man-arrives-at-gate-on-time

SJO Flight Arrivals San Jose Santamaria Airport

Explore Today's Deals

Anthony Bruno
iFly.comSJOSan Jose Santamaria Airport

Flight Arrivals To San Jose Santamaria Airport (SJO)

Welcome to San Jose Santamaria Airport, the main international gateway to Costa Rica. With over 200 daily arriving flights from various destinations around the world, the airport serves millions of passengers annually. Whether you are arriving for business or pleasure, our airport provides efficient and convenient arrival procedures to ensure a smooth transition from the plane to your final destination. In this article, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about arrival terminals, procedures, statistics, baggage claim areas, and checking arrival status.

Arrival Terminals

SJO has one main terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights. The terminal is divided into two concourses, North and South, with domestic flights typically arriving and departing from the North concourse and international flights from the South concourse. However, some airlines may operate from different gates, so it is important to check your boarding pass or with your airline for the correct gate number.

Daily Arriving Flights

The airport receives a significant number of daily arriving flights from various destinations around the world. On average, there are around 200 daily arriving flights, with approximately 5 million passengers disembarking yearly. The busiest routes are from North America, Central America, and South America.

Arrival Procedures for Passengers

For domestic flight arrivals, passengers will need to follow signs to baggage claim and ground transportation. For international flight arrivals, passengers will need to go through immigration and customs procedures. After clearing immigration, passengers will collect their luggage and proceed to customs. It is important to have all necessary documents, such as a passport and visa, ready for inspection. Once cleared, passengers can proceed to the airport exit to meet their ground transportation or continue on to connecting flights. It is recommended to allow ample time for flight arrival procedures, especially for international flights.

Flight Arrival Statistics

San Jose Airport receives a significant number of flights and passengers annually. On average, the airport handles over 300 daily flights and more than 5 million passenger arrivals every year. However, delayed arrivals are not uncommon, especially during peak travel seasons. It is advisable to check the flight status before heading to the airport to avoid any inconvenience.

Baggage Claim Areas

SJO Airport has several baggage claim areas located in the main terminal building. The airport provides luggage carts for passengers to use free of charge. These carts are available in the baggage claim areas and are easy to locate. Additionally, the airport has a lost and found section where passengers can report any missing baggage or items.

Checking Arrival Status

Passengers and those waiting for arriving passengers can easily check the status of an arriving flight at the airport. The airport has a website that provides real-time flight information. Passengers can also sign up for flight status alerts via email or text message. For those waiting for passengers, the airport has a designated waiting area where they can monitor the flight status and receive updates on any changes in arrival time.

We hope you find this information useful for your arrival at SJO. It is always a good idea to check directly with your airline for arriving flight information, or at the airport information desk for the most current information. Safe travels!

Last updated:

Tips, Help & Resources

The following is a list of tips to assist you during your air journey arriving to San Jose Santamaria airport:

  • Waiting to pick up a passenger? It is helpful to be able to track the flight to see where it is, when it will arrive, and the terminal (and gate) it's arriving at.
  • Planning a trip to the airport and confused about all the available parking options and costs? View locations and fees for all SJO on-airport and off-airport parking.
  • Remember that a great low-cost alternative to driving and parking or taking a taxi is to use an airport shuttle service. You can find a list of shuttle providers here that service the greater area.
  • Coming out of baggage claim with lots of checked luggage? The airport's got your back (and saving it). Baggage carts are located in SJO’s baggage claim close to where the luggage carousels are located.
  • Early flight? Consider using one of the nearby hotels to San Jose Santamaria airport. Depending on the hotel you select, you might even park there for free for the duration of your trip!
  • Want to know your options to get to a local destination from the airport? Check out your public transportation options, which include buses, trains, taxis, shuttles, El Coco - Alajuela Province rental cars, and shared rides.

San Jose Santamaria Arrivals FAQ

The airport operates 24/7, including its arrival services. If your flight arrives late at night, follow the standard arrival procedures. Ground transportation options like taxis and ride-sharing services are also available around the clock to take you to your final destination.
Yes, the airport is equipped with facilities to assist passengers with disabilities. These include wheelchair services, accessible restrooms, and dedicated assistance throughout the arrival process. It is recommended to inform your airline in advance about any specific needs you may have.
Currency exchange services are available in the main terminal building. These services are accessible during regular airport hours, providing passengers with the convenience of exchanging their currency upon arrival.
If you discover that your baggage is lost or damaged, immediately report it to the airport's lost and found section located in the baggage claim area. Provide detailed information about your baggage and flight details to assist in the recovery process.
While all passengers must go through the standard immigration and customs procedures, some airlines offer fast-track services for their premium or frequent flyer passengers. Check with your airline if such services are available for your flight.
For passengers with connecting flights, the airport offers clear signage and information desks to assist in navigating to your next gate. There are also lounges available for passengers looking for a place to rest between flights.
The airport offers various transportation options to the city center, including taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation. Additionally, many hotels provide shuttle services, so it's advisable to check with your accommodation prior to arrival.

Find more help here for your journey through the airport