{
  "response": {
    "Key": "IAH-SJO",
    "orig": {
      "code": "IAH",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "Houston",
      "fullCity": "Houston, Texas",
      "airport": "George Bush Intercontinental 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 (IAH) to San José, Costa Rica (SJO) is about 1,560 miles and typically takes 3 hours and 42 minutes nonstop. The return leg is slightly longer, at about 3 hours and 54 minutes, due to 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 Houston to San José?",
        "answer": "United Airlines flies nonstop from Houston (IAH) to San José (SJO), with up to 63 weekly flights operating daily. Departures are spread throughout the day from early morning (as early as 7:28 AM) through evening (as late as 7:57 PM), and the flight takes about 3 hours 42 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 citizens traveling from Houston to San José, no visa is required for a short tourist visit to Costa Rica. U.S. passport holders may stay visa-free for 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": "From Juan Santamaría International Airport, licensed taxis are readily available and generally accept both colones and U.S. dollars; the special airport taxi service uses orange taxis, while standard red taxis with yellow door triangles are ubiquitous across the country. A bus stop at the airport offers 24-hour service to downtown San José with departures roughly every 10 minutes during working hours, though schedules are not exact. There is no rail service to the airport, as the nearby line linking Alajuela with San José's Atlantic Station does not serve the terminal. Taxis are the most commonly used option for travelers seeking a direct, fast transfer, while the frequent bus is the most economical and widely used by locals.",
        "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 operate from Houston (IAH) to San José (SJO) — 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 Houston to San José?",
        "answer": "United Airlines operates non‑stop from Houston Intercontinental to San José, Costa Rica, with 63 weekly flights spread across the day. The typical median fare for United on this route is around $978.",
        "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 layovers include Miami, Panama City, San Salvador, and Mexico City. Miami offers numerous daily flights and broad connections. Panama City, San Salvador, and Mexico City provide efficient transfers with single-terminal operations and often visa‑free transit for US citizens, keeping total travel time competitive."
      },
      "q10": {
        "question": "Which months have the best weather for traveling to San José?",
        "answer": "December to April offers sunny skies and lower humidity, avoiding the rainy season crowds."
      },
      "q11": {
        "question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Houston to San José?",
        "answer": "Bring a U.S. passport valid for at least the duration of your stay, and proof of onward or return travel. A visa is not required for stays up to 180 days, but you may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from certain countries. Have a payment method ready for baggage fees."
      },
      "q12": {
        "question": "Which airport should I use in San José?",
        "answer": "San José has one main international airport, Juan Santamaría International Airport, which serves all commercial flights to the city."
      },
      "q13": {
        "question": "How do I get to George Bush Intercontinental Airport from the city center?",
        "answer": "From downtown Houston, the 500 IAH Downtown Direct bus is the most cost-effective public transit option, running every 30 minutes from the George R. Brown Convention Center area to Terminal E for about $4.50 one way, while the 102 Bush IAH Express also serves the airport from Terminal C. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, along with taxis, are available 24/7 at all terminals and are the fastest and most popular choice, though they cost more than the bus. Shared shuttles and hotel shuttles offer a middle ground, and driving yourself involves parking fees and a roughly 25–35 minute trip depending on traffic.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://fly2houston.com/iah/ground-transportation",
            "title": "Ground Transportation | Airport Taxi, Uber, Lyft, Shuttle & Rent Car Houston"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://fly2houston.com/iah/ground-transportation/shuttles-and-buses",
            "title": "IAH Airport Shuttle & Bus Service | Houston Ground Transportation",
            "time_published": "2026-05-02T07:23:56Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://fly2houston.com/iah/ground-transportation/metro-downtown-direct",
            "title": "Downtown Direct"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/",
            "title": "Houston Airport System",
            "time_published": "2026-04-02T20:31:01Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Bush_Intercontinental_Airport",
            "title": "George Bush Intercontinental Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2026-08-28T04:59:46Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q14": {
        "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at San José airport?",
        "answer": "San José Airport has no directly connected hotel, so sleeping options at the airport are limited. There are several hotels nearby that offer free airport 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 — all within about 0.7 miles. For an uninterrupted rest, these nearby hotels are the best option, as the terminal itself has no dedicated sleeping areas or rest zones.",
