{
  "response": {
    "Key": "BWI-SJO",
    "orig": {
      "code": "BWI",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "Baltimore",
      "fullCity": "Baltimore, Maryland",
      "airport": "Thurgood Marshall Intl Airport"
    },
    "dest": {
      "code": "SJO",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "San José",
      "fullCity": "San José, Costa Rica",
      "airport": "Juan Santamaría Intl Airport"
    },
    "faq": {
      "q0": {
        "question": "What is the typical flight duration from Baltimore to San José?",
        "answer": "There are no nonstop flights from Baltimore (BWI) to San José (SJO). The quickest one-stop options, often via Miami, Atlanta, or Panama City, typically have total travel times ranging from about 6 to 8 hours."
      },
      "q1": {
        "question": "Are there any direct flights from Baltimore to San José?",
        "answer": "Yes, Southwest flies nonstop from Baltimore (BWI) to San José (SJO) with five weekly flights on Saturdays and Sundays. Departures cluster in the morning between 8:30 and 9:05 AM. Southwest is the only carrier offering nonstop service on this route.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours. Carrier service and weekly frequencies are summarized from our flight-schedule database, which draws on published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data, and observed operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). Where available, on-time and cancellation rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline On-Time Performance dataset, and typical fares from the U.S. DOT Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B), a quarterly 10% sample of tickets sold.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines",
          "flight_schedule"
        ]
      },
      "q2": {
        "question": "Are there visa requirements to travel from Baltimore to San José?",
        "answer": "Yes, visa requirements depend on your nationality. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days in Costa Rica, but must have a valid passport and proof of onward travel. Costa Rican citizens traveling to Baltimore require a U.S. visa or, if eligible, an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. Other nationalities should check both countries' requirements."
      },
      "q4": {
        "question": "When is the cheapest time to fly from Baltimore to San José?",
        "answer": "The cheapest months to fly from Baltimore to San José are May, October, and September, with average fares dropping to $419–$446, while December, July, and March are the most expensive, averaging $524–$648.",
        "methodology": "This 'good deal' estimate shows a representative best price for each departure date across roughly a 12-month window (about 3 months back and 9 months forward). It is built from real flight prices found by Priceline users searching this route, accumulated into a price history for each departure date. Rather than weighting all of that history equally, we apply exponential time decay so recent prices dominate — a price seen yesterday counts almost in full, one from about a month ago roughly a third, and prices from a few months back very little — giving a figure that tracks today's market instead of a stale long-run average. Clear price outliers are removed before any calculation, departure dates with no observations are filled in from nearby dates, and the resulting curve is lightly smoothed so it reads as a clean seasonal trend rather than day-to-day noise.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "seasonal_prices"
        ]
      },
      "q5": {
        "question": "How far in advance should I book tickets from Baltimore to San José?",
        "answer": "For Baltimore to San José, the best fares are typically found when booking 11 to 14 weeks ahead, with an average price around $466. The absolute cheapest single ticket appeared 80 days before departure at $458, while booking very early (180 days out) or at the last minute tends to cost more. Around peak summer and holiday periods, you'll want to lean toward the earlier side of that window to avoid price spikes.",
        "methodology": "This booking-window guidance is built from the same real flight prices found by Priceline users searching this route, re-grouped by how many days before departure each price was seen (from the departure day out to about 180 days ahead) across the route's price history. At each booking lead time we report the 25th-percentile price — the cheaper end of what travelers were quoted, rather than the rock-bottom minimum (which can be a fluke) or the average (which is pulled up by expensive last-minute fares). The buy-or-wait advice then applies a risk premium that grows as departure approaches, since seat availability shrinks and prices become less predictable; using that adjusted curve we flag windows where waiting is likely to save a meaningful amount (at least $20 or 5%) versus windows where booking now is the better call. Isolated single-day recommendations are filtered out, so the advice only reflects a window that holds for several days in a row.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "booking_timing"
        ]
      },
      "q6": {
        "question": "Are overnight (red‑eye) flights available from Baltimore to San José?",
        "answer": "No overnight (red‑eye) flights operate from Baltimore (BWI) to San José (SJO) — the schedule shows no nonstop red‑eyes and no connecting itineraries whose long leg is a red‑eye.",
        "methodology": "Red-eye flights are identified from scheduled local departure and arrival times in our flight-schedule database — built from published airline timetables and official schedule data, including U.S. Department of Transportation records for domestic routes — flagging services that depart late at night and arrive the following morning; for connecting itineraries the red-eye is based on the timing of the overnight long-haul leg.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "redeye_flights"
        ]
      },
      "q7": {
        "question": "Which airlines usually operate this route from Baltimore to San José?",
        "answer": "Southwest Airlines operates a nonstop flight from Baltimore to San José, with five weekly departures on Saturdays and Sundays. The typical median fare for this nonstop service is around $807.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines"
        ]
      },
      "q8": {
        "question": "If I need a connection, what are common layover cities between Baltimore and San José?",
        "answer": "Common layovers for this route include Atlanta, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Houston, all of which offer efficient connections and broad onward service to San José. Atlanta and Miami are major hubs with frequent flights, while Fort Lauderdale and Houston provide competitive total travel times. U.S. citizens do not need a transit visa at these airports."
