The 14 Best Airlines to Fly to Costa Rica This Year (2026 Update)

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Costa Rica has been my escape for over a decade now. I’ve flown into San José more times than I can count, landed in Liberia for quick beach getaways, and tested pretty much every airline that operates these routes. Some have impressed me, others have left me stuck in cramped seats regretting my choices. This list comes from real experience, real flights, and real opinions.

2026 is shaping up to be a great year for Costa Rica flights. JetBlue went big on Liberia, Porter launched its first Central American routes from Canada, and Frontier is adding First Class to its planes. I’ve broken down all 14 airlines worth considering, with honest takes on who does what best.

Quick tips on how to find cheap flights to Costa Rica

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They offer both free and premium versions. The free tier covers most of what you need, but if you fly often like I do, the premium membership at $49 per year pays for itself after one good deal. I recommend signing up for the free trial to test it out, and you can cancel anytime. If you decide to upgrade, use my code JON25 to save 25%.

1. 🇺🇸 United Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), San Francisco (SFO)
• ✈️ Best For: Travelers who want the most flight options from virtually anywhere in the U.S.
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, Polaris Business
• 👜 Baggage Policy: One carry on included; checked bags from $35 each way
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus (Star Alliance)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: United cardholders and Premier members get expanded access to discounted business class awards starting 2026, so the Explorer card pays for itself if you fly even a few times a year

United flies to Costa Rica from more U.S. cities than any other airline, which is why they’re my top pick. You can catch nonstops from Houston, Newark, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. They serve both major Costa Rican airports: San José for the capital and central valley, and Liberia if you’re headed straight to the beaches.

I’ve flown United to San José twice in the past year, both times through Houston on their newer 737 MAX 8. The cabin was noticeably quieter than older planes, and Economy Plus gave me enough legroom to work on my laptop. The flight’s only about four hours from Texas, so you don’t really need business class, but it’s there if you want a lie flat seat.

Here’s where United gets interesting for points collectors. Their MileagePlus program regularly releases “saver” awards to Costa Rica, which means fewer miles for the same flight. I’ve seen economy seats for around 17,500 miles one way during shoulder season. If you’ve got a Chase credit card, you can transfer points directly to United. It’s one of the easiest award bookings out there.

• Plan your visit: The 12 Dreamiest Places in Costa Rica: Guide for 2026 Travelers
• Learn more about this airline: United Polaris Business Class Guide (Suites, WiFi, + 2026 News)

2. 🇵🇦 Copa Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Panama City (PTY)
• ✈️ Best For: Travelers in cities without nonstop Costa Rica flights
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Extra, Business
• 👜 Baggage Policy: One carry on included, checked bags from $30 each way
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: ConnectMiles (Star Alliance)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Their Panama Stopover program lets you add up to 7 nights in Panama City at no extra airfare

Copa doesn’t fly direct from the U.S. to Costa Rica, and every flight connects through Panama City. That might sound like a hassle, but hear me out. Copa serves 17 U.S. cities that don’t have nonstop Costa Rica flights, places like Austin, Tampa, Raleigh, and Boston. If you’re already going to connect somewhere, Panama is often faster and cheaper than routing through Miami or Houston on a U.S. carrier.

I always mention Copa to friends who are nervous about tight layovers. They’ve been the most punctual airline in Latin America for eleven years running, with over 90% of flights landing on time. That’s better than Delta, United, and American. Their Panama hub is modern and easy to navigate, and most connections are around 90 minutes, which is plenty of time without dragging out your travel day.

The onboard experience is nothing special. You’re on a Boeing 737 with three seats on each side, and the food is pretty forgettable, so I’d recommend bringing your own snacks. But Copa partners with United through Star Alliance, which means you can book with United miles or earn toward future trips. For anyone flying out of a smaller U.S. city, Copa is one of the best options I know for getting to Costa Rica without a crazy itinerary.

• Here’s my guide to Copa’s business class: Copa Business Class: Dreams Seats, Routes & Tips
• Planning a layover? Read this: 12 Most Beautiful Places in Panama to Visit in 2026

3. 🇺🇸 American Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Miami (MIA), Dallas (DFW), Charlotte (CLT)
• ✈️ Best For: East Coast travelers who want nonstop flights
• 💺 Cabin Options: Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, Business
• 👜 Baggage Policy: One carry on and personal item included, checked bags from $35 each way
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage (oneworld)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Free Wi-Fi launched for all AAdvantage members in January 2026, so sign up before you fly

If you’re on the East Coast, American Airlines is probably your most direct path to Costa Rica. They run multiple daily nonstops from Miami to both San José and Liberia, plus you can catch direct flights from Dallas, Charlotte, Chicago, and New York JFK. No other U.S. airline matches that geographic spread for Costa Rica service.

