✈️ Flight Guide: Las Vegas (LAS) → San Jose (SJO)

March in Costa Rica is lively with outdoor festivals and sporting events that travelers arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) can enjoy. Popular March activities include regional surf competitions in Tamarindo, wildlife-watching seasons in Manuel Antonio, and occasional local fairs and cultural events in San José and Alajuela. Semana Santa (Holy Week) sometimes falls in March or April and can significantly increase local tourism — book accommodations and transportation early. For event-specific planning, check local town calendars and national park reservation requirements before travel.

March is one of the best months to fly from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) because it falls within Costa Rica’s dry season, offering predictable weather across the Central Valley and Pacific coast. To avoid crowds and higher fares around late March (possible Semana Santa/Easter), book early and consider mid-March weekdays for the best balance of price and availability. If you need peak-season beachfront weather without big crowds, aim for early March; if you prefer lower prices, try shoulder dates right after the first week of March.

Choosing a direct flight (if available seasonally) from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) can save several hours of travel time and reduce the stress of connections. However, direct options are limited for LAS–SJO and tend to be more expensive. Connecting flights via LAX, DFW, IAH or SFO typically offer more scheduling flexibility and lower fares in March, but add potential layover risk. If time is your top priority, look for the shortest one-stop itinerary with reliable connections; if cost is the priority, search multi-hub one-stop options and use flexible date search tools.

Major carriers servicing LAS–SJO itineraries in March typically include American Airlines (via DFW), Delta Air Lines (via ATL or DTW), United Airlines (via SFO or IAH), Alaska Airlines (via LAX), and Southwest (connections vary by routing). American and United often provide convenient single-connection itineraries with good timing for Central America connections; Alaska and Southwest may offer competitive pricing via West Coast hubs. Consider differences in checked baggage policies, seat selection fees and frequent flyer benefits: United/Star Alliance and American/Oneworld offer broad partner networks for domestic positioning, while Alaska’s Mileage Plan is beneficial for West Coast connections. Compare total trip cost (including baggage) and schedule reliability when choosing an airline for March travel.

Pack light breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, a light rain jacket for mountain areas, and sturdy footwear for hiking when traveling from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in March. March is dry and warm in most tourist areas, but highland regions like Monteverde and Arenal can be cooler in the mornings and evenings. Book national park tours and domestic transfers early as March demand rises; consider travel insurance that covers weather-related schedule changes and medical evacuation. Finally, carry local currency for small vendors, and download offline maps for rural areas outside San José.

Typical travel time from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in March ranges from approximately 7 to 11 hours total when flying one-stop, depending on the length of the layover. Nonstop flights are uncommon and often seasonal; common connecting airports include Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (IAH) and San Francisco (SFO). For March travel, airlines often schedule the most convenient connections early in the day to align with domestic feeder flights from Las Vegas and to maximize daylight arrival times in San José. When choosing flights, factor in immigration time at SJO and allow 2–3 hours for international check-in at LAS.

To find cheap flights from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in March, start by searching flexible dates and booking 6–12 weeks in advance. Consider flying mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and use nearby major hubs such as Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) as alternative departure points to expand low-cost options. One-stop itineraries via LAX, DFW or IAH often offer the best fares; set fare alerts and compare multiple carriers (American, Delta, United, Alaska, Southwest) to capture limited-time sales. If flexibility is key, check multi-airport searches from LAS to SJO and sign up for airline newsletters for March-specific promotions. Book early and lock in refundable or flexible fares if your dates are uncertain.