Avianca marked more than 80 years of flying in Costa Rica with an October 1, 2026, announcement aimed squarely at U.S. travelers. The airline used the milestone to spell out its current nonstop service from the U.S. to San José: 11 weekly flights from Miami and Washington Dulles. There are no new routes in the announcement, but if you hold LifeMiles or bank points that transfer to LifeMiles, it’s a useful look at what you can actually book to Costa Rica this winter.
What Avianca announced
According to Avianca’s release (as of October 2026):
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Miami (MIA) to San José (SJO) | 7 weekly nonstop flights |
| Washington Dulles (IAD) to San José (SJO) | 4 weekly nonstop flights |
| Total U.S. nonstops to San José | 11 weekly |
| Weekly flights from San José, all routes | Nearly 90 |
| Other nonstops from San José named in the release | San Salvador, Bogotá, Medellín, Guatemala City and Mexico City |
| 2025 volume to and from Costa Rica | More than 2.1 million seats and about 11,000 flights |
One small inconsistency: a highlight in the release mentions “eight routes” from San José, while the body lists seven destinations. We’ve used the destinations the release actually names.
The release also points out that Avianca’s Business Class Americas cabin earns LifeMiles, and that LifeMiles has operated in Costa Rica for more than 30 years. Costa Rican members can choose from 10 co-branded Avianca LifeMiles credit cards offered through three local banks. Those cards are for Costa Rica residents, not U.S. travelers.
Who this affects
If you live near Miami or Washington, D.C., you can fly Avianca nonstop to San José. Travelers in the Midwest and elsewhere will need to connect, usually through Miami, Washington or Avianca’s Bogotá hub. A Bogotá routing is much longer, so check the total travel time before you book a connection that looks cheap.
Costa Rican press coverage of the anniversary mentioned more plans, including a San José–Bogotá–Buenos Aires service and a request to fly from San José to Venezuela. Those were described as works in progress with no launch dates, so we’re not treating them as confirmed.
What it means for LifeMiles and points
- Avianca’s own flights are the steadier LifeMiles option. LifeMiles raised Star Alliance partner award prices again in spring 2026. Coverage at the time from AwardWallet and Upgraded Points said Avianca-operated flights within the Americas didn’t see the same across-the-board increases. LifeMiles prices are dynamic, though, so check the price for your dates before you move any points.
- Partner options exist too. United, a Star Alliance partner, also flies to San José, and LifeMiles can be used on many Star Alliance flights. Partner pricing has been rising, so compare it with the Avianca nonstops.
- Bank points can top you up. LifeMiles is listed as a 1:1 transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards. Citi ThankYou has a 25% LifeMiles transfer bonus running through October 24. If you prefer to buy miles, our post on the LifeMiles 145% bonus sale (ends October 20) runs the numbers.
- Status matters on Avianca flights. If you hold Star Alliance Gold through any member airline, see our guide to Star Alliance Gold benefits on Avianca.
Practical tips
- Search before you transfer. Find an award seat on lifemiles.com first and only then move points. Bank transfers usually can’t be reversed.
- Check which days Dulles flies. Dulles has four weekly flights, not a daily service, so look at the schedule before you lock in hotel dates.
- Know your airport. These flights go to San José (SJO), not Liberia (LIR) in the northwest, which is the closer gateway for Guanacaste beaches. Plan your ground transfer to match.
- Compare cash fares too. Peak holiday weeks can make cash fares high and award space scarce. Off-peak dates often give your miles more value.
Building LifeMiles with transferable points? American Express Membership Rewards lists Avianca LifeMiles as a transfer partner. You can compare current offers and apply with our American Express referral link.
Disclosure: This is our personal American Express referral link. If you’re approved through it, we may earn referral rewards, at no extra cost to you. You can always apply directly on American Express’s website. See our Advertising & Referral Disclosure.
Our take
This is more of an anniversary update than breaking news. Avianca didn’t add a route or a new deal. Still, it’s a clear, official snapshot of what Avianca flies to Costa Rica heading into the winter high season, and it reminds LifeMiles members that Avianca’s own flights are often where the program still prices well. The downsides: there are only two U.S. gateways, Dulles isn’t daily, and LifeMiles has a history of changing award prices without notice. If you’re not based in Miami or Washington, a U.S. airline connection may be simpler. If you can get to one of those airports, the Avianca nonstop is worth pricing in LifeMiles.
Sources
- Avianca press release via PR Newswire (October 1, 2026)
- Diario Extra (Costa Rica): Avianca celebrates 80 years
- AwardWallet: LifeMiles 2026 award price increase
- Upgraded Points: LifeMiles devaluation 2026
- Award Travel Finder: Amex Membership Rewards transfer partners
Programs, prices and terms change often; confirm details with the airline or rental company before you book. Points Capital is not a financial advisor.
