{
  "response": {
    "Key": "HOU-SJO",
    "orig": {
      "code": "HOU",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "Houston",
      "fullCity": "Houston, Texas",
      "airport": "William P Hobby 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 Houston to San José?",
        "answer": "The flight from Houston (HOU) to San José (SJO) is about 1,530 miles, with a typical nonstop duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. The return leg takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes, making it slightly longer than the outbound direction.",
        "methodology": "Flight times and distances come 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). The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time across all carriers on the route, computed the same way in both directions so the difference reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in method. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two airports, so the actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "flight_schedule"
        ]
      },
      "q1": {
        "question": "Are there any direct flights from Houston to San José?",
        "answer": "Southwest Airlines flies nonstop from Houston Hobby to San José, Costa Rica, with daily service — up to 30 flights a week. Departures are spread across the morning and afternoon, and the flight takes about 3 hours 30 minutes.",
        "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, flight times and distances for this route come 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). We report the days of the week and the departure times each carrier operates. The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time, given both per carrier and across all carriers on the route; where a schedule does not publish an elapsed time, it is derived from the scheduled departure and arrival times converted to UTC. Outbound and return times are computed by the same method, so the difference between them is directly comparable and reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in derivation. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two specific airports named, so an actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer. Where shown, on-time departure and arrival rates and cancellation rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline On-Time Performance dataset, which covers U.S. domestic routes only; where a typical fare is shown, it comes 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 Houston to San José?",
        "answer": "For United States nationals, no visa is required for a short tourist visit from Houston to San José. Entry is visa-free, and the permitted length of stay is up to 180 days.\n\nThis is general guidance to help you plan, not official immigration advice — entry rules can change and can depend on your nationality and circumstances, so please confirm the current requirements with the relevant embassy or official government source before you travel.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Costa_Rica",
            "title": "Visa policy of Costa Rica",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/favicon/wikipedia.ico"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica/entry-requirements",
            "title": "Costa Rica entry requirements — GOV.UK",
            "favicon": "https://www.gov.uk/favicon.ico"
          }
        ],
        "preopenedReferences": true,
        "stageOnly": true
      },
      "q3": {
        "question": "What are the ground transportation options in San José?",
        "answer": "Ground transportation from Juan Santamaría International Airport to downtown San José is straightforward, with licensed taxis available right at the airport and generally accepting both colones and U.S. dollars. A special airport taxi service uses orange taxis, while regular Costa Rican taxis are red with yellow triangles on the doors. Public buses run 24 hours a day with service about every 10 minutes during working hours, though there is no exact schedule. There is no rail service to the airport, although the Alajuela–San José line passes nearby. The bus is the most used option for budget travelers, while the licensed airport taxis are the fastest and most convenient door-to-door.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Jos%C3%A9,_Costa_Rica",
            "title": "San José, Costa Rica",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-16T18:13:28Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Santamar%C3%ADa_International_Airport",
            "title": "Juan Santamaría International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-15T10:14:28Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Jose,_Costa_Rica",
            "title": "San José, Costa Rica",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-03-10T11:49:05Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Santamaria_International_Airport",
            "title": "Juan Santamaría International Airport - Wikipedia",
            "time_published": "2005-03-20T00:00:00Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q6": {
        "question": "Are overnight (red‑eye) flights available from Houston to San José?",
        "answer": "No overnight (red-eye) flights are available from Houston Hobby (HOU) to San José (SJO) — neither nonstop nor connecting itineraries with a red-eye long leg operate 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 Houston to San José?",
        "answer": "Southwest Airlines operates nonstop service from Houston Hobby to San José, Costa Rica, offering 30 weekly flights with departures throughout the day from early morning to late afternoon. Typical median fares on this route run around $896. Other carriers may serve the route with connecting itineraries, but Southwest is the only airline flying it nonstop.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies come 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 typical fare is shown for a carrier, it is the median of 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 Houston and San José?",
        "answer": "Common layover cities include Miami, Panama City, Mexico City and San Salvador. Miami offers broad connections and short onward flights. Panama City is a major hub with efficient transfers and no need to change terminals. Mexico City provides many daily frequencies. San Salvador, via Avianca, offers quick connections and competitive total travel times."
      },
      "q10": {
        "question": "Which months have the best weather for traveling to San José?",
        "answer": "December to April is the dry season, offering sunny skies and pleasant temperatures, though it's peak tourist season. For fewer crowds and still decent weather, consider May or November."
