$91 Cheap Flights to Costa Rica

Be Flexible with Your Dates: Flying on weekdays or during the shoulder season (May-June or September-November) can save you some serious cash. Avoid peak travel times like holidays and school breaks – unless you enjoy crowded airports and higher prices, of course!

Consider Alternative Airports: Sometimes flying into a smaller airport near your destination can be cheaper. In Costa Rica, consider flying into Liberia (LIR) instead of San José (SJO), or vice versa, depending on where you plan to spend most of your time. Just make sure the savings outweigh the cost of ground transportation.

Book in Advance (But Not Too Early): While last-minute deals are rare, booking too far in advance might not be the best strategy either. Start monitoring prices a few months before your trip and aim to book about 1-3 months ahead for the sweet spot.

Set Up Price Alerts: Use RatePunk or other flight comparison websites to set up price alerts for your desired route. This way, you'll be notified when prices drop, ensuring you snag the best deal without constantly checking.

Fly on Budget Airlines (With Caution): Budget airlines can offer tempting fares, but be mindful of extra fees for baggage, seat selection, and even snacks. Factor in these costs to see if the savings are still worth it.

Mix and Match Airlines: Don't be afraid to book your outbound and return flights with different airlines. Sometimes, one airline offers a great deal on one leg of the journey, while another has a better price for the return.

Check for Package Deals: Bundling your flight with accommodation or car rental can sometimes unlock significant discounts. Explore package deals offered by travel agencies or airlines to see if they fit your needs.

Use Incognito Mode: A persistent rumor is that airlines track your searches and raise prices accordingly. While it's not definitively proven, using incognito mode or clearing your browser's cookies before searching for flights can't hurt.

Consider a Layover: Non-direct flights are usually cheaper than direct flights. If you don't mind spending a few extra hours in transit, consider a flight with a layover to save some money. Bring a good book or download some shows to pass the time.

Look for Error Fares: Occasionally, airlines make mistakes when publishing fares, resulting in unbelievably low prices. These 'error fares' are rare and often get corrected quickly, but if you spot one, book it ASAP! Just be aware that the airline might cancel the ticket, though this is rare.