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Cheap Flights from John F Kennedy Intl to Costa Rica

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 5 days
Sort by: Cheapest
Liberia
5h 20mNonstop
from $358per person
San José
5h 23mNonstop
from $395per person
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

Are flights from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica cheaper or more expensive than last year?

Fares from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica are running about 5% higher than they were around this time last year, averaging $494 round-trip.

What are the cheapest fares from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica right now?

The cheapest fares from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica on KAYAK in the last week were to Liberia (LIR) from $358 round-trip, and to San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) from $395 round-trip.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

January is the cheapest time of year to fly, with average fares of $408. Prices are highest in August, when average flight costs increase to around $640.

When is the best time to book flights from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

Book your flights 9 weeks before your trip. KAYAK data collected over the past 12 months shows that booking in this window can save you around 13% compared to booking last-minute (within 2 weeks of departure).

Which airport in Costa Rica is the cheapest to fly to from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport?

Based on KAYAK data from the past 12 months, the cheapest airports to fly into Costa Rica are:

• San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) from $496
• Liberia (LIR) from $535
• Tamarindo (TNO) from $731

What’s the cheapest day to fly from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

Tuesday tends to be the cheapest day to fly from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica, while Saturday is the most expensive. Fares run about 14% higher that day, based on the past 12 months of KAYAK data.

What's the cheapest time of day to fly from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

Data from the past 12 months shows it's cheapest to fly to Costa Rica during the evening with average prices of $439. The morning is the most expensive time to fly, with average prices of $543.

Key details for New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica flights

Low season

October

Cheapest flight

$118
Beat the crowds with an average 77% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 16% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Liberia

Your New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking tips.

  • Is now a good time to book a flight from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    Yes. Fares from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica are low right now. As a rule of thumb, a round-trip under $383 (cheaper than most fares this year) is a good deal, so if you spot one at or below that, it's a good time to book.

  • How much should I budget for a flight from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    Over the past 12 months, round-trip fares from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica have ranged from $383 to $692.

  • What are the main airports serving Costa Rica?

    Costa Rica has 3 airports. The three busiest are San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) (67% of arrivals), Liberia (LIR) (33%) and Tamarindo (TNO) (0%).

  • What airlines fly nonstop from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    Based on the flight schedule for the next 3 months, 3 airlines offer nonstop flights on this route:

    • JetBlue
    • American Airlines
    • Delta

  • Where in Costa Rica can I fly nonstop from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport?

    Based on the flight schedule for the next 3 months, you can fly nonstop from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to two destinations: San José and Liberia.

  • Is it cheaper to fly with a layover from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    Yes. Nonstop flights from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica average $531 over the past 12 months, but flights with a layover can cost less. The most affordable connecting airports are:

    • Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) from $306
    • Guatemala City La Aurora (GUA) from $462
    • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) from $476

  • How long is a flight from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    Nonstop flights take 5h 31m on average. The fastest scheduled flight takes 5h 20m, from New York John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) to Liberia (LIR).

  • How often are flights from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica delayed and what's the average delay?

    22% of flights on this route are delayed by at least 15 minutes. The average delay is 2h 48m.

  • Which cabin classes are available on flights from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    On flights from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica you can book Economy Class, Premium Economy Class, Business Class or First Class.

  • What are some popular landmarks in Costa Rica?

    KAYAK travelers' favorite landmarks in Costa Rica include:

    • Parque Metropolitano La Sabana
    • Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica
    • Museo de Oro
    • Morazan Park

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica?

    The earliest nonstop flight from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica departs at 6:59 am and the latest departs at 11:58 am. Nonstop flights take about 5h 31m.

  • Should I get a visa before I fly from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Costa Rica?

    As a U.S. citizen traveling for vacation to Costa Rica, obtaining a visa for stays up to 180 days is not required. Ensure your passport remains valid throughout your visit, and carry a return ticket or proof of onward travel. Additionally, be prepared to demonstrate financial capability, with a requirement of at least $100 per month for the duration of your stay.

