  Almost 300,000 seats are forecasted on international flights to travel to Costa Rica during the rest of the year. - Juan Santamaría International Airport photo - |
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 Published Tuesday, November 3, 2020 More
airlines reopen commercial
flights to Costa Rica The A.M. Costa Rica staff The re-opening of borders to all tourists since Sunday follows an increase in announcements of the reopening of commercial flights to Costa Rica, the Tourism Institute announced on Monday. According to the institute, almost 300,000 seats are forecasted on international flights to travel to Costa Rica during the rest of the year. "The reaction of the airlines is a clear sign of the confidence they have in Costa Rica as a destination, as well as in the quality of the tourism product that we offer to travelers," Gustavo Segura, Minister of Tourism said. The flight projection is based on data obtained by the institute from the Schedules Analyzer, OAG platform, which is updated weekly in the Global Distribution Systems, GDS. The GDS is a computer network and primary booking tool for travel agents, transferring seat inventory and flight fares to them, and allowing them to shop and compare travel reservation options. The availability of air seats means that travelers will be able to search and book directly online. Likewise, traditional travel agencies, as well as online travel agencies and airlines are offering flights to Costa Rica now at the beginning of the high season for tourism in Costa Rica, marked by Thanksgiving Day in the United States on Nov. 26. According to the institute, the international airlines now offering flights to Costa Rica are Iberia, Lufthansa, United Airlines, Southwest, Spirit, American Airlines, Copa, Aeroméxico, Air France, Avianca, Jetblue, Air Canada and Delta Airlines. Starting November 7, West Jet will offer flights to Costa Rica. As of Nov. 19, Alaska Airlines will reopen flights to Costa Rica. As of Nov. 23, Volaris will enable flights to Costa Rica. As of No. 26, KLM will offer flights to the country. As of Dec. 1, British Airways will enable flights And as of Dec. 5, Sun Country and West Jet will offer flights as well. Also, the institute announced the reopening of advertising campaigns to boost tourism and visits by travel agents. "About 20 international media and more than 160 representatives of travel agencies and wholesalers will be visiting the country for the rest of this year," the institute said. To reactivate employment and increase tourism, the government eliminated two requirements: presenting the negative result of the covid-19 diagnostic test and the quarantine order rule. Any person, whether national or foreigner, who enters the country by air does not have to present a negative RT-PCR test result, as well as not having to comply with the sanitary quarantine order. These two rescinded requirements could be reinstated, if the pandemic worsens at the global and national level, the government said in its statement. "This decision is made because of the air opening to all the countries as of November 1, as well as taking into account the Pan American Health Organization, in a document dated October 9, considers it unnecessary to demand tests or order quarantines for the resumption of international travel,” the Ministry of Tourism said in its statement. The other requirements to enter the country remain in order, such as filling out the electronic epidemiological online Health Pass, and providing proof of having a Traveler's Insurance (this can be purchased in their country of origin or Costa Rica). One of the fundamental requirements for tourists is to have travel insurance, either bought in Costa Rica or in their home country. The institute clarifies that in the case of international insurance, the tourist must request a certification issued in English or Spanish from their insurer, indicating the following three conditions: • The valid period of the effective policy during the travel to Costa Rica. • Guarantee coverage for medical expenses in cases of covid-19 infection while in Costa Rica, for at least $50,000. • A minimum coverage of $2,000 for accommodation expenses extended, in case of being infected with covid-19. • The insurance document, where these requirements are met, must also be uploaded on the electronic epidemiological online Health Pass. In case of not complying with these requirements, the passenger will not be able to enter the country, the institute said. ------------------------------ What other airlines should offer flights to Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com |
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