American Airlines has announced an exciting addition to its international route offerings—a brand new direct service from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Guanacaste, Costa Rica (LIR). This inaugural flight is scheduled to take off on December 7, 2024, marking a significant milestone as the airline’s first venture on this route, set to operate during the 2024-2025 high season.
Inaugural Service Details
The new route will be available once a week on Saturdays, starting from December 7, 2024, through March 30, 2025. Flights are scheduled to depart from Philadelphia at a convenient time in the morning, allowing travelers to arrive in the lush landscapes of Guanacaste by 12:33 p.m. The return flights will take off from Guanacaste Airport at 1:00 p.m., ensuring a swift and efficient journey back to Philadelphia.
Aircraft and Amenities
Travelers will fly aboard a 172-seat Boeing 737-800, known for its comfort and reliability. American Airlines promises to deliver exceptional service and amenities that cater to both leisure and business travelers, ensuring a pleasant and memorable journey to one of Central America’s most sought-after destinations.
Strategic Expansion in Costa Rica
American Airlines continues to strengthen its presence in Costa Rica, celebrating its 35th anniversary in the country with this new service. According to Rafael Sanchez, the Regional Manager for Central America at American Airlines, this route expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance connectivity between the United States and Costa Rica, providing more options for travelers seeking to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of Central America.
“We are proud to continue growing our presence in Costa Rica with our new weekly route between Liberia and Philadelphia, beginning in December,” said Sanchez. “This winter, we will be celebrating our 35th anniversary in the country with a robust operation of up to 13 daily flights.”
Boosting Tourism and Connectivity
The introduction of the Philadelphia to Guanacaste route is expected to significantly boost tourist arrivals from the United States, which remains the largest source market for Costa Rica’s air travel sector. In just the first four months of 2024, Costa Rica welcomed over 643,000 U.S. tourists, a trend that the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) expects to continue growing with the addition of this new air link.
William Rodriguez, the Minister of Tourism for Costa Rica, expressed enthusiasm about the new connection. “We are pleased to announce the confirmation of the new direct air route between Philadelphia in Pennsylvania and the province of Guanacaste. This is the only route connecting our country with this U.S. city and will increase visitation from the United States,” Rodriguez stated.
Diverse Route Portfolio
In addition to the newly announced Philadelphia service, American Airlines offers multiple direct flights from Guanacaste to several major U.S. cities, including Charlotte, Dallas, New York, Miami, and Chicago. This extensive network underscores the airline’s commitment to facilitating travel and tourism between the U.S. and Costa Rica, catering to a growing demand among American travelers seeking a tropical getaway.
Local Airport’s Welcome
The local community and the management at Guanacaste Airport are eagerly anticipating the start of this route. César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport, highlighted the positive impact expected from this new service. “We welcome with great enthusiasm the start of this new route to Philadelphia, which will provide the first direct connection to this East Coast city. Announcing new frequencies at this time of year is exciting and fills us with hope for the 2024/2025 high season, for which the entire airport community is working to offer the quality of service that characterizes us,” said Jaramillo.