      },
      "q9": {
        "question": "How reliable are on‑time departures on this route from Baltimore to San José?",
        "answer": "On‑time performance is typically dependable, though afternoon thunderstorms at BWI can cause delays. Morning departures, particularly on Southwest, offer the best odds of leaving on time."
      },
      "q10": {
        "question": "Which months have the best weather for traveling to San José?",
        "answer": "December to April is the dry season with sunny days and comfortable temperatures, plus fewer tourists outside holiday weeks."
      },
      "q11": {
        "question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Baltimore to San José?",
        "answer": "Bring a passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay, proof of onward travel, a payment method for baggage, and check if you need a visa or vaccination certificate for Costa Rica."
      },
      "q12": {
        "question": "Which airport should I use in San José?",
        "answer": "San José has one main airport, Juan Santamaría International Airport, located about 20 minutes from downtown. It serves all international and domestic flights."
      },
      "q13": {
        "question": "How do I get to Thurgood Marshall Intl Airport from the city center?",
        "answer": "From downtown Baltimore, the MARC Train or Amtrak from Penn Station to BWI Rail Station is the fastest and most popular option, with a free shuttle connecting the station to the terminal. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Light Rail also runs directly to the airport, offering a frequent but slightly slower ride from various city stops. Ride‑share services like Uber and Lyft, along with taxis, provide door‑to‑door convenience at a higher cost, while driving and parking in the airport’s hourly, daily, or long‑term lots is straightforward but can be expensive for extended stays.",
        "toolsUsed": [],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://bwiairport.com/to-and-from-bwi/transportation/regional-destinations/washington-dc",
            "title": "Washington, DC | BWI Airport",
            "time_published": "2024-12-30T17:00:30Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://bwiairport.com/flying-with-us/flights/air-traffic-map",
            "title": "Air Traffic Map | BWI Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-02-05T14:00:15Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BWI_Marshall_Airport_Shuttle",
            "title": "BWI Marshall Airport Shuttle",
            "time_published": "2025-05-30T22:29:49Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BWI%20Marshall%20Airport%20Shuttle",
            "title": "BWI Marshall Airport Shuttle",
            "time_published": "2025-05-30T22:29:49Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://bwiairport.com/to-and-from-bwi/transportation/regional-destinations/washington-dulles-international-airport",
            "title": "Washington Dulles International Airport | BWI Airport",
            "favicon": "https://bwiairport.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/logo1.png",
            "time_published": "2024-12-30T17:00:44Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q14": {
        "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at San José airport?",
        "answer": "San José Airport (SJO) does not have on‑site hotels, capsule hotels, or sleeping pods. However, several nearby hotels are connected by shuttle, including the Courtyard by Marriott San José Airport Alajuela and the Hampton Inn & Suites San José Airport, both just a short ride away.",
        "toolsUsed": [],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOJ",
            "title": "SOJ",
            "time_published": "2026-06-09T08:31:45Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/guides/oslo-gardermoen-airport-guide.htm",
            "title": "Oslo Gardermoen Airport Guide (OSL) - Sleeping in Airports",
            "time_published": "2026-04-13T18:02:52Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stavanger_Airport",
            "title": "Stavanger Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-07-06T11:27:02Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "http://www.sleepinginairports.net/europe/istanbul_sabiha.htm",
            "title": "Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport Guide (SAW) - Sleeping in Airports",
            "time_published": "2026-02-25T20:28:55Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://activities.marriott.com/north-america/costa-rica/alajuela/activities/private_transfer_sjo_airport_to_caldera_cruise_ferry_fiesta_hotel-XTH550?property=SJORI",
            "title": "Private Transfer SJO Airport to Caldera Cruise/Ferry/Fiesta Hotel",
            "time_published": "2026-05-04T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "http://www.sleepinginairports.net/europe/stavanger.htm",
            "title": "Stavanger Airport Guide (SVG) - Sleeping in Airports",
            "time_published": "2026-04-13T17:31:35Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q17": {
        "question": "What aircraft are typically used on flights from Baltimore to San José?",
