The Liberia Airport in Cost Rica is a very small open-air airport with several national airlines and four international airlines including Continental, US Air, Delta and American Airlines.
Aiport Arrival Overview and Tips
Inbound at the Liberia Airport you depart the plane from a stairway rolled up to the plane and are sent to a large garage-looking room. Once your luggage comes off the carousel and you’ve gone through customs, it’s off to be bombarded by the local taxis and drivers.
TIP: If you are at all able, try to set up a transfer ahead of time, it will save you a great deal of stress and prevent an uncomfortable language barrier, if you do not speak Spanish.
TIP: Be patient.
Airport Departure Overview and Tips
At the Liberia Airport all international airlines open their ticket counters three hours ahead of time and close a firm one hour prior to departure.
There are two airport porter companies willing and able to help – the blue shirts and the yellow shirts.
TIP: If you are traveling for business or sending a group through and need a receipt, use the blue shirt group.
Prior to leaving Costa Rica you must purchase an airport tax. The cost is $26 dollars and airport security checks it to your passport while standing in the ticketing line.
TIP: If you are able to purchase the tax through your hotel, I would recommend it, because it’s one less line you’ll have to stand in on your departure day.
Once you have your ticket, there is one restaurant outside of security and one restaurant inside of security at the gate. In addition to the two restaurants, there is a small gift shop and a duty-free shop.
There is no air conditioning in the Liberia Airport, and only the Delta gate has a large fan to circulate the airflow.
You have to go through additional security screening; remove your liquids, creams and gels from your bag; security hand checks your luggage and gives you a full-body pat down.
TIP: Purchased water or any other liquid must be drunk prior to boarding.
Once through the additional security you are on your way to boarding the aircraft, through the tarmac and up the stairs.
TIP: The U.S. Government’s site for International Travel Tips is a good resource whenever you’re traveling to another country.
