Costa Rica is a paradise for adventure-seekers and beach lovers alike, and I can tell you from personal experience that getting there comfortably makes all the difference. I’ve flown to Costa Rica three times—including just a few months ago—so I know the ins and outs of finding great fares and a smooth travel experience. For this guide, I analyzed flights from 75 major airports across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, diving deep into criteria like ticket value, cabin comfort, in-flight service, and overall reliability.
Whether you’re after the best fares, extra legroom, or flexible schedules for adventure-packed itineraries, I’ve rounded up the top 10 airlines to make your journey to Costa Rica in 2025 as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable trip to the “Pura Vida” lifestyle with these top picks! 🌴🇨🇷
Quick tips on how to find cheap flights to Costa Rica
For the past 4 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2024, I saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $237 roundtrip fare from Boston to San Jose.
There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot every year, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. In my experience, you’ll get your money back after finding just one discounted flight! As such, I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, be sure to use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!
Now without further ado, here are the best Costa Rica flights in 2025.
1. 🇺🇸 United Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus (select routes), Polaris Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus, part of Star Alliance
- ☕ Perks: Most extensive U.S. service to Costa Rica, good award availability, modern fleet
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book United’s non-stop flights from Houston or Newark for the smoothest journey to both San José and Liberia
United Airlines offers the most comprehensive service to Costa Rica from the United States, with regular non-stop flights to both San José (SJO) and the popular beach gateway of Liberia (LIR). Their strategic hubs in Houston (IAH) and Newark (EWR) provide convenient connections from cities across North America, often requiring just a single stop.
Their Polaris Business Class delivers a solid premium experience for the 3-5 hour journey to Costa Rica, with lie-flat seats on most routes and an impressive food and beverage program featuring craft cocktails and multi-course meals. The airline has been upgrading their fleet serving Central American routes, deploying newer Boeing 737 MAX and 737-800 aircraft with improved cabin comfort and entertainment options.
For economy travelers, Economy Plus offers a reasonable compromise with several inches of extra legroom and priority boarding for a modest upcharge. United stands out for their reliable connectivity throughout the flight, with Wi-Fi available on virtually all Costa Rica routes, allowing passengers to stay connected over the jungles and volcanoes below.
The MileagePlus program typically offers good award availability to Costa Rica, especially during shoulder seasons. Their partnership with local carrier Avianca creates seamless connections to secondary Costa Rican destinations. Another advantage for nature enthusiasts and adventure travelers: United’s generous baggage policy accommodates golf clubs, surfboards, and diving equipment with reasonable fees compared to many competitors.
- Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Costa Rica
2. 🇺🇸 American Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Miami (MIA), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy (select routes), Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage, part of oneworld alliance
- ☕ Perks: Frequent Miami connections, good regional coverage, strong rewards program
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Use British Airways Avios to book American flights to Costa Rica for potentially fewer points and lower fees
American Airlines connects Costa Rica to the world through their convenient Latin American gateway in Miami (MIA), along with strong service from Dallas (DFW) and Charlotte (CLT). With multiple daily flights to both San José (SJO)and Liberia (LIR), they’re a top choice for travelers heading to either the capital region or the popular Guanacaste beaches.
Their Business Class cabins on Costa Rican routes feature spacious recliner seats with expanded legroom, adjustable headrests, and enhanced dining options. While not the fully-flat beds found on longer international routes, the comfortable seats and priority service make the relatively short journey pleasant. Most flights operate on their Boeing 737 family aircraft, offering reliable personal entertainment systems even in economy.
What’s special about this airline? Their well-timed connections minimize layovers, typically keeping total travel time competitive with other major carriers. Frequent travelers appreciate American’s strong presence in Costa Rica, with customer service agents available at both major airports to assist with any issues.
The AAdvantage program also offers excellent redemption opportunities to Costa Rica, with off-peak awards providing especially good value. Their partnerships with hotels and car rental agencies throughout Costa Rica add extra convenience for planning your tropical getaway. Economy passengers can check their first bag free when using an American Airlines credit card, which is a pretty good save.
