American Airlines Increases Flights To Costa Rica

American Airlines announced a new route from Philadelphia International Airport to Guanacaste, Costa Rica, starting December 7, 2024. This will be the first time the airline will offer this route, which will operate during high season of  2024-2025. It will run on Saturdays from December 7 through March 30, 2025.

“We are proud to continue growing our presence in Costa Rica with our new weekly route between Liberia and Philadelphia, beginning in December,” said  Rafael Sanchez, American Airlines Regional Manager for Central America. “This  winter, we will be celebrating our 35th anniversary in the country with a robust  operation of up to 13 daily flights.” 

The United States is the main market for air travel to Costa Rica. In the first four months of 2024, 643,141 U.S. tourists visited the country, according to the most  recent figures from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).

In an exciting  development for American travellers,  American Airlines is significantly expanding its  presence in Costa Rica. This move comes as part of broader strategy to enhance connectivity  and cater to the growing demand for travel to this Central American paradise.  Here’s a closer look at what this expansion  entails and how it benefits travellers from the United States.

American Airlines is adding more flights to both of Costa Rica's major international airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. This expansion means more direct flights from key American cities, making it easier for travellers to reach Costa Rica without lengthy layovers. Cities like Miami, Dallas/Fort  Worth, Charlotte, and Los Angeles are seeing an increase in direct flights to  Costa Rica, enhancing convenience and reducing travel time.

The expanded flight options are a boon for Americans looking to explore Costa  Rica’s diverse landscapes. From the lush rainforests and volcanic regions to pristine beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Costa Rica offers a  wealth of natural beauty and adventure. With more direct flights, travelers can spend less time in transit and more time enjoying their destination. This increased accessibility is particularly advantageous for eco-tourists, surfers, and adventure seekers who flock to Costa Rica for its world-renowned natural attractions and outdoor activities. 

American Airlines' expansion is not just beneficial for travelers; it also positively impacts Costa Rica's tourism industry and economy. Increased flight frequencies are likely to bring more tourists, which in turn supports local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to tour operators and artisans. This influx of visitors can provide a significant boost to the economy, helping to sustain jobs and promote sustainable tourism practices that Costa Rica is famous for. 

American Airlines is also focusing on improving the customer experience for those traveling to Costa Rica. This includes modernizing their fleet, offering more in-flight amenities, and ensuring a seamless travel experience from booking to landing. Passengers can expect the comfort and reliability that  American Airlines is known for, coupled with the convenience of increased flight options. 

Costa Rica is known for its strong commitment to environmental sustainability,  and American Airlines is aligning with these values by working to minimize the environmental impact of its operations. The airline is investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and exploring sustainable aviation fuel options. These efforts are  in line with Costa Rica’s eco-friendly tourism model and contribute to the global push for greener travel solutions. 

With the addition of this new route from Philadelphia (PHL), American Airlines also offers direct routes from Guanacaste to Charlotte (CLT), Dallas (DFW), New  York (JFK), Miami (MIA), and Chicago (ORD). 

“We welcome with great enthusiasm the start of this new route to Philadelphia,  which will provide the first direct connection to this East Coast city. Announcing new frequencies at this time of year is exciting and fills us with hope for the  2024/2025 high season, for which the entire airport community is working to offer the quality of service that characterizes us,” said César Jaramillo, General  Manager of Guanacaste Airport.