Deal of the day: Business class to Costa Rica throughout 2026 for 20,000 miles

As we prepare for the transition to winter, temperatures are dropping across much of the U.S. If the frigid weather has you daydreaming about a warm-weather getaway, you won't want to miss this deal.

Currently, there's excellent business-class availability flying on American Airlines to Costa Rica throughout the winter and spring of 2026 from several major U.S. airports. Instead of looking out of your window at a cold gray sky, you could be peering out of an airplane window while you relax in a comfortable seat and dine on a delicious meal, all while en route to Costa Rica.

Read on to learn what routes are available and how to book this deal.

Note that prices and availability were accurate at the time of writing.

Related: Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage

TPG's deal of the day basics

Airline: American Airlines
Routes: From New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Denver International Airport (DEN), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Miami International Airport (MIA) to Liberia, Costa Rica's Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)
Best way to book: American Airlines AAdvantage
Price: From 20,000 AAdvantage miles plus $24 in taxes and fees
Retail price: From around $500
Travel dates: Several winter and spring dates through May 2026

How to find and book TPG's deal of the day

Since this deal is only available on select dates, the Seats.aero tool is a huge time-saver when it comes to quickly finding award availability.

If you have a stash of AAdvantage miles, you can book this fare outright, but you also have the option to transfer Citi ThankYou Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. Since transfers are irreversible, be sure to confirm award availability before you transfer your hard-earned rewards.

Based on TPG's December 2025 valuations, we value AAdvantage miles at 1.65 cents each. If you snag this deal at the lowest price of 20,000 miles, the miles needed for this trip are worth $310 (plus $24 in fees). Compared to the cash price of $500, that is a great value.

If you'd rather save your miles and fly economy, we found economy seats for as low as 8,000 Advantage miles each way.

Related: 8 years later, this American Airlines card is still a staple of my wallet (and elite status goals)

How to earn the points and miles required for TPG's deal of the day

It's easy to earn AAdvantage miles, as the program partners with Citi Thank You Rewards. You can transfer points and miles from this program to AAdvantage at a 1:1 ratio. All of the offers mentioned below are high enough to cover your round-trip airfare to Costa Rica using this deal.

Here are some of the best welcome offers available right now to earn AAdvantage miles or Citi ThankYou Rewards points:

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® (see rates and fees): For a limited time, earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.
• Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees): For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first five months from account opening.
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees): Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $7,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $2,500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees): For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Earn 90,000 AAdvantage miles with this offer on Citi's new American Airlines card

Bottom line

It's hard to resist booking a Central America getaway to Costa Rica at these prices. With such widespread availability from several major airports, you can embrace the "pura vida" lifestyle for a lower out-of-pocket cost than you might think.

Continue planning your trip to Costa Rica:

• The 13 best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica for beach visits or hiking trips
• First look: Cliffside pools, ocean vistas and top-notch cuisine define the brand-new Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique
• This ultraexclusive lodge in the Costa Rican rainforest offers waterfall hikes and gourmet dining — and you can book it using points
• Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo review: Hillside sanctuary with plenty of activities
• Beach vibes and luxury digs at the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica