Alaska Airlines has announced an exciting new development: direct flights from Seattle International Airport (SEA) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Costa Rica, beginning December 21, 2024. These flights will connect travelers from the U.S. West Coast to the beautiful Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, marking a significant enhancement in travel options just in time for the 2024-2025 high season.
New Direct Routes: A Boost for Tourism
The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism William Rodriguez, who highlighted the positive impact these flights are expected to have on Costa Rican tourism. “The 2024-2025 high season is expected to be historic for Costa Rica due to the increase in operations announced by several airlines. Starting in December, Alaska Airlines will inaugurate two direct flights from the West Coast of the United States (Seattle and San Francisco) to the Guanacaste Airport,” Rodriguez said.
Flight Schedules and Details
Alaska Airlines will operate these weekly flights every Saturday using a Boeing 737-8 Max, with a capacity of 178 seats. The flight schedule is as follows:
- Seattle to Guanacaste (LIR)
- Departure: 8:15 AM (local time)
- Arrival: 5:15 PM
- Return: Sundays at 10:00 AM, arriving in Seattle at 4:45 PM
- San Francisco to Guanacaste (LIR)
- Departure: 8:00 AM (local time)
- Arrival: 4:20 PM
- Return: Saturdays at 5:30 PM, arriving in San Francisco at 10:35 PM
Enhancing Connectivity
These new routes will not only boost tourism from Seattle and San Francisco but also improve air connectivity with other regions such as Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, and Canadian cities served by Alaska Airlines. Minister Rodriguez emphasized the strategic importance of these flights in enhancing connectivity and attracting visitors from the northern and northwestern United States and Canada.
Alaska Airlines’ Commitment to Costa Rica
Kirsten Amrine, Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management at Alaska Airlines, expressed the company’s enthusiasm about this new venture. “We are eager to welcome aboard passengers on this new nonstop service from San Francisco and Seattle to Guanacaste, one of the most beautiful and vibrant destinations in Central America. These new additions provide our customers with a convenient connection to a destination we began flying to in 2015 and reaffirm our commitment to Latin America,” Amrine said.
She also extended gratitude to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and Guanacaste Airport for their unwavering support in making this expansion possible.
Preparing for a Busy Season
Cesar Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport, assured that the airport is ready for the upcoming busy season. “We are proud to announce more good news of new route openings. This reflects the hard work of our route development team to strengthen our network in strategic markets,” Jaramillo stated.
What This Means for Travelers
For travelers, this new service means easier access to the stunning beaches, rich culture, and unique wildlife of Guanacaste. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach holiday, an adventure in Costa Rica’s national parks, or exploring the vibrant local culture, these direct flights will make your journey smoother and more convenient.
The Benefits of Alaska Airlines’ Expansion
The introduction of these direct routes from Seattle and San Francisco to Guanacaste is a strategic move that benefits both travelers and the tourism sector in Costa Rica. It opens up new opportunities for tourism growth, providing a direct link for travelers from key U.S. cities to one of Costa Rica’s top destinations.
With the launch of these direct flights, Alaska Airlines is poised to make a significant impact on travel to Costa Rica, offering a seamless travel experience from the West Coast of the United States to the heart of Central America. This expansion reflects the airline’s commitment to providing convenient and reliable travel options while supporting the growth of tourism in Costa Rica.
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