American Airlines to launch new seasonal flight from San Jose to Chicago
The airline will operate daily service from San Jose to its Chicago hub during the winter season
American Airlines will expand its operations in Costa Rica this year, adding a route to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). The route, originating from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), will launch on November 3, 2025, and will operate daily until April 6, 2026.
The service will be provided on a Boeing 737 aircraft with capacity for 172 passengers.
“We are excited to launch new seasonal service between San José and Chicago O'Hare International Airport as we continue to expand our presence in the country,” said Rafael Sánchez, Regional Operations Manager for Central America and the Western Caribbean. “This route reinforces our commitment to the country and offers Costa Rican travelers convenient access to our hub in Chicago, where they can connect with more than 400 daily flights to over 155 destinations.”
“The opening of this new route from Chicago is a positive and timely sign. It reinforces our commitment to air connectivity and to continuing to work, alongside strategic partners like American Airlines, to boost the tourism sector and create new opportunities for the country,” said William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica.
According to the most recent data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, 497,859 American tourists arrived by air in the first three months of 2025, and a total of 1,587,138 travelers visited Costa Rica by air in 2024.
Likewise, according to information from the ICT, the city of Chicago is the fourth most concentrated area of tourists with a high interest in traveling to Costa Rica for their next vacation, known as “best prospects,” interested in visiting the destination for sun and beach activities, flora and fauna observation, gastronomy, or outdoor activities.
American's Winter Operations in San José
This winter, American plans to operate up to 56 weekly flights from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to three U.S. hubs, including four daily flights to Miami (MIA), two daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and one daily service to Charlotte (CLT) and ORD. This represents a 25% increase in seat capacity compared to the same season in 2024-2025.
Source: American Airlines Group.