{
  "response": {
    "Key": "EWR-SJO",
    "orig": {
      "code": "EWR",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "Newark",
      "fullCity": "Newark, New Jersey",
      "airport": "Liberty 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 Newark to San José?",
        "answer": "A nonstop flight from Newark (EWR) to San José (SJO) typically takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The return flight is often slightly shorter, around 5 hours 10 minutes, due to tailwinds. One-stop itineraries, commonly via Miami or Panama City, usually add 2 to 4 hours of total travel time."
      },
      "q1": {
        "question": "Are there any direct flights from Newark to San José?",
        "answer": "United Airlines flies nonstop from Newark (EWR) to San José (SJO) daily, with up to 48 weekly flights and departures spread from early morning through late afternoon. It's 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 Newark to San José?",
        "answer": "Yes. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business visits up to 180 days in Costa Rica, but must have a valid passport and proof of onward departure. Costa Rican citizens traveling to the U.S. generally need a visa unless they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (which they currently do not), so a B-1/B-2 visitor visa is required. Other nationalities should check both U.S. and Costa Rican entry rules."
      },
      "q3": {
        "question": "What are the ground transportation options in San José?",
        "answer": "From Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to downtown San José, licensed orange airport taxis are the most straightforward and commonly used option, taking about 20–30 minutes. Ride‑sharing services like Uber are available but may pick you up outside the immediate arrivals area, and public buses (Tuasa or Station Wagon) offer a very budget‑friendly alternative, though they can be crowded. Car rentals from major agencies are on‑site, but driving in the city can be challenging. There is no train or metro link, so taxis remain the most popular choice for reliability.",
        "toolsUsed": [],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslo_Airport_Station",
            "title": "Oslo Airport Station",
            "time_published": "2026-06-29T00:03:02Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stavanger%20Airport",
            "title": "Stavanger Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-25T16:01:25Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trondheim_Central_Station",
            "title": "Trondheim Central Station",
            "time_published": "2026-07-02T20:05:04Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslo%20Airport%20Station",
            "title": "Oslo Airport Station",
            "time_published": "2025-09-03T10:12:57Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslo%20Airport%2C%20Gardermoen",
            "title": "Oslo Airport, Gardermoen",
            "time_published": "2026-04-30T21:45:48Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q4": {
        "question": "When is the cheapest time to fly from Newark to San José?",
        "answer": "The cheapest months to fly from Newark to San José are May (around $373), April (around $403), and June (around $436), while the most expensive are December (around $656), March (around $562), and February (around $540).",
        "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 Newark to San José?",
        "answer": "For the best fare on flights from Newark to San José, book roughly 6 to 9 weeks ahead, when average prices hover around $504. During peak summer and holiday periods, it's wise to book a bit earlier—closer to 10 to 12 weeks out—since demand tends to push last-minute fares higher.",
        "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 Newark to San José?",
        "answer": "No overnight (red-eye) flights are scheduled from Newark to San José, Costa Rica — neither nonstop nor connecting itineraries with a red-eye long leg were found on this route.",
        "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 Newark to San José?",
        "answer": "United Airlines operates nonstop flights from Newark to San José, with 48 weekly departures on a daily schedule. The median fare for these nonstop flights is approximately $715.",
        "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 Newark and San José?",
        "answer": "Common layover cities include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Panama City, and Houston. Miami and Fort Lauderdale offer numerous onward flights and short connecting times, while Panama City’s Tocumen Airport provides efficient transfers and visa‑free transit for many travelers. Houston serves as a major United hub with broad domestic and international connections, keeping total travel time competitive."
      },
      "q9": {
        "question": "How reliable are on‑time departures on this route from Newark to San José?",
        "answer": "On‑time departures from Newark can be hit or miss due to congestion and weather, so morning flights are your best bet for reliability. United Airlines operates this route and early departures tend to perform better."
      },
      "q10": {
        "question": "Which months have the best weather for traveling to San José?",
        "answer": "December to April is the dry season with sunny, mild weather and lower humidity, making it ideal for travel."
      },
      "q11": {
        "question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Newark to San José?",
        "answer": "Bring a U.S. passport valid for the duration of your stay, proof of onward or return travel, and a payment method for baggage. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. No vaccination certificates are currently required."
      },
      "q12": {
        "question": "Which airport should I use in San José?",
        "answer": "San José has only one airport, Juan Santamaría International Airport, which serves all commercial flights to the city."