  • What are some things to know about car seat laws for children before I depart from the airport of my arrival in Costa Rica?

    Children up to 12 months old must travel in a car seat facing the rear, and then up to four years old must travel in a car seat facing forward. Children up to six years old must travel in a booster seat, and children up to 12 must travel on a booster cushion. This final requirement may be waived when children weigh over 80 lbs. or are more than 57 inches. Because of these rather detailed laws, you will often find it is easy to rent a car seat upon your arrival, especially in major cities and at large international airports.

  • What are some ticket tiers available for JetBlue?

    JetBlue offers a range of amenities across its fare classes. In Blue Basic, passengers enjoy standard services, while Blue provides additional flexibility. Blue Plus offers extra legroom, and Blue Extra provides expedited security and boarding. The Mint class delivers a premium experience with lie-flat seats and gourmet dining. These varied fare classes cater to diverse passenger preferences and travel needs.

  • What are some benefits of upgrading to first class on Avianca?

    Upgrading to first class on Avianca provides an elevated travel experience. Passengers enjoy spacious seating, gourmet dining, and personalized service. Exclusive perks like priority check-in, lounge access, and enhanced in-flight amenities enhance the journey, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable travel encounter for passengers.

Your guide to booking New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If you can plan ahead, the sweet spot for booking your flight is 9 weeks before your trip. KAYAK data shows fares in this window are around 13% lower than last-minute bookings (made within 2 weeks of departure). Not ready to commit? Set a Price Alert and we'll let you know when prices change.
  • If your travel dates are flexible, book your trip for January when flights are typically cheapest and avoid August when prices are at their highest.
  • Flying on Tuesday is usually the cheapest. Flights on Saturday cost about 14% more on average, so being flexible with your travel dates could help you save.
  • If you're looking to save, San José Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO) is the cheapest airport to fly into from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport. If you have onward travel, don't forget to factor in the cost of your journey by train, bus or domestic flight.
  • Start your trip in San José, which is the most popular destination in Costa Rica. From there, it's easy to continue on to other popular destinations such as La Fortuna, Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio.
  • If you want the shortest trip, choose the New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to Costa Rica nonstop route. If you'd rather save money, the route via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) is usually the cheapest.
  • One of the largest airport destinations in Costa Rica is Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR). To travel here from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), direct flights are available aboard JetBlue.
  • When your final destination in Costa Rica is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), you can travel there from John F. Kennedy International Airport aboard nonstop flights offered by Avianca and JetBlue.
  • Travelers making their way to Costa Rica from John F. Kennedy International Airport aboard JetBlue can relax and unwind as they wait for their flight on the JetBlue Rooftop Terrace, which can be found in Terminal 5.
  • If you would like to fly to Golfito Airport (GLF), one option from John F. Kennedy International Airport is to take a two-stop flight that utilizes Avianca and SANSA and has layovers at San Salvador El Salvador Intl (SAL) and Juan Santamaria International Airport.
  • Puerto Jimenez Airport (PJM) is a popular destination in Costa Rica. One of the best ways to get here from John F. Kennedy International Airport is to travel on a two-stop flight utilizing Avianca and SANSA, which has layovers at Guatemala City La Aurora (GUA) and Juan Santamaria International Airport.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from John F Kennedy Intl to Costa Rica

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from John F Kennedy Intl to Costa Rica? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.8
DeltaOverall score based on 8634 reviews
8.5Crew
7.2Food
7.8Comfort
8.1Boarding
7.8Entertainment
Airline reviews

great! appreciated the last minute upgrade to Comfort+ exit row, as well

10.0 ExcellentTeresa, Sep 2026
Read more Delta reviews

great! appreciated the last minute upgrade to Comfort+ exit row, as well

The crew were very respectful. And also they were welcoming.they did help us locate our seats.i enjoyed.

