Getting Ready for Your ILISA Costa Rica Experience

Many major US airlines fly directly to Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Here’s a rundown of the best options for your journey:

American Airlines

• Direct flights from Miami and Dallas.
• Best for: Midwest travelers (Dallas) and East/Southeast coast travelers (Miami).
• Bonus: Miami airport is a bit chaotic, but hey, consider it your first immersion experience in Spanish!

Continental Airlines

• Direct flights from Houston and Newark.
• Best for: Excellent service and convenient connections for other cities upon your return.

Delta Airlines

• Direct flight from Atlanta.
• Best for: Those who like to leave at the last possible minute (their flight departs at 3:00 pm).
• Drawback: Connecting flights to the US can be tricky, and you might end up spending the night in Atlanta if your layover is too long.
• Pro tip: Their flight from Atlanta leaves at 10:30 am, so if you’re not a fan of red-eyes, get ready to be well-rested before your Costa Rica adventure.

United Airlines

• Flights from D.C. and Los Angeles, but with a layover.
• Best for: West Coast travelers, though expect a stop in either Mexico City (notorious for smoky air) or Guatemala City.

Latin American & European Airlines

• Grupo Taca/LACSA: Excellent service to major cities including New York, Los Angeles, D.C., Miami, and more. Based in Costa Rica, they offer great service with quality food and attention to detail.
• Iberia: Direct flights from Madrid to Costa Rica. European airlines just do comfort right—except when it comes to luggage. Consider packing a change of clothes in your carry-on, as lost luggage has been an issue for some students.
• Condor: Weekly flights from Frankfurt to San José with a stop in Tampa. Known for their great service and affordable fares.