Advice on getting to Costa Rica from the UK?

[Cowley]

Hi everyone.

We’re thinking about going to Costa Rica in January and this may be a long shot but I was wondering if anyone might be able to help me with a few questions?

These are:

1) What would be the cheapest way to fly there? I don’t fly an awful lot so I’ve no idea where’s best to start looking.
2) Would getting a package holiday with Tui for example be a cheaper way to do it than flights/Air b&b accommodation etc?
3) Have any of you been there and if so would you have any suggestions as to where’s nice (and interesting) to stay or visit etc?

Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[Snow1964]

For the flight try Skyscanner, use LON for all London departure airports.

Don't be afraid to try alternative dates, another good tip is to try changing the class of travel from economy to premium economy (occasionally can be cheaper, as not many have booked it, and dynamic pricing might apply), in the past I have even found flights where return leg is cheaper in Business than the outward in economy (all depends on demand and the size and configuration of aircraft, and of course depending on timings might be busy one way and the counter-direction is big plane for smaller demand

 

[Tetchytyke]

Google Flights is actually really good at finding flights, I’d start by looking there. It’s good at seeing the breadth of options including direct and non-direct flights.

Package holidays can be cheaper- and not just TUI, British Airways Holidays can save you money as can Virgin Holidays, but it depends on what you want to do.

I’ve never been to Costa Ria so can’t answer that

 

[Cowley]

For the flight try Skyscanner, use LON for all London departure airports.

Don't be afraid to try alternative dates, another good tip is to try changing the class of travel from economy to premium economy (occasionally can be cheaper, as not many have booked it, and dynamic pricing might apply), in the past I have even found flights where return leg is cheaper in Business than the outward in economy (all depends on demand and the size and configuration of aircraft, and of course depending on timings might be busy one way and the counter-direction is big plane for smaller demand

Google Flights is actually really good at finding flights, I’d start by looking there. It’s good at seeing the breadth of options including direct and non-direct flights.

Package holidays can be cheaper- and not just TUI, British Airways Holidays can save you money as can Virgin Holidays, but it depends on what you want to do.

I’ve never been to Costa Ria so can’t answer that

Thanks both. That’s a very helpful starting point.

 

[thejuggler]

Be wary of Skyscanner. It will give you the cheapest flights, but it may be multiple flights and not be a single booking, so if one leg is cancelled or delayed you are on your own.

Look out for terms such as 'self transfer' which is a good pointer they have simply looked for the cheapest flights between points and added the cost together and its not considered a single flight.

I prefer Google flights (or for finer detail ITA Matrix) and would always book direct with the airline, not an unknown third party 'selling' flights which don't exist, so they try and get you to switch to flights they can access.

 

[RailWonderer]

Google is showing Air Canada connections to be cheapest, although United via Newark offer a slightly faster journey with a slightly more expensive ticket.

Google Flights

www.google.com

 

[Alex Mihai]

Google is showing Air Canada connections to be cheapest, although United via Newark offer a slightly faster journey with a slightly more expensive ticket.

Google Flights

www.google.com

The Air Canada flights with a single transfer in Toronto are actually quicker overall than the United one (about 1h less), while still being cheaper (and only 3 pounds more than the longer Air Canada route with 2 transfers).

 

[AlterEgo]

Google is showing Air Canada connections to be cheapest, although United via Newark offer a slightly faster journey with a slightly more expensive ticket.

Google Flights

www.google.com

Bear in mind that you need the right to enter both the USA and Canada, and clear immigration and customs, even if transferring which means an ESTA or ETA (or a visa, if you qualify for one or neither). No such thing as airside connections in either country.

 

[Cowley]

Google is showing Air Canada connections to be cheapest, although United via Newark offer a slightly faster journey with a slightly more expensive ticket.

Google Flights

www.google.com

The Air Canada flights with a single transfer in Toronto are actually quicker overall than the United one (about 1h less), while still being cheaper (and only 3 pounds more than the longer Air Canada route with 2 transfers).

Yes that’s what I’m finding as well.

Bear in mind that you need the right to enter both the USA and Canada, and clear immigration and customs, even if transferring which means an ESTA or ETA (or a visa, if you qualify for one or neither). No such thing as airside connections in either country.

Ok noted. Thanks for that.

Be wary of Skyscanner. It will give you the cheapest flights, but it may be multiple flights and not be a single booking, so if one leg is cancelled or delayed you are on your own.

Look out for terms such as 'self transfer' which is a good pointer they have simply looked for the cheapest flights between points and added the cost together and its not considered a single flight.

I prefer Google flights (or for finer detail ITA Matrix) and would always book direct with the airline, not an unknown third party 'selling' flights which don't exist, so they try and get you to switch to flights they can access.

Useful, thank you. I’ll probably stick to Google then.

 

[Alex Mihai]

Bear in mind that you need the right to enter both the USA and Canada, and clear immigration and customs, even if transferring which means an ESTA or ETA (or a visa, if you qualify for one or neither). No such thing as airside connections in either country.

Seems like the Canadian one would be easier to obtain since it's not a visa per se. Looking at the information page it should be quite easy to obtain and only costs 7 canadian dollars. Here's the link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html

 

[Cowley]

Seems like the Canadian one would be easier to obtain since it's not a visa per se. Looking at the information page it should be quite easy to obtain and only costs 7 canadian dollars. Here's the link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html

We went to Canada last year, so we’ve done that side of things before.

 

[AlterEgo]

Seems like the Canadian one would be easier to obtain since it's not a visa per se. Looking at the information page it should be quite easy to obtain and only costs 7 canadian dollars. Here's the link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html

It is the same process as an ESTA, but you still need to qualify for it. Not everybody does.

It is also an annoying transfer experience.

 

[Bald Rick]

Whilst it is more expensive, BA do fly direct from Gatwick to San Jose a few times a week. 11h20 there, 10h20 back. It also means flying BA of course.

As an aside, are you sure you want to go to Costa Rica, not Costa Brava? (see Sara Pascoe…)

 

[Cowley]

Whilst it is more expensive, BA do fly direct from Gatwick to San Jose a few times a week. 11h20 there, 10h20 back. It also means flying BA of course.

Yes I did have a quick look yesterday. I’ll do a bit more research over the next few days though.

As an aside, are you sure you want to go to Costa Rica, not Costa Brava? (see Sara Pascoe…)

(Checks atlas) no, I think I’ve the right place.