Cheap Flights to Puntarenas from CA $225

Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) is the only airport in Puntarenas.

SJO is the main airport in Puntarenas. Before you step on the plane, it's a wise idea to find out a thing or two about it. It sits about 72 kilometres from the centre of town.

There are 28 air carriers that jet into Puntarenas from 47 airports around the world.

Copa Airlines and Avianca are some of the most well-known airlines that offer flights to Puntarenas. Travellers often use Panama City to set off from with Copa Airlines operating the most flights on this route.

With approximately 761 nonstop flights running every week, you'll be hitting the tarmac in Puntarenas before you can ask, "Are we there yet?"

A large number of flights to Puntarenas leave from Guatemala City, San Salvador and Orlando airports.

If it's Guatemala City you're leaving behind, you'll be midair for around 1 hour and 34 minutes before you touchdown in Puntarenas. Airport to airport from San Salvador typically takes 1 hour and 13 minutes and from Orlando, 3 hours and 18 minutes.

We've all come across those fortunate travellers who somehow manage to nab wonderfully cheap fares wherever they go. Want to know how to do it for your Puntarenas vacation? Don't wait until the very last minute to secure your flight. Don't stop there, though. Do some research and see if there is more than one airport at your destination. Prices often differ depending on the airport you jet into. Be sure to compare prices across airlines too. Lastly, be ready to book quickly if you stumble on a great deal. It might not be available for too long. With a bit of knowledge and a little good fortune, the perfect airfare will be yours.

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're prepared. Take a peek at these handy tips that will help get your Puntarenas vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, official ID, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a tablet crammed with your favourite shows are always good options. If you plan to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll hop off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before your flight will help make your trip to Puntarenas a piece of cake. We've compiled some top tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.