- Read next: Breathtaking Places to Visit in North America
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- For more reading: Affordable Places to Fly to in Asia
- Keep reading: Hidden Gems in New York
- Also worth reading: Best Airlines to Fly to London
3. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines
- 🏠 Hub: Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), Minneapolis (MSP)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, Premium Select (select routes), Delta One
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles, part of SkyTeam alliance
- ☕ Perks: Reliable service, free messaging, best-in-class domestic lounges
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Consider flights through Atlanta for the most reliable connections and newer aircraft to Costa Rica
Delta Air Lines has really stepped up their Costa Rica game in recent years, with consistent daily service to San José (SJO) and seasonal flights to Liberia (LIR) from their massive hub in Atlanta (ATL). They’ve also added more options from Los Angeles (LAX) for West Coast travelers looking to trade city life for Costa Rican paradise.
Their premium cabins to Costa Rica typically feature their comfortable First Class recliners rather than the fancy lie-flats found on longer routes, but honestly, who needs to fully recline on a 4-hour flight? What you do get is attentive service, upgraded dining with actual dishes instead of plastic trays, and priority everything from check-in to baggage claim.
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Delta stands out with their thoughtful little touches across all cabins. Free messaging Wi-Fi lets you coordinate with your Costa Rican hotel or tour guide without paying extra. Their entertainment system comes loaded with a surprising number of Spanish-language films to get you in the Central American mood. And unlike some competitors, they’ll actually serve you the whole can of soda instead of just a tiny cup with three ice cubes.
The SkyMiles program might not offer the absolute lowest redemption rates to Costa Rica, but what you lose in theoretical value you gain in simplicity and availability. Plus, their impressive Sky Clubs in Atlanta make connections genuinely enjoyable rather than something to merely endure on your way to paradise.
- Read next: One Week Itinerary in Costa Rica
4. 🇺🇸 JetBlue
- 🏠 Hub: New York (JFK), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO), Boston (BOS)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy (Core), Even More Space, Mint (select routes)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: TrueBlue, partners with American Airlines
- ☕ Perks: Free high-speed Wi-Fi, most legroom in economy, excellent entertainment options
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their Fort Lauderdale to San José route for the best chance of scoring their premium Mint service to Costa Rica
JetBlue might be the relative newcomer to Costa Rica routes, but they’ve quickly become a favorite for travelers seeking a bit more comfort without the premium price tag. Their direct service to San José (SJO) from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO) creates convenient options for East Coast travelers and those connecting from their expanding network.
Their standard Core seats offer what JetBlue loves to call “the most legroom in coach” among U.S. carriers, and honestly, those extra inches make a real difference on the 3-4 hour journey to Costa Rica. Upgrade to Even More Space and you’ll enjoy priority boarding plus a generous 38 inches of legroom that feels downright luxurious compared to most economy options.
What really sets JetBlue apart is their tech-forward approach. Every seat comes with free, actually usable high-speed Wi-Fi that works over the Caribbean, allowing you to share your excitement as you approach the land of pura vida. Their seatback screens feature live TV, movies, and interactive maps that let you track your journey over the blue waters toward Costa Rica’s green mountains.
The TrueBlue points program isn’t as comprehensive as the legacy carriers, but it offers straightforward redemptions without the frustrating blackout dates that plague other loyalty programs. Their growing partnership with American Airlines extends your connection options, while their reputation for friendly service creates a vacation vibe from the moment you board.
5. 🇺🇸 Alaska Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Portland (PDX)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Class, First Class
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Mileage Plan, partners with oneworld alliance
- ☕ Perks: West Coast convenience, excellent customer service, generous baggage policy
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for their seasonal non-stops from Los Angeles to Liberia for direct access to Guanacaste beaches
Alaska Airlines has become the go-to carrier for West Coast travelers heading to Costa Rica, with seasonal non-stop service to Liberia (LIR) from Los Angeles (LAX) and convenient connections to San José (SJO) through their growing network. Their 2024 integration into oneworld has opened up even more routing options for reaching Costa Rican paradise.
Their First Class cabin offers spacious recliner seats perfect for the medium-haul journey, with thoughtful amenities like complimentary cocktails (try their signature fruit-infused water too) and meals that are surprisingly good for domestic airline fare. Even in economy, Alaska stands out with their friendly, almost casual service style that sets the right tone for a Costa Rican vacation.
