Are there other airlines besides Sansa?

Sansa is the only scheduled commercial carrier. While private charter companies exist, they are significantly more expensive and intended for large groups or luxury travel.

What happens if my flight is canceled due to weather?

Tropical weather often causes delays or groundings. Sansa will typically rebook you on the next available flight or ground transport, but expect a delay of several hours. Always build extra time into your schedule.

Can I bring my surfboard?

Only if the flight is not full. You must call or email the airline in advance to confirm space, and you will pay an additional oversized baggage fee.

Booking Domestic Flights in Costa Rica

To fly domestically in Costa Rica, book directly through Sansa Airlines, as they are the only reliable scheduled domestic carrier. Book at least 30 days in advance to secure seats on small 12-passenger Cessna Caravans, which operate primarily out of San Jose (SJO).

Verify your destination airport. Domestic flights in Costa Rica serve smaller regional airstrips like Tamarindo (TNO), Quepos (XQP), and Nosara (NOB). Check if your destination has an airport, as many remote areas still require a 2-4 hour shuttle drive after landing.
Use the official Sansa website. Go to flysansa.com. Avoid third-party aggregators like Expedia or Kayak, as they often fail to sync correctly with Sansa’s inventory and can lead to ticketing errors.
Check baggage restrictions. Domestic flights in Costa Rica are strict. You are limited to 30 lbs (13.6 kg) for your main checked bag and 10 lbs (4.5 kg) for your carry-on. You will be charged an extra $20–$30 if you exceed these limits, provided there is space on the plane.
Arrive at the terminal early. For domestic flights at SJO, go to the 'Sansa Terminal' located next to the main international building. You must check in at least 60 minutes before departure, as they close the manifest promptly to calculate weight and balance.

Are there other airlines besides Sansa?: Sansa is the only scheduled commercial carrier. While private charter companies exist, they are significantly more expensive and intended for large groups or luxury travel.
What happens if my flight is canceled due to weather?: Tropical weather often causes delays or groundings. Sansa will typically rebook you on the next available flight or ground transport, but expect a delay of several hours. Always build extra time into your schedule.
Can I bring my surfboard?: Only if the flight is not full. You must call or email the airline in advance to confirm space, and you will pay an additional oversized baggage fee.