The wait in the tunnel to enter the plane was too long. The counter personnel, specially ''Israel'' was really not welcoming considering Delta Standards. Other than this everything was good overall.

Delta exceeded my expectations! I am beyond satisfied. Thank you!

Everything was very good or excellent, but the seats were extremely uncomfortable and painful.

We were delayed 2 hours because of a broken seat. Other than that it was a very nice flight.

an he late. super rude gate agent, to every person. spoke down at people.

One of the restrooms didn’t work. The ones that did never got replenished. Flight attendant just sitting there on their phone. No notification that the bathroom was broken so long lines. Apathetic crew.

Both of my flights to and from JFK experienced significant delays. Most notably, my first flight was delayed by six hours due to crew members being affected by delays on a previous flight. While I understand that disruptions can occur, Delta’s staffing and operational planning should include sufficient contingency measures to handle situations like this rather than placing the full burden of those delays on customers. Additionally, the $12 meal voucher offered as compensation was inadequate, particularly given the high cost of food and beverages at the airport. Considering the length of the delay and the substantial inconvenience caused, I believe more meaningful compensation would have been appropriate.

We were skipped when the snack cart passed and then the attendant said we weren’t . I am disabled and was in a row toward the back of the plane which was very difficult for me to navigate. Disabled people should not be forced to walk the plank.

It is not a good experience with Copa Airlines: flight delay, luggage delay, etc.

We where skipped for this flight will not head to Panama until tonight..

There should be a warning regarding the quality of the aircraft on the website as we reserve the tickets. There was no TV or any type of screen onboard. The wifi they offer is good for nothing. Traveling 9 hours straight with kids and no type of entetainment was horrible. I wish I had been informed prior so I could buy a ticket with another airline. The food was a joke too. A very tiny portion per passenger. They also charged $100 per checked bag. With United I used to pay $60. So, fair to say that I wont be flying Copa anymore. Their aircraft was super old, outdated, no entertainment, with nearly no onboard food.

Very strict carry on rules meant most of the plane had to gate check their luggage. As is often the case had things that were broken because of this, but I appreciated not being charged to gate check. Otherwise good flight and great crew once on the plane

Boarding was quick & efficient; they gave boarding groups due priority; staff & air crew were very cordial and helpful, pleasant flight.

At JFK the Security line was extremely long and few checkpoints open.

Check in person said there would be lunch. We were first class passengers and lunch was chips.

It was first time fling in copa airline. In general I am satisfied except bag size. I got a email from copa with 17-10-6 for carry on bag. In airport the check in show 22-14-10 . However that mistake means $100,00 in over cost.

The flight was 6 hours delayed due to equipment problems, I had to spend my night in the airport terminal in tight quarters. A bag of chips was all they offered, Then I missed my connecting flight and waited another 2 hours. All in all that trip took me almost one day.

Copa definitely offers better service and price than other airlines.

The plane was filthy and worn - the seat pockets were stuffed with tattered food and torn pamphlets. The cleaning crew that came on as we were deboarding were grabbing handfulls of trash and perfunctorily wiping down tables with dishrags. It's been a while since I flew Jetblue and it used to be a great experience. After this flight I will avoid flying Jetblue again if there is any alternative.

JFK is the worst airport and JetBlue is the worst airline

Very poor help no one answering a question regarding seating. Very rude staff. They don’t care, as if it’s not part of their job. Flight was delayed for no good reason and no apologies given.

A more comfortable seat. Padding would be really helpful but I've read the airlines don't want customers to be satisfied with economy seats.

When I booked, I included my checked luggage and when the bill was sent there was no record of this. Its was costly since I am from Trinidad amd Tobago. Exchange rate over seven dollars to one US dollar.

Everything was good except checking bags . I had paid for two bags but it didn’t show so we had to do it again while people waited and we were struggling to get to our flight

Plane was delayed multiple times. I would like to request a refund. Was due to arrive Thursday evening ended up arriving Friday morning.

see my previous response about being kicked off the flight and having to fly the next day, ruining a planned vacation tour.

