Hurricane Harvey recently impacted outgoing and incoming United Airlines flights at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in Costa Rica. United only flies to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) from Costa Rica and all IAH flights were cancelled for days starting on Saturday, August 26, 2017.
We opted to book hotel rooms at Holiday Inn Express – SJO Airport during our unexpected delay because the hotel offers complimentary shuttle service between the airport and hotel 24 hours a day and the hotel is conveniently located less than a mile away. As more flight cancellation updates came in, we wanted the ability to get to the airport quickly to talk to United Airlines staff in person instead of using their toll-free number. Call wait times on Saturday were already 45 minutes to an hour due to the number of flight cancellations in United’s network.
If your flight is only delayed by a few hours and doesn’t require an overnight stay, there is a café located on Level 2 at SJO Airport. Airline check-in counters are on Level 3. Deli Malinche is open from 7 am – 6 pm and is accessible by taking the elevator down a level. In addition to indoor seating, patrons have access to several tables outside on the sidewalk.
There is also a café one floor above the check-in counters that’s visible from the main hallway and accessible by an escalator.
Another option during a delay is to get a day pass at Holiday Inn Express – SJO Airport. For $40 USD + tax, you have access to the following services for three hours between 7 am and 5 pm. Each additional hour is $10 USD + tax. The hotel’s complimentary shuttle picks up guests on Level 2 on the sidewalk near the parking garage.
Holiday Inn Express – SJO Airport Day Pass Benefits
- Express Start Breakfast (available from 6 am – 10 am)
- Low cost international calls
- 24-hour airport transportation
- Wi-Fi internet connection
- Outdoor pool
- Discount at Airport Boulevard Restaurants
Are you thinking of a trip to Costa Rica? Contact one of our destination specialists for more insider tips and travel planning advice.