  Spirit passengers
can change or cancel their flight at no additional
cost for trips booked by August 31, 2020.
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 Published Monday, August 10, 2020 Spirit
Airlines offers more flights
to the U.S. in August By the A.M. Costa Rica staff The U.S. Embassy has partnered with Spirit Airlines to offer additional commercial repatriation flights to U.S. citizens living in Costa Rica during August. Spirit Airlines is offering one commercial repatriation flight on Friday, Aug. 14. However, the airline also enabled more commercial flights on its website, from Monday, Aug. 17 to Aug. 31. Spirit passengers can change or cancel their flight at no additional cost for trips booked by August 31, 2020. The flight will depart from Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) in Alajuela Province and arrive at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in the state of Florida. More information on ticket pricing and flight can be found on the Spirit Airline website. More commercial flights with United Airlines were also announced last week, where they are operating three commercial repatriation flights each week from Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) in Alajuela Province to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, TX. United Airlines flights will take place every Monday, Thursday, and Friday through Aug. 31. More information on pricing and flight times can be found on the United Airlines website. 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. 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 a 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 regulations for 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. According to the embassy, United Airlines and Spirit Airlines will not conduct flights from Daniel Oduber Quiros Airport, in Guanacaste Province during August. 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 a tourist 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. ---------------------- What 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 |
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