Alaska Airlines Slashes Costa Rica Fares Up to 20%

SEATTLE — If you've been scrolling through gray winter skies thinking a Costa Rica escape might be just what you need right now, Alaska Airlines has some good news. The carrier just rolled out a year-end fare sale that knocks between 10% and 20% off base fares on select routes connecting the U.S., Canada, and Costa Rica. The timing couldn't be better. With the holidays winding down and that January slump looming, booking a trip to warm beaches and misty rainforests sounds pretty appealing. And unlike some sales that make you squint at the fine print wondering if there's actually any value there, this one's straightforward: use promo code THANKYOU20 at checkout and watch the price drop.

How the Alaska Airlines Costa Rica Sale Works

Here's where it gets interesting. The discount isn't one-size-fits-all; it varies depending on which days you fly. Heading south to Costa Rica from North America? You'll snag the full 20% off if you depart on Sundays through Wednesdays, according to Airlines. That's solid if you've got flexibility or can swing a mid-week departure. Coming back home is where the schedule shifts a bit. Flights returning to the U.S. or Canada qualify for the full 20% discount on Tuesdays through Fridays. Fly on other days and the sale drops to 10% off. Still a discount, but not quite as generous. Is it a hassle to plan around specific travel days? Maybe. But if you're not locked into rigid dates, the savings could be worth shuffling your schedule a bit. After all, who doesn't appreciate a little extra cash left over for zip-lining or a few extra casados?

What You Need to Know Before Booking

The promo code itself is pretty memorable: THANKYOU20. Simple enough that you won't have to dig through your inbox five times trying to find it. You'll need to enter it when booking to unlock the discount, so don't skip that step or you'll be kicking yourself later. One thing to keep in mind: this is a discount on base fares, not the total ticket price. Taxes, fees, and any extras you tack on won't be included in the percentage off. That's standard for most airline sales, but it's worth noting so you're not surprised when the final number pops up. Alaska Airlines has been expanding its presence in Central America over the past few years, and Costa Rica has become one of those reliably popular routes. Whether you're chasing surf breaks on the Pacific coast, spotting sloths in Manuel Antonio, or just want to unplug somewhere warm, it's a destination that checks a lot of boxes without requiring a 12-hour flight.

Why This Sale Matters Now

January and February aren't exactly peak travel season for everyone, but they're prime time for escaping winter. Kids are back in school, the holiday rush has settled, and flights tend to be less packed. If you can travel during the week, even better. This sale also arrives at a moment when people are mapping out their first trips of the new year. Maybe you burned through your vacation days over the holidays, or maybe you're trying to be smart about budgeting after all that gift buying. Either way, a 20% discount on select routes gives you a little breathing room. Alaska's Costa Rica network includes service from several West Coast gateways, which makes it convenient if you're starting from Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. And if you're sitting on Alaska Mileage Plan miles or credit card points, this could be a good opportunity to stretch them further with a discounted cash fare.

Should You Jump on This Deal?

That depends on your timeline and flexibility. If you've already been eyeing a Costa Rica trip and can work around the specific travel days, this is a solid excuse to pull the trigger. The discount isn't earth-shattering, but it's real, and it applies to routes that don't always go on sale. On the other hand, if you're stuck traveling on weekends or can't make those mid-week windows work, the 10% off might not feel like enough to change your plans. It's worth running the numbers and comparing to what you'd pay without the promo code. One more thing: sales like this don't usually stick around forever. While Alaska hasn't plastered an expiration date all over this one, year-end promotions tend to be just that — tied to a specific window. If you're interested, it's probably smart to book sooner rather than later. Costa Rica's not going anywhere, but a decent fare sale? That's a little more fleeting.