People assume a private plane must cost far more than a scheduled domestic ticket. With the right model, it doesn’t. Here is a clear, honest comparison between AeroRide and Sansa or other scheduled airlines in Costa Rica — how the pricing differs, and when each makes sense.
Two different models
Sansa sells individual seats on fixed schedules between popular airports. AeroRide charters the entire aircraft — usually a Cessna Caravan seating five to twelve — for a fixed route price, and you decide who fills the seats and when you leave.
You charter the whole aircraft, then split it
Divide the aircraft price across your group and the per-seat figure lands close to a scheduled fare — about $143 a seat to Quepos — and sometimes below it. The more of the plane you fill, the better the value. See the numbers in how much charter costs.
What charter gives you that scheduled flights don’t
- Your own departure time, not a fixed timetable.
- Direct routes to airstrips airlines don’t serve, like remote Osa strips.
- A private terminal at Tobías Bolaños — arrive minutes before takeoff.
- Flexibility to change plans with your group, and to carry boards or gear.
Where scheduled still makes sense
Travelling solo or as a couple on a popular, well-served route with a convenient departure time? A scheduled seat may be cheaper. Travelling as a group, on your own clock, with gear, or to a remote strip? Charter usually wins on both value and convenience.
A quick way to decide
- 1–2 travellers, flexible, popular route, tight budget: scheduled.
- 3+ travellers, fixed plans or remote destination: charter.
- Either way, both beat the long drive — compare in flying vs driving.
Request a flight to see your route priced out, or ask us on WhatsApp.
Planning Your Costa Rica Trip with Private Aviation
Costa Rica rewards travelers who combine multiple regions into a single seamless journey. Private charter flights make this practical: fly from SJO to the Caribbean coast, then to the Pacific, then to mountain lodges, all within a single trip without backtracking. Each destination becomes accessible without the highway fatigue. Plan your itinerary around experiences rather than road times, and let private aviation handle the logistics.