I put American third because while United offers more total routes, American’s Miami hub gives them a real advantage for anyone in Florida or connecting through the Southeast. The flight from Miami to San José is only about three hours, which is shorter than most domestic flights across the country. If you’re based anywhere from Boston to Atlanta, chances are you can route through Miami without adding much travel time.

American just rolled out free in-flight Wi-Fi for all AAdvantage members in January 2026. Signing up costs nothing, so there’s no reason not to. I’d avoid basic economy when flying AA, because those tickets stopped earning miles in late 2025, and you’ll want points if you plan to visit Costa Rica again. Award availability fluctuates a lot with American’s dynamic pricing, but patient searchers can find flights for around 12,500 miles each way.

• Read next: One Week in Costa Rica Guide (Unique Itinerary in 2026)
• Want to fly in style? Everything You Need to Know About American Airlines First Class

4. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines

• 🏠 Hub: Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX)
• ✈️ Best For: Travelers in the Southeast who value reliability and onboard comfort
• 💺 Cabin Options: Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Comfort+, First Class
• 👜 Baggage Policy: One carry on and personal item included, checked bags from $35 each way
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles (SkyTeam)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Comfort+ includes free beer, wine, and snacks, which makes a four hour flight to Costa Rica much more pleasant for not much more money

If you live in Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, or anywhere that routes through Atlanta, Delta is your most logical choice. They fly nonstop to both San José and Liberia from Atlanta, and the flight takes about four hours. Los Angeles also has nonstops to San José.

I genuinely think Delta has the best onboard experience of the big three U.S. carriers for a flight like this. Every seat has a seatback screen with free movies and live TV, and Wi-Fi is free for all SkyMiles members. Their Comfort+ cabin is worth considering because you get three extra inches of legroom plus complimentary drinks and premium snacks. Delta First Class serves hot meals on the Costa Rica route and the retrofitted 737s have privacy dividers between seats.

Delta also just relaunched Detroit to Liberia in December 2025 for the first time in over two decades. That’s huge if you’re in the Midwest and want to get straight to Guanacaste’s beaches. They won most punctual airline in North America for the fifth year running, so connections through Atlanta tend to go smoothly. SkyMiles awards price higher than United or American in my experience, but the flight itself is usually worth it.

• You might enjoy reading: Top Spots in Costa Rica for Digital Nomads & Remote Workers

5. 🇺🇸 JetBlue

• 🏠 Hub: New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
• ✈️ Best For: Travelers who want the most comfortable economy experience
• 💺 Cabin Options: Core (economy), EvenMore (extra legroom), Mint (business class on select routes)
• 👜 Baggage Policy: One carry on and personal item included, checked bags from $35 each way
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: TrueBlue
• 🧠 Pro Tip: TrueBlue points have no blackout dates, so award seats are available whenever regular seats are

If you’re flying economy to Costa Rica, JetBlue offers the best experience of any U.S. airline. They have the most legroom in coach at 32 to 34 inches, which is two to four inches more than what you’ll get on Delta, American, or United. That might not sound like much until you’re stuck in a middle seat for four hours.

JetBlue also includes free Wi-Fi and live TV at every seat, which most other airlines charge for or don’t offer at all. Their snack game is excellent with Cheez-Its and cookies, plus unlimited soft drinks. It feels less like budget travel and more like how flying used to be before everyone started nickel and diming you.

The big news for 2026 is that JetBlue just expanded their Costa Rica routes significantly. They launched daily Fort Lauderdale to Liberia service in December 2025, plus Boston to Liberia went daily that same month. They also doubled Fort Lauderdale to San José to twice daily. Add in their existing JFK routes, and JetBlue now covers both coasts of Costa Rica from three major East Coast cities. If you’re near New York, Boston, or South Florida and you care about enjoying your flight, JetBlue should be at the top of your list.

6. 🇫🇷 Air France

• 🏠 Hub: Paris (CDG) ✈️
• Best For: European travelers or anyone combining Costa Rica with a Europe trip
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business
• 👜 Baggage Policy: One checked bag included on most fares, carry on included
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue (SkyTeam)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Flying Blue miles transfer from Amex, Chase, Capital One, and Citi, so you might already have enough for a free flight

If you’re coming from Europe, Air France is your best option for reaching Costa Rica. They fly direct from Paris to San José, and in 2026 they’re running up to 10 weekly flights during peak season. That’s the most any European airline has ever offered to Costa Rica.

