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United Resumes Winter Service From Washington, D.C. to San Jose, Costa Rica

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Daniel Ross
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Washington, D.C. is set to see the return of nonstop service to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) this coming winter.

Starting in November, Chicago-based United Airlines is bringing back its pre-pandemic service from the U.S. capital to the Central American paradise of Costa Rica.

Here’s all the information we have about the new route that’s perfect for those looking to escape the harsh East Coast winter.

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Fly From Washington, D.C. to San Jose Nonstop This Winter

United’s seasonal service from Washington-Dulles (IAD) to San Jose (SJO) will resume on November 5, 2022, initially operating just once a week on Saturdays.

From December 17, 2022, a second Sunday service will also operate until April 23, 2022, when the seasonal service will come to an end.

  • Depart Washington-Dulles (IAD) 9 a.m. — Arrive San Jose (SJO) 11:58 a.m.
  • Depart San Jose (SJO) 1:45 p.m. — Arrive Washington-Dulles (IAD) 8:18 p.m. 

Route map of United's flight from IAD to SJO
Route map of United’s new seasonal service from Washington (IAD) to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO). Image Credit: Great Circle Mapper

The flight times are far better than those offered by Avianca — the only other airline operating the route between the 2 capital cities. Avianca’s flights depart in the early hours of the morning from D.C. and land at Dulles on the return leg just before midnight.

United’s 737-800 aircraft will operate this route. You’ll find 16 seats in first class with 4 rows in a 2-2 configuration.

In economy, there are 150 regular seats with slight variations in the split between the number of seats in Economy Plus and regular economy.

The cheapest round-trip economy fares we’re seeing are in March, from $481. If you’d prefer to fly up front, the cheapest round-trip business class fare we’re seeing is $1,928.

Alternatively, of course, you could use United MileagePlus miles. In which case you’d be looking at about 34,000 one-way in economy and 63,000 one-way in first, plus $22.46 in taxes.

Hot Tip: If you want to start using United miles for your flights instead of hard-earned cash, then look no further than our guide on the best ways to earn lots of United MileagePlus miles

Final Thoughts

United’s resuming its nonstop, seasonal service between Washington, D.C. (IAD) and San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) this winter.

This is a great addition to United’s route network from Dulles and gives residents in the area another option for escaping the winter cold in the Costa Rican sunshine.

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About Daniel Ross

Daniel has loved aviation and travel his entire life. He earned a Master of Science in Air Transport Management and has written about travel and aviation in publications like Simple Flying, The Points Guy, and more.

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