{
  "response": {
    "Key": "IAD-SJO",
    "orig": {
      "code": "IAD",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "Washington",
      "fullCity": "Washington, United States",
      "airport": "Washington 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 Washington to San José?",
        "answer": "The flight from Washington Dulles to San José covers about 2,040 miles and typically takes 4 hours and 58 minutes outbound. The return leg is slightly shorter at 4 hours and 43 minutes, a modest difference driven by prevailing winds.",
        "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 Washington to San José?",
        "answer": "United Airlines flies nonstop from Washington Dulles (IAD) to San José (SJO) twice a week, on Saturdays and Sundays, with departures around 8:55 AM and a flight time of about 5 hours. No other airline offers 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, 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 Washington to San José?",
        "answer": "For United States nationals, a visa is not required for a short tourist visit to Costa Rica, including travel from Washington to San José. You may stay for up to 180 days.\n\nA quick note: this 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": "From Juan Santamaría International Airport, the most-used option into downtown San José is the frequent public bus service, which runs around the clock with departures roughly every 10 minutes during working hours. Licensed taxis are readily available, including a special airport taxi service with orange taxis; standard Costa Rican taxis are red with yellow triangles and accept both colones and U.S. dollars. The bus is the fastest and most-used choice for most travelers, while taxis offer a more direct alternative. There is no rail service to the airport.",
        "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"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q4": {
        "question": "When is the cheapest time to fly from Washington to San José?",
        "answer": "Average fares from Washington to San José bottom out around $291 in late September, with September and October as the cheapest months overall at roughly $299–$303. February is also affordable at about $319. The most expensive stretch is late December, when average fares climb to around $404.",
        "methodology": "Seasonal fares come from Priceline's own air booking-summary archive, analysed in-house and refreshed monthly. For each day of the year we take a representative round-trip fare, a blend of the 25th-percentile and average ticket price over the route's bookings, and smooth the series into a seasonal curve; the half-month low and high and the monthly figures quoted here are averages of that curve. Thin and international routes borrow their seasonal shape from the nearest busy routes, with the price level anchored to the route's own bookings.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "seasonal_prices"
        ]
      },
      "q5": {
        "question": "How far in advance should I book tickets from Washington to San José?",
        "answer": "For Washington (IAD) to San José (SJO), the best fares are found when booking about 4 to 6 weeks before departure, with average prices around $323 in that window. Booking exactly 30 days out yields the lowest single fare at $322, while booking much earlier (e.g. 160 days ahead) can cost significantly more, around $451. During summer and holiday periods, demand typically rises, so it's safest to book at least 6-8 weeks out for those dates.",
        "methodology": "Booking-window guidance comes from the same monthly in-house analysis of Priceline's own air booking-summary archive. We aggregate the route's bookings by how many days before departure they were made, from about 180 days out to the day of travel, smooth the curve, and highlight the stretch of lead times with the lowest average fare. Thin and international routes borrow the curve shape from the nearest busy routes, anchored to the route's own price level. It reflects current fares and is refreshed monthly.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "booking_timing"
        ]
      },
      "q6": {
        "question": "Are overnight (red‑eye) flights available from Washington to San José?",
        "answer": "No overnight (red‑eye) flights operate from Washington Dulles to San José, Costa Rica — neither nonstop nor connecting itineraries with a red‑eye long leg are scheduled 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 Washington to San José?",
        "answer": "United Airlines operates nonstop service from Washington Dulles to San José, with four weekly flights on Saturdays and Sundays. The median fare for these nonstop flights is approximately $687.",
        "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 Washington and San José?",
        "answer": "Common layover cities include Miami, Atlanta, and Houston. These hubs offer frequent connections and efficient transfers, keeping total travel time competitive."
      },
      "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 lower humidity, plus fewer tourists outside the Christmas and Easter peaks."
      },
      "q11": {
        "question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Washington to San José?",
        "answer": "Bring a passport valid for at least six months, proof of onward or return travel, a payment method for baggage and any required health documents; U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days."
      },
      "q12": {
        "question": "Which airport should I use in San José?",
        "answer": "San José has one main international airport, Juan Santamaría International Airport, located about 20 minutes northwest of downtown. It serves all major airlines flying to Costa Rica and is the only airport you will use."
