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New nonstop DC to Costa Rica service launches this weekend

July 17, 2022
3 min read
nicoya peninsula costa rica
New nonstop DC to Costa Rica service launches this weekend
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Travelers looking to make their way from our nation’s capital region to one of Central America’s most popular vacation destinations have new flight options. Colombian-based carrier Avianca launched nonstop service yesterday from Dulles International Airport (IAD) outside Washington, D.C. to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The first Avianca flight from D.C. to Costa Rica took off in the very early hours of Saturday morning.

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Going forward, the carrier will operate four weekly flights from IAD to San Jose and four return trips. The southbound flights will operate in the early hours of Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Northbound flights will run in the evening hours on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This schedule should make it relatively easy for U.S. travelers to plan trips to Costa Rica of anywhere from five days to a week or more.

Avianca’s nonstop flights to San Jose mark the Bogota, Colombia-based carrier’s fourth destination out of D.C.’s more international-heavy airport, on top of its flights between Dulles and Bogota, Guatemala City and San Salvador, El Salvador.

Related: The best times to visit Costa Rica

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Meanwhile, the airline’s new routes from Dulles to San Jose will mean more options for D.C. area travelers, with United Airlines operating seasonal service between the two cities. Avianca will offer about 1,800 seats on the route monthly, the airline said.

As far as pricing, when I filtered Google Flights for Avianca nonstop flights between Dulles and San Jose, I found many round-trip options hovering around the $400 mark late in the day, though I was able to find this round trip (departing Labor Day and returning the following Sunday) for $384.

(Screenshot from google.com/flights)

As mentioned, the southbound service falls very early in the morning: You’ll depart Dulles at 2:30 a.m., arriving in San Jose at 5:30 a.m. While it's a redeye flight of sorts, at least you’ll be able to get a full first day in Costa Rica. Conveniently, you’ll be able to enjoy a portion of your last day in the country, too, with the return flight leaving just after 5 p.m.

An aerial view of the famous Waterfalls of Llanos de Cortez in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. (Photo by Gianfranco Vivi/Getty Images)

Bottom line

Costa Rica is a popular vacation destination, whether you’re someone that’s looking to hike and spot volcanos or relax at one of its many beach resorts. Now, travelers in the mid-Atlantic will have a more direct link to the Central American country’s largest international airport.

Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
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6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
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    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

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    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

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Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

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  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
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  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
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