The reason I’d pick Air France over other European carriers is the aircraft. They fly the Airbus A350 on this route, which is one of the quietest and most comfortable planes in the sky. Air France’s business class includes a lie-flat seat with direct aisle access, and even Premium Economy feels like a upgrade with extra legroom, better meals, and priority boarding.

Flying Blue is also one of my favorite loyalty programs because you can transfer points from almost every major credit card. Business class awards to Costa Rica start around 60,000 miles each way, and they run monthly Promo Rewards that take 25% off select routes. If you’re connecting through Paris from elsewhere in Europe, you can often add that second flight for no extra miles. Sister airline KLM offers a similar experience from Amsterdam with five weekly flights on the Boeing 787, so you have options depending on where you’re starting.

• You may also like: Cheapest Ways to Fly to Paris (From a Travel Blogger Who’s Done It 10+ Times)

7. 🇬🇧 British Airways

• 🏠 Hub: London Gatwick (LGW)
• ✈️ Best For: UK travelers who want the only nonstop from Britain
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Club World)
• 👜 Baggage Policy: One checked bag included on most fares, carry on included
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: British Airways Club (Avios)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: The Costa Rica route flies from Gatwick, not Heathrow, so plan your London connections accordingly

British Airways is the only airline flying nonstop between the UK and Costa Rica, which gives them a monopoly on this route. That’s both good news and bad news. Good because you get a direct 11 hour flight from London Gatwick to San José without connecting through the U.S. or Europe. Bad because they know they’re your only option, so they’re not exactly competing on product.

The flight operates three times weekly during high season from late October through March on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. They use their Boeing 777 fleet based at Gatwick, which still has the older Club World business class seats rather than the newer Club Suite you’ll find on Heathrow routes. If you’re paying for a premium cabin, the Gatwick 777s have no plans for an upgrade. Economy and Premium Economy are perfectly fine for an 11 hour flight, but business class travelers should know what they’re getting.

The Avios program took a hit in December 2025 when British Airways raised redemption costs by roughly 10% across the board. The cash surcharges went up too, which makes award flights less attractive than they used to be. That said, Avios still transfers from Amex, Chase, and Capital One, and you can move points freely between BA, Iberia, and Qatar Airways to hunt for better pricing. If you’re based in the UK and want to skip U.S. immigration hassles on the way to Costa Rica, this is still your best bet.

8. 🇪🇸 Iberia

• 🏠 Hub: Madrid (MAD)
• ✈️ Best For: Spanish speakers, travelers connecting to Europe, or anyone hunting Avios deals
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business
• 👜 Baggage Policy: One checked bag included on most fares, carry on included
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Club Iberia (Avios)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Iberia runs frequent Avios sales with up to 60% off award flights, so check their promotions page before booking

Spain’s flag carrier flies daily from Madrid to San José on the Airbus A350, one of the most comfortable widebody aircraft in the sky. The flight takes about 11 hours, and Iberia’s business class features lie flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access from every seat. Some of their newer A350s even have privacy doors. For economy passengers, the A350 offers larger windows, better cabin pressure, and noticeably quieter engines than older aircraft types.

Iberia uses Avios, the same currency as British Airways, and you can transfer points freely between the two programs. Iberia’s award pricing is often cheaper than BA’s for the exact same route, and the taxes are lower when you book through Iberia’s website. Business class to Costa Rica starts around 50,000 Avios each way during off peak periods. The program did increase prices by about 19% in 2025, but even after that bump, it remains one of the best values for flying to Central America on points.

The Madrid hub also opens up easy connections throughout Europe, which is useful if you want to combine Costa Rica with a Spain trip or continue onward to other destinations. Iberia is part of Oneworld, so your American Airlines or Alaska miles can get you here too. The food onboard leans Spanish with decent wine and jamón, though be prepared for the occasionally chaotic boarding process in Madrid.