The flight departed more than 1 hour late. Leg room is bigger than most airlines

I booked this flight using JetBlue points and I was just so happy. The plane was so clean, I had every need met. Thank you!!

Our trip to Spain turned into a stressful ordeal with cockpit issues and FAA air traffic disruptions. Our American Airlines flight from Raleigh to JFK was delayed nearly four hours, causing us to miss our connections to Madrid and Jerez. We were left stranded in New York with children, even running out of diapers while trying to sort everything out. American refused to cover hotels or rental cars, leaving us to arrange and pay for them ourselves. The delays also disrupted our prepaid rental car reservations in Spain. It was a frustrating and expensive start to a family trip we had spent months planning.

Very cold on board it was like having 16hours sitting in a fridge

Old dirty plane but great lie flat seats in business class

A crew member's attitude towards a couple passengers who couldn't speak English was rude. Just because they didn't understand what the passenger said, they were not given any snack.

Great. Clean. Seats comfortable. Food was free. Had new release movies.

The boarding crew was very helpful with a little special problem I had. The inflight crew - so-so.

They kept us on the tarmac for 6 hours after already delaying our flight by 2 hours. No one had any answers. They sent our gate checked stroller to baggage claim instead of giving it back at the gate.

There was a big delay and I missed my connection flight

I don’t like the music section but I believe it was a cost decision. I changed my flight last minute due to work issues and had to sit way in the back. The seats were way closer together than I would have preferred.

Our particular exceptional experience was with Johnny at JFK at check in. He was the kindest, most accommodating agent I’ve ever encountered taking extra steps to help my husband and I with our extra baggage. I hope that he knows how much he positively affected our trip.

We booked seats next to each other. When we got the boarding passes, they were for different rows. The crew were reluctant to help us, so we ended up sitting separately. 1. What’s the point of reserving by seat number if you’re not going to honor that reservation? 2. Even if it gets messed up between reservation and boarding, how is the crew going to deny us the opportunity to arrange to sit together. There were plenty of people flying alone. It could’ve been easily accommodated. Not very customer-friendly at all.

The seats were the worst I have ever flown Too narrow, did not recline and the actual seat was hard as a rock. I will tell all travelers to stay away from Avianca flights.

It was delayed and I lost my connection flight to Cali and I missed my Mom's funeral

I actually upgraded to the medium level of seats from basic and even doing that it may have been physically the most uncomfortable flight I have ever had. They packed everyone like is a train to death camp. It was a red eye so I hoped to get some sleep but it was physically impossible to find a comfortable way to rest. I met other folks on the same flight and they said the same thing. It was an utterly miserable flight and if I have any other options I will never fly with them again

I like the crew they're very friendly. I don't like. on five hour flight they not offered snacks. Any drink. Not even coffee

Not even water is offered on the flight. You cannot lean back on the seats and the seats are so narrow you can’t avoid rubbing elbows with the person next to you.

I couldnt recline the seat. Other than that crew was very attentive and helpful. Thsnk you

The seats were uncomfortable and barely reclined at all. Very little leg room despite being business class. The crew was friendly and the food was good. Had to use my own phone for in-flight entertainment.

Boarding was excessively slow. They do it by groups in a way that it doesn’t make sense. After business class , ppl that need assistance and any other priority group they should have ppl board from the back to the front. First rows 20+. Then 15+. Then 10, etc. having ppl sitting in the back board last makes no sense. The libe backame long as soon as ppl on rows 10 or so where told to board. The line went all the way up the ramp and tunnel for 25 mins.

Lounge for business was closed. Boarding was rush and stand by. Seat for business is just the middle seat blocked and some more leg room.

More options for your flight from John F Kennedy Intl to Costa Rica

Complete your trip to Costa Rica with a hotel stay or car rental