      },
      "q11": {
        "question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Houston to San José?",
        "answer": "Bring a passport valid for the duration of your stay, proof of onward or return travel, a payment method for bags, and any required vaccination certificates. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays under 180 days."
      },
      "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 and is about 17 km northwest of downtown."
      },
      "q13": {
        "question": "How do I get to William P Hobby Airport from the city center?",
        "answer": "From downtown Houston, METRO Bus 500 provides nonstop public transportation to William P. Hobby Airport for $4.50 one way, running every 30 minutes daily from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., while local METRO Bus 40 offers a slower, lower-cost route to the same area. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, taxis, and shared shuttle vans also serve the airport, with ride-shares and taxis being the most popular and fastest option, typically taking 15–20 minutes from the city center. Driving yourself is possible with on-airport parking available at a discount when booked in advance, though it is generally more expensive than public transit for short trips.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/ground-transportation/",
            "title": "HOU Ground Transportation | Airport Shuttle, Taxi, Uber, Lyft & Rent Car Houston"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/",
            "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou/ground-transportation/shuttles",
            "title": "Hobby Airport Ground Transportation"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/airlines/",
            "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby",
            "time_published": "2026-06-09T19:32:46Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_P._Hobby_Airport",
            "title": "William P. Hobby Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-09T04:33:26Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q14": {
        "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at San José airport?",
        "answer": "San José Airport has no directly connected hotel. There are several hotels near the airport that provide free shuttles, including Courtyard San Jose Airport Alajuela, Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela, Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall, Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport, and Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San Jose Airport.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://www.hilton.com/en/locations/costa-rica/san-jose/sjo-juan-santamaria-international-airport/",
            "title": "Hotels near Juan Santamaria International Airport, San José, Costa Rica - Find Hotels - Hilton",
            "time_published": "2025-08-21T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://sleepinginairports.net/guides/san-jose-airport-guide-cr.htm",
            "title": "San Jose Airport Guide (SJO) - Sleeping in Airports",
            "favicon": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/nitropack_static/oBWrHkPujHTPIaVWqdDSDhClXUyrYhhb/assets/images/optimized/rev-b853180/www.sleepinginairports.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-sia-logo-180x180.png",
            "time_published": "2018-10-02T00:00:18Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sjoxc-city-express-san-jose-costa-rica/overview/",
            "title": "City Express San José Costa Rica: Hotel 7.4 km from Airport",
            "time_published": "2024-10-11T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/reviews/sjo-san-jose-airport-reviews.htm",
            "title": "San Jose (Costa Rica) Airport Reviews (SJO) – Sleeping in Airports",
            "favicon": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-sia-logo-180x180.png"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://activities.marriott.com/north-america/costa-rica/alajuela/activities/costa_rica_sjo_airport_to_san_jos%C3%A9_hotels_nearby_private_shuttle-XF7A2K?property=SJOAP",
            "title": "Costa Rica SJO Airport to San José Hotels nearby Private Shuttle",
            "time_published": "2026-05-04T00:00:00Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q15": {
        "question": "Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at Juan Santamaría Intl Airport?",
        "answer": "Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José offers free Wi‑Fi throughout its terminals, with the network available in both the main and domestic terminal areas. Currency exchange offices and ATMs are located in the arrivals hall and departures area of the main terminal, providing convenient options for exchanging money upon arrival or before departure. The airport also has a chapel for prayer and quiet reflection, located near the main terminal's public area.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Santamar%C3%ADa_International_Airport",
            "title": "Juan Santamaría International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-15T10:14:28Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Santamaria_International_Airport",
            "title": "Juan Santamaría International Airport - Wikipedia",
            "time_published": "2005-03-20T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan%20Santamar%C3%ADa%20International%20Airport",
            "title": "Juan Santamaría International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-30T22:20:36Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_busiest_airports_in_Central_America",
            "title": "List of the busiest airports in Central America",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2025-10-30T10:06:40Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q16": {
        "question": "Are there accessible services or children's facilities at the Houston and San José airports?",
        "answer": "William P. Hobby Airport offers wheelchair-accessible restrooms, family restrooms, companion care restrooms, American Sign Language interpretation, Aira services for blind and low-vision travelers, service animal relief areas, a Sunflower Lanyard program, and a Central Play Area for children. Travelers can request TSA Cares assistance at least 72 hours before screening. Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José serves as the primary international gateway for Costa Rica, with direct flights from North America, Central America, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean. Mobility assistance should be arranged through your airline at least 48 hours before departure.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/accessibility/",