• Read Next: 9 Top Destinations to Fly into Costa Rica

9. 🇺🇸 Southwest Airlines

• 🏠 Hubs: Baltimore (BWI), Houston Hobby (HOU), Denver (DEN), Dallas Love Field (DAL), Chicago Midway (MDW)
• ✈️ Best For: Families, flexible travelers, and anyone who hates connection fees
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only (with extra legroom seats available starting 2026)
• 👜 Baggage Policy: First bag $35, second bag $45 (free bags ended May 2025)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Rapid Rewards
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Nashville to San José launches March 2026, the first ever direct flight between Tennessee and Costa Rica

Southwest flies to both Costa Rican airports from a mix of U.S. cities. San José gets nonstops from Baltimore, Houston Hobby, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Phoenix, and Austin. Liberia sees service from Chicago Midway, Dallas Love Field, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Nashville joins the network in March 2026 with weekly Saturday flights to San José, giving Tennessee its first direct link to Costa Rica.

Fares tend to run cheaper than the legacy carriers, especially if you book during their frequent sales. Rapid Rewards points have no blackout dates, so you can redeem them during Christmas and spring break when other programs make award seats impossible to find. The booking flexibility is also a plus: no change fees and easy cancellations if your plans shift.

The onboard experience is bare bones. All 737s, no seatback screens, no premium cabin, just rows of the same seat with free WiFi for texting and live TV. Keep in mind that free checked bags ended in May 2025, so you’ll pay $35 for your first bag and $45 for the second unless you have their top tier fare or A List Preferred status. For a five hour flight at budget prices, I can live with that tradeoff.

• Read next: Places to See in the Caribbean
• You may also like: Things to Do in Puerto Viejo

10. 🇺🇸 Alaska Airlines

• 🏠 Hubs: Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Portland (PDX)
• ✈️ Best For: West Coast travelers and points enthusiasts who value partner redemptions
• 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Premium Class, First Class
• 👜 Baggage Policy: First checked bag free with credit card or elite status, otherwise $35
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Atmos Rewards (formerly Mileage Plan)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: You can now mix and match Oneworld partners on a single award ticket, making complex itineraries way easier to book

If you live on the West Coast, Alaska is your best bet for reaching Costa Rica without backtracking east. They fly nonstop from Los Angeles and Seattle to both San José and Liberia, which means you can be on the beach in Guanacaste or exploring the Central Valley without a connection in Houston or Miami. Flight times run around six hours from LA and seven from Seattle.

The loyalty program got a complete overhaul in 2025. Mileage Plan is now called Atmos Rewards after Alaska merged with Hawaiian Airlines, and your miles converted to points at a 1:1 ratio. The big upgrade is flexibility. You can now mix multiple Oneworld partners on a single award ticket, which used to be impossible. That means if you can’t find space on one airline, you can piece together your trip across American, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, or any other Oneworld carrier without booking separate tickets.

Onboard, Alaska punches above its weight for a domestic carrier. Alaska’s First Class has fantastic legroom and meal service on longer routes, and even Main Cabin gets free movies, snacks, and texting. The 737s feel well maintained and the crews consistently rank among the friendliest in the industry. Award pricing to Costa Rica starts around 20,000 points each way in economy, which is competitive with the major carriers and often easier to find availability.

• Read next: The 7 Top Airlines to Book for Your Trip to Alaska

11. 🇨🇦 Air Canada

• 🏠 Hubs: Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC)
• ✈️ Best For: Canadians escaping winter, Aeroplan collectors, Star Alliance loyalists
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class
• 👜 Baggage Policy: One checked bag included on most fare types
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Aeroplan
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Starting January 2026, Aeroplan points are earned based on dollars spent rather than distance flown, so pricier tickets finally pay off

Canadians have it good when it comes to Costa Rica. Air Canada flies nonstop from Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary to both San José and Liberia, with seasonal service from Quebec City and Halifax. That means you can escape a Canadian winter and land on a beach in Guanacaste without stepping foot in a U.S. airport. Flight times run about five hours from Toronto and seven from Vancouver.

The onboard experience beats most U.S. carriers. Business class on their 737 MAX and 787 routes offers lie flat beds with multi course meals and Canadian wines. Economy includes seatback entertainment and complimentary snacks on international routes, perks that American, Delta, and United have largely stripped away on similar length flights. Premium Economy splits the difference with extra legroom and enhanced meal service if you want comfort without the business class price tag.

Aeroplan points transfer in from Amex, Chase, and Capital One, making the program accessible even if you’re not Canadian. Award flights to Costa Rica start around 12,500 points each way in economy, though dynamic pricing means the actual cost depends on demand. The program moved to spend based earning in 2026, so if you’re booking last minute or in premium cabins, you’ll rack up points faster than before.

