Four US Airlines Added Nonstop Costa Rica Flights
New routes from several major cities aim to support seasonal travel demand to the Central American destination.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Central America
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Four major US carriers have introduced new nonstop routes to Costa Rica for the 2026-27 high season. The expansion targets increased visitor numbers to both the capital of San José and the Guanacaste region.
Why it matters
These routes align with efforts by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute to boost international connectivity and support local tourism jobs. The expansion seeks to accommodate consistent demand from US travelers visiting the nation's beaches and interior hubs.
US citizens can travel to Costa Rica without a visa for stays up to 180 days. On 6 October 2026, the exchange rate was 458 colones per US dollar.
The players
Costa Rican Tourism Institute
This government entity is responsible for the promotion and development of tourism within Costa Rica.
Breeze Airways
This US-based airline specializes in connecting underserved routes and recently launched service to San José.
United Airlines
This major global carrier provides extensive international connectivity including new seasonal service to Liberia.
Delta Air Lines
This carrier operates a large network of international flights and has introduced new seasonal routes to Central America.
Southwest Airlines
This carrier serves as a major domestic and international provider and is expanding its footprint in the Costa Rican market.
The details
Carriers are utilizing a range of aircraft, including the Airbus A220, Boeing 737 MAX 9, Airbus A321neo, and Boeing 737 MAX 8, to service the new connections. The scheduling, which includes varying service windows for individual routes, was coordinated directly between the airlines and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute.
Timeline
Breeze Airways launched its Tampa to San José service on 3 October 2026.
United Airlines begins daily flights from Washington to Liberia on 17 December 2026.
Delta Air Lines begins service from New York to Liberia on 19 December 2026.
Southwest Airlines begins flights from Nashville to Liberia on 13 February 2027.
Southwest Airlines begins its Austin to San José route on 13 March 2027.
Travel Outlook
The expansion follows the established safety guidelines set by the US State Department Level 2 travel advisory. Increased flight capacity reflects a sustained interest in the region, mirroring broader patterns of growth in Central American tourism.
Travelers should note that these seasonal routes have varying end dates, such as United's flight concluding on 4 January 2027. Ensure that all passports remain valid for the duration of your stay to comply with local entry requirements.
The takeaway
Travelers looking to visit Costa Rica during the high season should book well in advance to secure seats on these new, direct flights. Familiarizing yourself with both flight schedules and local entry requirements will help ensure a smoother trip to the region.
Further reading
For more information on regional travel updates, visit the Central America section.
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