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  Both
airlines currently require all passengers to
wear face coverings during the check-in process
and for the duration of the flight.
/ George Bush Intercontinental Airport courtesy photo. |
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Published Wednesday, August 5, 2020 available this month By the A.M. Costa Rica staff and wire services The U.S. Embassy has partnered with United Airlines and Spirit Airlines to offer additional commercial repatriation flights to U.S. citizens living in Costa Rica during the month of August. In the case of United Airlines, the embassy announced it will operate three commercial repatriation flights each week from Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) in Alajuela Province to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston Texas state. These flights will take place every Monday, Thursday, and Friday through Aug. 31. According to the embassy, United Airlines will not conduct flights from Daniel Oduber Quiros Airport, in Guanacaste Province during August. More information on pricing and flight times can be reached on the United Airlines website. In the case of Spirit Airlines, is offering one commercial repatriation flight on Friday, August 7. The flight will depart from Juan Santamaría Airport ( SJO) in Alajuela Province and arrive at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in Florida state. More information on ticket pricing and flight can be reached on the Spirit Airline website. These flights are open to the public for booking, but seats are limited. "The U.S. Embassy is not able to assist with arranging onward travel from Houston and Ft. Lauderdale," they said in its statement. Policies regarding luggage allowances, passengers traveling with pets and Emotional Support or Service Animals, and seating arrangements will be managed by United Airlines and Spirit Airlines. The information can be reached on both their websites. Both airlines currently require all passengers to wear face coverings during the check-in process and for the duration of the flight. Health regulations for boarding the flights will be managed according to the Costa Rica Ministry of Health guidelines. At this time that includes medical personnel monitoring passenger lines for people with covid-19 symptoms and asking passengers with symptoms to self-identify. Health regulations for arrival at Houston’s IAH airport are managed by the airport and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) under guidance from CDC and state health officials, the embassy said in its statement. According to the embassy, at this time there are no specific measures in place at IAH or FLL. Check with the airports and CBP website for updates. All passengers will be subject to Costa Rica immigration and customs laws and airline policies. "The U.S. Embassy is not able to intervene if people are stopped for violations or do not meet airline regulations. U.S. Citizens must have valid passports to enter the United States," they said in its statement. In the case of a citizen who does not have a valid U.S. passport, they must first email the embassy at ACSsanjose@state.gov to apply for an Emergency Passport. Foreign national passengers must possess an official travel document from their country of nationality and permission to approach a United States port of entry such as a legal permanent resident card, U.S. visa, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) pre-approval, the embassy said. For more information on U.S. entry checkout the CBP website. "Please be aware that foreigners will not be allowed to enter Costa Rica until current border restrictions are lifted," the embassy said in its statement. People with residency status who depart Costa Rica at this time will not be allowed to re-enter Costa Rica using their residency status until the emergency pandemic guidelines are lifted by the Government of Costa Rica. However, U.S. citizens staying in Costa Rica, the Directorate of Migration has announced that tourists who entered the country after December 17, 2019 have been granted an extension of stay until November 18, 2020. Also, the Road Safety Council, known as COSEVI, announced the grace period for drivers who are in the country as tourists was also extended until November 18, 2020. "Tourists must carry their passport and foreign driver’s license when driving," the embassy said. More information on repatriation flights for U.S. citizens can be reached by emailing ACSsanjose@state.gov. --------------------- Have you heard about U.S. citizens facing problems purchasing flights back to the United States? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com |
