June 29, 2004 -- As we reported recently, the "green season" in Costa Rica is the best time for discounts. Sure, it's rainy, but the rain usually falls only a few hours a day. In exchange, travelers to Costa Rica during the rainy season find rock-bottom fares and negotiable hotel rates. (See the "When to Go" sectionat www.frommers.com/destinations/costarica in our free online Costa Rica guide for more information.)
Right now, US Airways, American, Central American airline TACA, and Dutchairline Martinair are all offering a slew of sub-$300 fares to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Fares below are all roundtrip, before $55 or so in taxes:
- From Baltimore: $224 (US Airways)
- From Boston: $265 (American)
- From Charlotte: $236 (US Airways)
- From Dallas: $278 (TACA)
- From Greensboro: $284 (US Airways)
- From Houston: $248 (TACA)
- From LA: $298 (TACA)
- From Miami: $208 (Martinair)
- From New York: $264 (US Airways)
- From Orlando: $238 (Martinair), $254 (American)
- From Philadelphia: $284 (US Airways)
- From Richmond: $284 (US Airways)
- From Washington, D.C.: $249 (US Airways)
The four sales have slightly different terms.
US Airways' fares must be purchased by tomorrow, July 1, for travel through August 28. You must fly Monday-Thursday to get these fares, and you must stay in Costa Rica at least two days or over a Saturday night. You must fly home within 30 days, and you must buy your tickets at least 3 days before traveling. Get 'em here: www.usairways.com/pro/specials/sjo_sale.htm.
American's fares are good for travel through July 31 and must be purchased by July 8. You must stay in Costa Rica between 3 and 30 days, and you must buy your tickets at least 7 days before traveling. Buy AA fares online here: www.aa.com/apps/netSAAver/ViewNetSAAverFareSalesDetail.jhtml?saleId=1024&fileName=centralAmsale04.23.04.xml&repositoryName=FareToolSpecialContentRepository.
TACA isn't publishing their terms, but from the fare code we figured that you must buy your tickets 7 days before flying, and stay at least 3 and no more than 30 days. No word on when the fares will disappear. To book them, go to www.taca.com/promo/?key=190&leng=eng.
Martinair is also keeping their sale dates close to their chests, but we know you must buy your tickets 14 days before departure for flights before October 31. You can stay in Costa Rica anywhere from a day to a year, though. Buy your tickets at www.martinairusa.com.
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