan a trip to Costa Rica
Flight Stats
The first step is to take a look at what kind of prices you can expect to find. Type in your airport and the airport for San Jose Costa Rica (SJO) or Liberia Costa Rica (LIR). Check a map because it is possible Liberia is closer to where you want to be if you are going to a beach. You will then be able to see an automated list of low fares. The prices are not always correct so follow the link to get the real price.
As a side note: When you pay for your flight on line, look to see if the address bar shows https and also the address bar should split to show the https part as well as the name of the web site owner. While the address bar location can be spoofed,getting the part showing site ownership correct is almost impossible for the crackers. The other option is to manually type in the correct address in the address bar (safer than following a link.).
After you locate the flight you want, look for the same flight on the airline's sight. I list the main ones on this page.
When selecting the travel dates, consider Tuesday through Thursday. These are the least expensive travel days.
Also use the flexible dates options and select sort by price if this option exists. These options usually produce a grid of optional dates.
If you have not registered on the airline web page, you may want to register.
Don't forget about the taxes and fees. Also there is an extra tax paid in the airport when you leave Costa Rica ($25)
TACA
TACA is a Central American Airline. The frequent flier program is called DISTANCIA. You will see a button for that on the page. There is a "flexible dates" options that result in a week by week grid. The US cities serviced are few but include Miami, Houston, and Miami. The price out of Miami and Houston will be competetive.
US Airways
Enter the airports and dates. Select the "Low Fare Finder (for flexible dates)." You will be able to see flights for three departure and three return dates. You will also be able to move these dates forward and backward.
Continental Airlines
The option you need with Continental Airlines is "Search for Lower Fares +/- 3 Days." Also select the "OnePass Reward Upgrade" box. When you get your fight results, you will see and option for "Select a Different Date." Selecting this option will give you a grid of date options. Continental will add the taxes and fees after you make a selection. Continental
American Airlines
When you use the AA site use the "Dates Flexible" option. If you select the "Redeem AAdvantage Miles" box, then the price will be in miles not dollars. You have the option to buy extra advantage miles however buying miles is expensive. AA gives you prices for up to seven days at a time. Taxes are around $100 extra and partially based on the ticket cost.
Delta
Make sure to select the +-1 day options. Delta can have some great prices. Best Fare Guarantee.