A vacation in Costa Rica can be the getaway of a lifetime. With so much to see and do, tourists will want to make the most of their time and see everything that this amazing country has to offer. The best way to get around quickly is by taking a quick flight. Keep reading to get the lowdown on Costa Rica's domestic airlines and travel with confidence!

Nature Air airplane at Tobias Bolanos / Pavas Airport
Nature Air airplane at Tobias Bolanos / Pavas Airport

Costa Rica has two major domestic air travel companies, Nature Air and Sansa Airlines. Both operators are reliable and affordable. Nature Air is the world's first 100 percent carbon-neutral airline, which is great news for travelers who care about the environment! Sansa Airlines was voted the best Central American and Caribbean airline for two consecutive years by the Skytrax awards, meaning that tourists who want to get around Costa Rica can rest assured that their flight experience will be a pleasant one!

Visitors traveling from the capital of San Jose can use either of these providers. Nature Air flies from Tobias Bolanos Airport in Pavas, a short distance from San Jose, and Sansa operates from San Juantamaria International Airport in Alajuela, which is about 20 minutes' drive from Pavas.

Both airlines operate regular flights to some of Costa Rica's most popular areas. Tourists can reach more than 15 destinations using either carrier, and most flights tend to be around $80 one-way. However, these rates can fluctuate in the height of the tourist season, which runs between November and April, so plan accordingly!

As the planes used by both airlines are smaller, carrying up to 25 passengers, cancellation and booking procedures are pretty strict, so you may want to decide on your travel itinerary before booking any flights to avoid fees. Tourists bringing the kids along may be pleased to know that little ones under the age of two can fly for free with Sansa, and infants are only subject to flight taxes of $25 with Nature Air.

Excess baggage charges vary between the two carriers, and things like surfboards may need to be cleared ahead of time, due to the limited space in the aircraft cargo holds. Passengers are permitted to bring up to 25 pounds of bags with them, or 12 pounds and a carry-on item.

Traveling by air in Costa Rica is affordable, convenient and offers some stunning aerial views of the incredible natural beauty that attracts thousands of visitors every year.