Private charter vs Sansa & scheduled airlines in Costa Rica

2026-06-09 · 4 min read

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.

Frequently asked questions

Is AeroRide cheaper than Sansa?

Per seat, often yes when you split the aircraft among a group — and you gain a private plane on your own schedule.

Can I charter just for two people?

Yes, though the per-person cost is higher. You still get privacy, flexibility and direct routing.

Does AeroRide fly the same destinations as Sansa?

It covers the main ones plus many remote airstrips the scheduled carriers don’t serve, across Costa Rica and Central America.