      },
      "q13": {
        "question": "How do I get to Liberty Intl Airport from the city center?",
        "answer": "From downtown Newark, NJ Transit trains and Amtrak connect to Newark Liberty International Airport via the AirTrain from the Newark Liberty International Airport Station; this is the fastest option from Manhattan and a popular choice. NJ Transit buses and the Newark Airport Express Bus serve Port Authority and other points, while licensed taxis and ride‑share services like Uber and Lyft offer door‑to‑terminal convenience at a higher cost. Driving is straightforward via I‑78 or the New Jersey Turnpike, with on‑airport parking available for short or long stays.",
        "toolsUsed": [],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://newarkairport.com/transportation",
            "title": "Transportation Options - EWR Newark Airport",
            "favicon": "https://newarkairport.com/images/shared/favicon/ewr_favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-01-26T21:51:22Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://newarkairport.com/flights/connections-guide/travel-between-airports",
            "title": "Transferring Between Airports Guide - EWR Newark Airport",
            "favicon": "https://newarkairport.com/images/shared/favicon/ewr_favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-01-28T18:57:23Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newark%20Liberty%20International%20Airport",
            "title": "Newark Liberty International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-05-01T12:21:54Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?diff=prev&oldid=1337528333&title=Lehigh_Valley_International_Airport",
            "title": "Lehigh Valley International Airport: Difference between revisions",
            "time_published": "2026-02-10T00:46:59Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://portfolio.panynj.gov/category/newark-liberty-international-airport/",
            "title": "Newark Liberty International Airport |",
            "time_published": "2020-09-16T00:00:00Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q14": {
        "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at San José airport?",
        "answer": "San José (SJO) airport does not have an on-site hotel, capsule hotel, or sleeping pods. Nearby hotels like the Courtyard by Marriott San José Airport Alajuela and the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San José-Airport are connected by a complimentary shuttle from the terminal.",
        "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 Newark to San José?",
        "answer": "The nonstop flights from Newark to San José are typically operated with Boeing 737 MAX 8, Airbus A320-200 Neo, and Airbus A320-100 aircraft, with the 737 MAX 8 being the most common. One-stop connections through Houston, Miami, Toronto, Dallas, or San Salvador add variants like the 737-800, 737 MAX 9, 737-900, A321-100, and regional jets on the shorter leg. The exact aircraft can vary by day and airline, though Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment are widely available on these modern narrowbody fleets.",
        "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 Newark to San José?",
        "answer": "The only nonstop carrier from Newark to San José is United Airlines, a Star Alliance member, with up to 48 weekly flights. Other alliances may serve the route via connections, but no non-alliance carriers fly it nonstop.",
        "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 Newark?",
        "answer": "At Newark Liberty (EWR), the lounges you can reliably count on are the Delta Sky Club in Terminal A, the Lufthansa Lounge in Terminal B’s B3 Satellite (accessible only to passengers departing from gates B60-B68 on a Lufthansa Group flight), and Minute Suites in Terminal C. The Delta Sky Club is open to Delta One, SkyTeam Premium Cabin, and Delta Sky Club members (or those with an Amex Platinum card when flying Delta), offering a full bar and a spa for a fee. The Lufthansa Lounge welcomes business-class travelers and Star Alliance Gold members on eligible flights, with premium food, a full bar, and Wi-Fi. Minute Suites in Terminal C provides private sleep pods and workspaces available for a fee or via Priority Pass.",
        "toolsUsed": [],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://www.newarkairport.com/",
            "title": "Newark Liberty International Airport - EWR Newark Airport",
            "favicon": "https://www.newarkairport.com/images/shared/favicon/ewr_favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-02-04T20:34:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/EWR",
            "title": "American Express Lounges at Newark Liberty International Airport | Amex GB",
            "time_published": "2026-05-01T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://my.prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/newark-liberty-international",
            "title": "Newark Liberty International Airport EWR Lounges - EWR Airport Guide and lounges.  | Priority Pass",
            "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.delta.com/us/en/airports/united-states/new-york-city-sky-club-newark-airport-map",
            "title": "Newark Liberty (EWR) Airport Map & Lounges | Delta Air Lines",
            "time_published": "2023-01-01T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/lounges/the-centurion-card-idc-en/EWR/Lufthansa-Lounge-Terminal-B-B3-Satellite-0D1lyNseWB/",
            "title": "Lufthansa Lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport | Amex US",
            "time_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q21": {
        "question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Newark to San José?",
        "answer": "Baggage rules depend on the airline and fare type. Basic economy often excludes a checked bag, while standard economy typically includes one checked bag and a carry-on. Premium cabins offer higher allowances."
      },
      "q22": {
        "question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Newark to San José?",
        "answer": "Flights from Newark to San José typically offer Economy and First Class with recliner seats; Premium Economy and flat-bed Business are not common on this route."
      },
      "q23": {
        "question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?",
        "answer": "Policies vary by airline and fare; flexible and premium cabin tickets often allow same‑day changes or standby, while Basic Economy typically does not."
      }
    }
  }
}