What makes Alaska really shine is their authentic commitment to customer satisfaction. They consistently rank at the top for problem resolution, which matters when you’re traveling to a destination where things don’t always go according to schedule. Their app provides real-time updates and makes rebooking painless if weather or other issues affect your journey to Central America.
The Mileage Plan program remains one of the most rewarding for frequent travelers, still awarding miles based on distance flown rather than dollars spent. Their partnerships with both American and international carriers create flexible options for reaching Costa Rica.
- Read next: Affordable Places to Fly from Seattle
- You may also like: Best Airlines to Fly to Mexico
6. 🇩🇪 Lufthansa
- 🏠 Hub: Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles & More, part of Star Alliance
- ☕ Perks: Reliable European connections, excellent lounges, premium long-haul experience
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book with a stopover in Germany to break up the journey and enjoy two destinations for nearly the same price
Lufthansa brings German efficiency to Costa Rican travel, offering reliable one-stop service to San José (SJO) through their well-organized hubs in Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC). For European travelers or those connecting from Asia and Africa, they provide one of the smoothest pathways to Central American adventures.
Their long-haul Business Class delivers a premium experience well suited to the transatlantic journey, with lie-flat beds arranged for maximum privacy and sleep quality. The cabin’s understated elegance reflects German design sensibilities with comfortable bedding, thoughtful storage solutions, and a dining experience featuring both international favorites and regional specialties.
What Lufthansa does particularly well is creating a stress-free long distance journey. Their ground experience includes some of Europe’s best airport lounges, with the First Class Terminal in Frankfurt standing as a legend among frequent travelers. Connections are well timed to minimize layovers while still allowing comfortable transfers between flights.
The Miles & More program shares benefits across the entire Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance, creating flexible options for earning and redeeming points. Their partnership with United extends the connection possibilities once you reach the Americas. Costa Rica bound travelers appreciate Lufthansa’s predictable service standards and their generous baggage allowance that accommodates everything from hiking gear to souvenirs for the return journey.
- Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Germany
7. 🇨🇦 Air Canada
- 🏠 Hub: Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Signature Class)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Aeroplan, part of Star Alliance
- ☕ Perks: Winter escape flights, modern fleet, good connections from most Canadian cities
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Their Toronto to San José route often features the comfortable Dreamliner with lie-flat business seats
Air Canada has positioned itself as the perfect winter escape route for Canadians and connecting international travelers heading to Costa Rica. Their seasonal service ramps up during the northern hemisphere’s coldest months, with direct flights to San José (SJO) from Toronto (YYZ) and convenient connections from cities across Canada.
Their Signature Class on the Costa Rica routes occasionally features their newest business cabin with individual pods, touchscreen entertainment, and proper bedding for the 5-6 hour journey south. The airline has been upgrading their fleet serving Central American destinations, often deploying the passenger friendly Boeing 787 Dreamliner with improved cabin pressure and humidity that helps you arrive feeling refreshed.
Canadian hospitality shines through in their service approach, with bilingual flight attendants and thoughtful touches throughout the journey. Afraid of being bored? Their entertainment system comes loaded with content in multiple languages, including Spanish films to get you in the Costa Rican mood.
The revamped Aeroplan program offers competitive redemption rates to Costa Rica, with especially good value in premium cabins. Their partnership with United and other Star Alliance carriers creates seamless connections from around the world. Travelers particularly appreciate Air Canada’s reliable on-time performance during the tricky winter travel season, when many competitors struggle with weather delays while trying to reach tropical destinations.
8. 🇬🇧 British Airways
- 🏠 Hub: London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy (World Traveller), Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus), Business (Club World), First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Executive Club (Avios), part of oneworld alliance
- ☕ Perks: Convenient European connections, good premium cabins, extensive partner network
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for their seasonal direct flights from London Gatwick to San José for the most convenient European option
British Airways has become quite the player in the Costa Rica market, running those sweet seasonal non-stops from London Gatwick (LGW) straight to San José (SJO). If you’re trying to get from Europe to those gorgeous Costa Rican beaches without spending half your vacation in transit lounges, this is your ticket.
