Cheap Flights to Playa Matapalo from CA $285

The majority of people prefer to fly into Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) when visiting the lively city of Playa Matapalo.

Flying to Playa Matapalo means hitting the runway at either SJO or XQP. The first is 80 kilometres away from the centre of the city. The second sits 23 kilometres away.

There are 28 airlines that jet into Playa Matapalo from 48 airports around the world.

Typically, travellers choose to fly with SANSA Regional, Costa Rica Green Airways and Costa Rica Green Airways when heading to Playa Matapalo. The largest number of these flights come from San José, with SANSA Regional operating this route the most frequently.

With 839 nonstop flights running every week, you'll be touching down in Playa Matapalo before you have time to say, "Are we there yet?"

Travellers often set off from San José, San Salvador and Guatemala City airports when flying to Playa Matapalo.

If you're flying to Playa Matapalo from San José, you’re looking at a flight duration of 30 minutes. Those taking off from San Salvador can expect to be travelling for 1 hour and 13 minutes. From Guatemala City it's approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes away.

If you want to have some extra spending money on your trip to Playa Matapalo, then listen up! As any experienced jet-setter will tell you, don't leave booking until the last minute. Prices are generally more expensive just prior to the departure date. Don't stop there, however. Do some research and find out if there are multiple airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on which airport you fly into. Be sure to compare fares across airlines as well. And finally, remember that the early bird catches the worm. Know what a typical airfare costs and have your credit card ready to reserve your seat as soon as you spot a bargain. The best deals don't last long.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your trip to Playa Matapalo could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. We've compiled some useful hints that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Playa Matapalo quick and painless. Read through our handy tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Can't travel without your favourite perfume? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.