        "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 the terminal, with the service available in the Main Terminal (M) and Domestic Terminal (D). Currency exchange offices operate in both the arrivals and departures areas of the main terminal, typically near the baggage claim and check-in zones. A Catholic chapel is located on the second level of the main terminal, providing a quiet space for prayer and reflection.",
        "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": "At Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), travelers with disabilities have access to free wheelchair assistance arranged through their airline, TSA Cares screening support (which should be contacted at least 72 hours before travel), a Sunflower Lanyard program for hidden disabilities, a sensory room, accessible restrooms and parking, and Aira visual-interpreting services for blind and low-vision passengers; there are also mothers' rooms for nursing parents. At San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), wheelchair and mobility assistance services are available through the airlines, and travelers should request any needed assistance from their carrier at least 48 hours before the flight.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://fly2houston.com/iah/accessibility",
            "title": "IAH Accessibility Services | ADA Accessible Travel at Houston Airport"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://fly2houston.com/iah/related-content/accessibility-services-at-george-bush-intercontinental-airport",
            "title": "Accessibility Services at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Your Complete Guide to Accessible Travel at IAH"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://fly2houston.com/iah/accessibility/accessible-security-screening",
            "title": "IAH Accessible Security Screening | Assisted TSA Screening at George Bush Intercontinental Airport"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bush_Intercontinental_Airport",
            "title": "George Bush Intercontinental Airport - Wikipedia",
            "time_published": "2026-03-12T23:18:47Z"
          },
          {
            "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": "United Airlines flies the nonstop route from Houston to San José, Costa Rica, using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. These jets operate daily on 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": "United Airlines flies nonstop from Houston (IAH) to San José (SJO), so Star Alliance is the only alliance with nonstop service on this route. United is the Star Alliance member operating these flights; other alliances may offer connecting itineraries but no other carriers fly this route 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 Houston?",
        "answer": "When departing from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the best lounge options are the KLM Crown Lounge and the Air France Lounge, both located in Terminal D. The KLM Crown Lounge operates from 06:00 to 21:00, while the Air France Lounge is open from 11:00 to 19:00. The Air France Lounge offers air conditioning, complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks, disabled access, and is located opposite Gate D18B after security and passport control. Children under 2 are admitted free, and there is a maximum 3-hour stay.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://my.prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/george-bush-intercontinental",
            "title": "George Bush Intercontinental Airport - Houston IAH Lounges - IAH Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass",
            "favicon": "https://my.prioritypass.com/icon.png?icon.1k7202wk2zqql.png?dpl=1f82db4e-b1f8-481b-b911-c24ef915cc46"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/IAH",
            "title": "American Express Lounges at George Bush Intercontinental Airport | Amex US",
            "favicon": "https://www.americanexpress.com/apple-touch-icon-152x152.png"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/george-bush-intercontinental/iah7-air-france-lounge",
            "title": "Air France Lounge IAH AIRPORT Terminal D Houston TX George Bush Intercontinental | Priority Pass",
            "favicon": "https://prioritypass.com/icon.png?icon.1k7202wk2zqql.png?dpl=516920c0-0ba4-4888-ba2e-135e5e839cd3"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/george-bush-intercontinental",
            "title": "George Bush Intercontinental Airport - Houston IAH Lounges - IAH Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass",
            "favicon": "https://prioritypass.com/icon.png?a4ff481221414a5c",
            "time_published": "2026-06-30T08:24:25Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.aa.com/web/i18n/travelInformation/destinationInformation/iah-airport.html",
            "title": "Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, TX (IAH)",
            "favicon": "https://www.aa.com/content/images/chrome/rebrand/favicon.png"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q21": {
        "question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Houston to San José?",
        "answer": "On Houston–San José flights, allowance depends on the airline and fare. Basic economy often excludes checked bags, while standard economy typically permits one checked bag and a carry‑on. Premium cabins and loyalty status may increase allowances."
      },
      "q22": {
        "question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Houston to San José?",
        "answer": "Houston to San José flights typically offer Economy class, and on some routes flat-bed Business class is available; Premium Economy is uncommon."
      },
      "q23": {
        "question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?",
        "answer": "Policies differ by airline and fare; flexible and premium tickets often allow same‑day changes or standby, while Basic Economy usually does not."
      }
    }
  }
}