      },
      "q13": {
        "question": "How do I get to Washington Intl Airport from the city center?",
        "answer": "From downtown Washington, the quickest and most popular option is the Metrorail Silver Line, which runs directly to Dulles International Airport and connects to the main terminal by an indoor pedestrian tunnel with moving sidewalks. Ride-share services and taxis are also widely available and offer door-to-door convenience, though they cost more than rail. Driving is possible via the Dulles Access Road, with on-airport parking garages available, while shared shuttle buses provide a middle-ground option in terms of cost and convenience.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://www.flydulles.com/parking-transportation",
            "title": "flydulles.com - Parking & Transportation",
            "favicon": "https://www.flydulles.com/themes/custom/mwaa_barrio/favicon.ico"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.flydulles.com/metro",
            "title": "flydulles.com - Dulles Airport Metrorail Station",
            "favicon": "https://www.flydulles.com/themes/custom/mwaa_barrio/favicon.ico"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.flydulles.com/",
            "title": "Official Website of Washington Dulles International Airport - IAD",
            "favicon": "https://www.flydulles.com/themes/custom/mwaa_barrio/favicon.ico"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dulles_International_Airport",
            "title": "Dulles International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-18T13:47:09Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://flydulles.com/shopping-dining",
            "title": "flydulles.com - Shopping & Dining",
            "favicon": "https://flydulles.com/themes/custom/mwaa_barrio/favicon.ico"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q14": {
        "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at San José airport?",
        "answer": "San José airport has no directly connected hotel inside the terminal. Sleeping options at the airport are limited, with no dedicated rest zones or cots, though the Alajuela Zone has some couches and benches. Several hotels are located nearby and provide free airport shuttles, including the Courtyard San Jose Airport Alajuela and the Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela.",
        "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 offers free Wi‑Fi throughout its terminals. Currency exchange offices and prayer rooms or chapels are not part of the facilities described for the airport. The main terminal and domestic terminal both provide access to the airport's amenities, including the business lounges used by Avianca, Copa, and VIP customers.",
        "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 Washington and San José airports?",
        "answer": "At Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), mobility assistance is available throughout the terminal and concourses — simply arrange wheelchair support through your airline at the airport. IAD also runs the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, which discreetly signals that a traveler may need extra time or help; lanyards are available at the USO Lounge across from Baggage Claim 12 and at the Information Desks by Baggage Claims 6 and 11. Accessible parking is provided in all lots, with designated spaces near terminal entrances and shuttle shelters, and airport shuttle buses and rental car shuttles are equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps. For wheelchair-accessible taxis, Washington Flyer Taxi recommends reserving in advance by calling 703-572-TAXI (8294). At Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, travelers can arrange mobility assistance through their airline at least 48 hours before departure.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://www.flydulles.com/iad/disability-services",
            "title": "flydulles.com - Disability Services",
            "favicon": "https://www.flydulles.com/themes/custom/mwaa_barrio/favicon.ico"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.flydulles.com/",
            "title": "Official Website of Washington Dulles International Airport - IAD",
            "favicon": "https://www.flydulles.com/themes/custom/mwaa_barrio/favicon.ico"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.mwaa.com/",
            "title": "Official Website of Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority - MWAA",
            "favicon": "https://www.mwaa.com/themes/custom/mwaa_barrio/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-08-26T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dulles_International_Airport",
            "title": "Dulles International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-09-18T13:47:09Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.mwaa.com/policefireems/fire-ems/fire-ems-washington-dulles-international-airport",
            "title": "mwaa.com - Fire & EMS at Washington Dulles International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://www.mwaa.com/themes/custom/mwaa_barrio/favicon.ico"
          },
          {
            "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 Washington to San José?",
        "answer": "United Airlines flies nonstop from Washington Dulles to San José, Costa Rica, using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on this route. United is the only carrier with nonstop service on this route, so all direct flights from Washington to San José are operated with the Boeing 737 MAX 8.",
        "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 Washington to San José?",
        "answer": "United Airlines flies nonstop from Washington Dulles to San José, Costa Rica, and it belongs to the Star Alliance. No other airline alliances have a carrier with nonstop service on this route, though other alliances may serve it via connections.",
        "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 Washington?",
        "answer": "Washington Dulles offers several premium lounge options when departing, including the Etihad Lounge, Air France-KLM Lounge, and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, all in Concourse A, plus the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Concourse B. The Etihad Lounge operates from 06:00 to 22:00, the Air France-KLM Lounge from 07:30 to 21:00, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse from 09:00 to 19:00, and the Turkish Airlines Lounge from 07:15 to 22:00. Two Lufthansa lounges in Concourse B are temporarily closed, and the Capital One Lounge is currently operating with a limited-service model offering grab-and-go food and coffee but no seating. Eligibility and specific amenities vary by lounge and access program.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://prioritypass.com/lounges/united-states-of-america/washington-dulles-international",
            "title": "Washington Dulles International Airport IAD Lounges - IAD Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass",
            "favicon": "https://prioritypass.com/icon.png?icon.1k7202wk2zqql.png?dpl=1f82db4e-b1f8-481b-b911-c24ef915cc46",
            "time_published": "2026-08-18T11:40:12Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/IAD",
            "title": "American Express Lounges at Washington Dulles International Airport | Amex US",
            "time_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://flydulles.com/travel-information/services-amenities/airport-lounges/capital-one-lounge-iad",
            "title": "Capital One Lounge - IAD | flydulles.com",
            "favicon": "https://flydulles.com/themes/custom/mwaa_barrio/favicon.ico"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://my.prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/washington-dulles-international",
            "title": "Washington Dulles International Airport IAD Lounges - IAD Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass",
            "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://united.com/en/ca/fly/travel/airport/iad-map.html",
            "title": "Dulles International Airport Map | United Airlines",
            "favicon": "https://united.com/icons/icon-72x72.png"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q21": {
        "question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Washington to San José?",
        "answer": "Baggage rules on Washington–San José flights depend on the airline and fare type. Basic economy fares may not include a checked bag, while standard economy typically allows one checked bag and a carry‑on. Premium cabins offer more generous allowances."
      },
      "q22": {
        "question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Washington to San José?",
        "answer": "Washington to San José flights typically offer Economy and recliner-style Business class; flat‑bed Business and Premium Economy are rare on this route."
      },
      "q23": {
        "question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?",
        "answer": "Policies differ by carrier and fare type; flexible and premium-cabin tickets often allow same-day changes or standby, while Basic Economy typically does not."
      }
    }
  }
}