• You’ll like this next: 12 Cheap Places to Fly from Canada in 2026

12. 🇨🇦 Porter Airlines

• 🏠 Hubs: Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Ottawa (YOW)
• ✈️ Best For: Canadians who want a premium economy feel without the premium economy price
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only, but no middle seats
• 👜 Baggage Policy: Personal item included, checked bags extra depending on fare
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: VIPorter
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Ottawa to Liberia is the first ever direct flight between Canada’s capital and Costa Rica

Porter Airlines landed in Costa Rica for the first time in December 2025, and I think they’re worth watching. The airline flies from Toronto and Ottawa to Liberia only, so if you’re heading to San José or the Caribbean side, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But if Guanacaste’s beaches are your destination, Porter offers something different from Air Canada and WestJet.

Here’s why I like them: no middle seats. Their Embraer E195-E2 jets seat 132 passengers in a 2-2 configuration, which means everyone gets an aisle or a window. That alone makes a five hour flight more pleasant. They also include free onboard WiFi, complimentary snacks, and beer or wine in glassware rather than plastic cups. These touches used to be standard on airlines and now feel luxurious by comparison.

The catch is that Porter only flies seasonally from December through April, so this is a winter escape option rather than year round service. Toronto runs up to six times weekly while Ottawa operates twice a week. Fares start around CAD 186 one way, and loyalty members can book award flights from 10,000 points each way. If you’re based in Ontario and want to skip the Air Canada crowds during peak snowbird season, Porter is a refreshing alternative with a nicer experience onboard.

13. 🇨🇷 Volaris Costa Rica

• 🏠 Hub: San José (SJO)
• ✈️ Best For: Budget travelers who want rock bottom fares and don’t mind paying for extras
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only
• 👜 Baggage Policy: Personal item only included, everything else costs extra
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: V.Club (paid membership with Thursday deals)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book on Thursdays when V.Club releases their weekly discounts to the public

Volaris Costa Rica is the only ultra low cost carrier based in Costa Rica, which makes it different from the other airlines on this list. The airline operates from San José as its home base. They fly to Miami, Orlando, Mexico City, Cancún, Guadalajara, Guatemala City, Tulum, and San Salvador. For Americans, they’re a budget alternative on the Florida routes. For travelers already in Costa Rica planning side trips to Mexico or Guatemala, they’re often the cheapest option.

I’ll be honest about what you’re getting here. Base fares start absurdly low, sometimes $79 one way to Miami or Tulum, but you’ll pay for everything else. No free checked bags, no free carry on beyond a personal item, no free seat selection. The “Zero” fare gets you on the plane and nothing more. If you need bags and flexibility, the “Plus” fare bundles everything together and often makes more sense than adding fees à la carte.

The 2025 expansion added daily Orlando service and four weekly flights each to Miami and Tulum, so their U.S. presence is growing. They fly Airbus A319s and A320s, which are comfortable enough for short regional hops. For travelers who pack light and care more about price than perks, Volaris delivers exactly what it promises. Just know the full cost before you book.

14. 🇺🇸 Frontier Airlines

• 🏠 Hubs: Denver (DEN), Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA)
• ✈️ Best For: Florida residents who want the absolute cheapest fares and don’t need frills
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, with First Class launching early 2026
• 👜 Baggage Policy: Personal item only included, everything else extra
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: FRONTIER Miles (10x points per dollar spent)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: The GoWild! All You Can Fly Pass costs $299 if you catch a sale and includes unlimited flights through April 2027

Frontier is the other ultra low cost option to Costa Rica, flying from Orlando to both San José and Liberia, and from Miami to San José. If you’re in Florida and price is your only concern, Frontier will almost always be the cheapest ticket you can find. I’ve seen fares as low as $29 one way during sales.

The catch is the same as every ultra low cost carrier. That base fare includes a personal item and nothing else. No carry on bag, no checked bag, no seat selection, no snacks. By the time you add what most people need, the price climbs closer to what JetBlue or Southwest charges, except those airlines include more from the start. If you truly travel with just a backpack and don’t care where you sit, Frontier makes sense. Otherwise, do the full math before booking.

The airline is going through a major transformation they’re calling “The New Frontier.” First Class seating launches in early 2026 with eight seats per plane, and elite members now get free upgrades to UpFront Plus seats with blocked middle seats. They’ve also introduced unlimited companion travel for Platinum members. Frontier is clearly trying to compete with the big carriers on more than just price, though the jury is still out on whether it’s working.