The airline, which carries more travelers on direct flights within the United States than any other, first landed at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in March 2015.
Later that same year, in November, Southwest began operations in the Guanacaste region through Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR). With year-round service at both international airports in Costa Rica, Southwest has cemented a continuing partnership that connects travelers with what matters most in their lives by offering friendly, reliable, and affordable air travel. For more information and bookings, visit Southwest.com.
"Southwest is celebrating 10 years of connecting our heart with Ticos and visitors looking to enjoy all that Costa Rica has to offer," said Adam Decaire, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Network Operations Control for Southwest Airlines. "Our newest route connects San José with Orlando daily, in addition to other nonstop flight options to Baltimore/Washington, Houston (Hobby), and Denver, cities from which Southwest offers hundreds of connecting flights to dozens of additional destinations in the United States."
Southwest Airlines is recognized for its warm customer service, its robust network with multiple direct flight options within the United States, and its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, which offers real value to its members.
“From the Costa Rican Tourism Board, we extend our heartfelt and warm congratulations to Southwest Airlines for its 10 consecutive years of operations in Costa Rica. We proudly recall that in 2015, they chose us as their first international destination. We deeply appreciate the trust placed in our country and Southwest's valuable contribution to strengthening air connectivity with the United States, our main source market for tourists. Thanks to this connection, we have attracted thousands of travelers interested in discovering the richness and offerings of Costa Rica. We reaffirm our commitment to continue promoting this relationship with Southwest for many years to come, ensuring that every passenger in the future continues to experience the essence of Pura Vida and the warmth of our people,” said William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica.
"We celebrate together with Southwest Airlines this important decade of connection with Costa Rica, a milestone that reflects the value of strategic alliances to strengthen the country's air connectivity. Juan Santamaría International Airport has witnessed the growth of this operation, which in 10 years has moved 688,412 passengers, promoting cultural and commercial exchange between both nations and bringing thousands of people closer to memorable experiences in Costa Rica. At AERIS, we reaffirm our commitment to continue promoting the development of air connectivity, guaranteeing each airline and passenger a Pura Vida experience," said Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS.
The United States is the main source market for tourists to Costa Rica. According to data from the Costa Rican Tourism Board, 1,587,138 American tourists visited Costa Rica by air in 2024, reporting a growth of 10.9% compared to the previous period. In January of this year, 150,027 travelers from the United States arrived via the same route.
Source: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