        "answer": "There is no nonstop service from Baltimore to San José; all flights connect. The long leg is most often operated with a Boeing 737 MAX 8, which appears on connections through Houston, Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, and Houston Hobby on United, American, and Southwest. Other long-leg types include the Airbus A320-100 (via Fort Lauderdale on JetBlue) and the Boeing 737-800 (via Panama City on Copa). The exact aircraft can vary by day and airline, and Wi‑Fi and seatback entertainment are widely available though not guaranteed on every flight.",
        "methodology": "Aircraft types are taken from the equipment each operating carrier schedules on this route, drawn from published airline timetables and airline equipment schedules in our flight-schedule database. They describe typical scheduled aircraft and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute equipment swaps.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_aircraft"
        ]
      },
      "q18": {
        "question": "Which airline alliances serve flights from Baltimore to San José?",
        "answer": "Southwest Airlines flies nonstop from Baltimore to San José, with five weekly flights on Saturdays and Sundays. Southwest is not a member of any global airline alliance, so no alliance carriers operate the route nonstop; other alliances may offer connecting itineraries through their member airlines.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines"
        ]
      },
      "q20": {
        "question": "What are the best airport lounge options when departing from Baltimore?",
        "answer": "At Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), the primary lounge option is The Club BWI, an independent lounge located in Concourse D (upper level, near Gate D10), open daily from 4:15 AM to 10:30 PM. It offers complimentary food and beverages (including beer, wine, and spirits), Wi‑Fi, flight monitors, and distinct zones for relaxing, resting, and productivity. Access is available to Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and select American Express Platinum cardholders, as well as through day passes (typically $40–$50, subject to availability). Note that access is restricted to passengers departing from Concourses D and E on international flights, and entry may be limited to 3 hours before departure. No airline‑branded lounges (such as Delta Sky Club, United Club, or American Admirals Club) operate at BWI, and the only other facility is Minute Suites (Concourse C), which offers private sleep pods rather than a traditional lounge.",
        "toolsUsed": [],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://my.prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/baltimore-washington-international-thurgood-marshall",
            "title": "Baltimore-Washington International/Thurgood Marshall Airport BWI Lounges - BWI Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass",
            "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://americanexpress.com/en-ca/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/BWI",
            "title": "American Express Lounges at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport | Amex CA",
            "time_published": "2026-05-02T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.prioritypass.com/lounges/usa/baltimorewashington-md-intl/bwi21s-roam-fitness",
            "title": "Baltimore-Washington International/Thurgood Marshall Airport BWI Lounges - BWI Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass",
            "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/BWI/The-Club-BWI-Main-Terminal-Concourse-D-GuwkmjxsKB/?hub=in_benefits_related_pages_why_american_express",
            "title": "The Club BWI at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport | Amex US",
            "favicon": "https://www.americanexpress.com/apple-touch-icon-152x152.png"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://bwiairport.com/at-bwi/resources/customer-service/",
            "title": "Customer Service | BWI Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-17T21:13:35Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q21": {
        "question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Baltimore to San José?",
        "answer": "Baggage rules vary by airline and fare class. Basic Economy often excludes a checked bag, while standard international economy typically includes one free checked bag and a carry‑on. Premium cabins offer more generous allowances."
      },
      "q22": {
        "question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Baltimore to San José?",
        "answer": "Flights from Baltimore to San José typically offer Economy and flat-bed Business class, with Premium Economy available on select connecting itineraries."
      },
      "q23": {
        "question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?",
        "answer": "Policies vary by airline and fare class; flexible and premium cabin tickets often allow same‑day changes or standby, while Basic Economy typically does not."
      }
    }
  }
}