            "title": "HOU Accessibility Services | ADA Accessible Travel at Hobby Airport"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/visitor-information/services/",
            "title": "Hobby Airport Visitor Services | Airport Visitor Services HOU"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_P._Hobby_Airport",
            "title": "William P. Hobby Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-09T04:33:26Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/",
            "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/airlines/",
            "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby",
            "time_published": "2026-06-09T19:32:46Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Santamar%C3%ADa_International_Airport",
            "title": "Juan Santamaría International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-15T10:14:28Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan%20Santamar%C3%ADa%20International%20Airport",
            "title": "Juan Santamaría International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-30T22:20:36Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Santamaría",
            "title": "Juan Santamaría",
            "time_published": "2026-07-15T19:46:26Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q17": {
        "question": "What aircraft are typically used on flights from Houston to San José?",
        "answer": "Southwest Airlines operates nonstop flights from Houston Hobby to San José, Costa Rica, using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. This is the only carrier and aircraft type listed for the route.",
        "methodology": "Aircraft types come 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). For U.S. routes the type is grounded in the tail number that actually operated the flight; elsewhere it comes from the airline's filed equipment code. Where the source does not commit to a specific variant we name the aircraft family (for example Airbus A320 family) rather than guess, and where no reliable type is on file the aircraft is omitted rather than estimated. Types describe typical scheduled equipment and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute swaps.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "flight_schedule"
        ]
      },
      "q18": {
        "question": "Which airline alliances serve flights from Houston to San José?",
        "answer": "From Houston's two airports, nonstop service to San José is operated by Southwest (from HOU) and United (from IAH). United belongs to the Star Alliance, while Southwest is an unaffiliated carrier that does not belong to any global alliance. Other alliances such as oneworld and SkyTeam do not have a nonstop presence on this route, though they may offer connecting itineraries.",
        "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, flight times and distances for this route come 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). We report the days of the week and the departure times each carrier operates. The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time, given both per carrier and across all carriers on the route; where a schedule does not publish an elapsed time, it is derived from the scheduled departure and arrival times converted to UTC. Outbound and return times are computed by the same method, so the difference between them is directly comparable and reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in derivation. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two specific airports named, so an actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer. Where shown, on-time departure and arrival rates and cancellation rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline On-Time Performance dataset, which covers U.S. domestic routes only; where a typical fare is shown, it comes from the U.S. DOT Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B), a quarterly 10% sample of tickets sold.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines",
          "flight_schedule"
        ]
      },
      "q20": {
        "question": "What are the best airport lounge options when departing from Houston?",
        "answer": "William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) does not have any airline clubs or lounges available for departing passengers. The airport offers alternative relaxation options such as Gameway, an interactive gaming space open from 06:00 to 21:00, and spa experiences like The Chiroport (08:00–18:00) and XWELL (06:00–21:00), which Priority Pass members can access. These are not traditional lounges but provide places to unwind before a flight.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/william-p-hobby",
            "title": "William P. Hobby Airport HOU Lounges - HOU Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass",
            "favicon": "https://prioritypass.com/icon.png?a4ff481221414a5c"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/william-p-hobby/hou2s-xwell",
            "title": "XWELL HOU AIRPORT  Houston TX William P. Hobby | Priority Pass",
            "favicon": "https://prioritypass.com/icon.png?a4ff481221414a5c"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/visitor-information/services/",
            "title": "Hobby Airport Visitor Services | Airport Visitor Services HOU"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/destinationInformation/hou-airport.jsp",
            "title": "Houston Hobby, TX (HOU)",
            "favicon": "https://aa.com/content/images/chrome/rebrand/favicon.png"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/",
            "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q21": {
        "question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Houston to San José?",
        "answer": "Baggage allowance depends on your airline and fare class. Basic economy often excludes checked bags and may even limit carry‑on, while standard international economy typically includes one checked bag and a carry‑on. Premium cabins and higher fares grant more generous allowances."
      },
      "q22": {
        "question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Houston to San José?",
        "answer": "Typical options from Houston to San José include Economy and flat‑bed Business class. Premium Economy is uncommon on this route."
      },
      "q23": {
        "question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?",
        "answer": "Policies depend on the airline and fare type; flexible and premium tickets often allow same‑day changes or standby, while Basic Economy usually does not."
      }
    }
  }
}