Their Club World business cabin makes the 11-hour journey something you might actually look forward to. Think fully-flat beds where you can actually sleep, surprisingly decent wine selections, and that classic British service that’s attentive without being in your face every five minutes. Some lucky flights get their newer Club Suites with sliding doors for when you’re done being social and just want to binge-watch movies in peace.
What’s really nice about flying BA to Costa Rica is the timing. You can leave London in the morning, enjoy a few movies and meals, and still arrive with enough daylight to get to your hotel without navigating tropical roads in the dark.
The Avios points system can be a goldmine if you know how to work it. Their distance-based awards mean you can hop between Costa Rican cities or even pop over to neighboring Panama or Nicaragua for surprisingly few points. Keep an eye out for their credit card transfer bonuses where you can suddenly boost your balance by 30-40% and upgrade yourself to a cushier seat for the long journey to paradise.
- Read Next: 9 Top Destinations to Fly into Costa Rica
9. 🇺🇸 Southwest Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Houston (HOU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Baltimore (BWI), Denver (DEN)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy (all flights, open seating)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Rapid Rewards, partners with car rental and hotel companies
- ☕ Perks: Two free checked bags, no change fees, fun inflight experience
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Check in exactly 24 hours before departure to grab the best boarding position for those exit row seats
Southwest Airlines has shaken up the Costa Rica market with their unique approach to air travel and budget-friendly fares to both San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR). Their expanding Central American presence has made those pristine beaches and cloud forests more accessible for travelers who’d rather spend their money on experiences than fancy airplane seats.
Unlike other carriers on this list, Southwest offers just one cabin type, but don’t let that fool you. Their all-economy approach means more legroom than most competitors’ standard seats, and the open seating policy lets you pick your spot based on who you want to chat with or avoid. The lack of assigned seats creates that perfect blend of excitement and mild anxiety during boarding that somehow feels right for beginning an adventure trip.
The real Southwest magic happens with their stellar customer-friendly policies. Those two free checked bags can save a family hundreds of dollars compared to other airlines, especially for longer Costa Rican adventures requiring both beach gear and rainforest hiking equipment. Need to change your dates? No problem and no penalty fees, which is particularly valuable during Central America’s occasionally unpredictable rainy season.
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program deserves serious attention for Costa Rica travelers. Points are easy to earn, simple to redeem, and typically maintain consistent value regardless of when you book.
- Read next: Places to See in the Caribbean
- You may also like: Things to Do in Puerto Viejo
10. 🇶🇦 Qatar Airways
- 🏠 Hub: Doha Hamad International (DOH)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy (select routes), Business (Qsuite), First (select routes)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Privilege Club (Avios), part of oneworld alliance
- ☕ Perks: Award-winning service, luxury long-haul experience, excellent connections from Asia/Middle East
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book a connecting service through the Americas for a chance to experience their famous Qsuites to Costa Rica
Qatar Airways might seem like an unlikely choice for Costa Rica travel, but they’ve become a favorite for travelers coming from Asia, Africa, or the Middle East. While they don’t fly directly to Costa Rica, their partnerships with American Airlines and LATAM create smooth connections through major U.S. or South American gateways.
Their legendary Qsuite Business Class has completely changed the game for premium long-haul travel. If you’re flying from somewhere like Bangkok, Mumbai, or Dubai, you can enjoy the first leg of your journey in what many consider the world’s best business class product. We’re talking private suites with closing doors, beds that are actually comfortable, and service that makes you feel like royalty before you even reach the American continent.
The Doha to Miami or Dallas routes typically feature their newest cabin products on the impressive Airbus A350 or Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. Even in economy, Qatar stands out with roomier seats, better food than most competitors, and those little touches that make a long journey more bearable, like quality amenity kits and responsive cabin crew who don’t disappear after the meal service.
Their Privilege Club using Avios points creates flexible redemption options through the oneworld alliance. The stunning Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha makes connections genuinely enjoyable rather than something to endure.
- Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Qatar
- You may also like: Gorgeous Places in the Middle East
- For more reading: Enchanting Places in Africa
