SkyTeam member KLM and its partner Air France have issued a discounted premium economy class fare to Costa Rica and Panama, starting at €808. Sadly, this is a premium economy light fare, that does not include checked bags. If you do not have a SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus status, you have to pay €150 more to select Premium Standard fare, including 2×23 kg checked bags. Departures are available from March through June, and from August through November.
Vietnam Airlines currently offers a status match to SkyTeam Elite (which grants you free hold luggage), that is actually cheaper than purchasing checked bags for these flights. You can also match to FlyingBlue directly.
To Panama City:
- Bologna at €808
- Milan at €808
- Turin at €808
- Venice at €813
- Rome at €823
- Vienna at €855
- Athens at €914
- Sofia at €919
To Costa Rica:
- Athens at €863
From Athens is also possible to book one way tickets to Costa Rica for just €493 between April to June.
Our availability calendar highlights all possible flight dates at the lowest price for trips up to 28 days. It will forward you to KLM with your selected flight dates.
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First, you will take a feeder flight to either Paris or Amsterdam to connect with your premium economy flight to Central America. If you fly with KLM, you will travel on their Boeing 777, which has a 2-4-2 configuration (compared to the 3-4-3 in economy). If you fly with Air France, you will fly on their Airbus A350, also with a 2-4-2 configuration in premium economy. From personal experience, we recommend flying KLM, if possible.
Air France has two different types of premium economy seats. The seats in their Boeing planes do not recline in the conventional sense but instead slide forward. This can be a bonus, especially on a day-flight since you’re not disturbed by the person sitting in front of you. Tall passengers, however, have difficulties sleeping, as “reclining” leads to very limited leg room. The seats in Airbus A350 planes are better and are closer to the competition. Air France’s premium economy, however, has a major downside that has nothing to do with the seats: The cheapest fare includes 0 checked luggage to most destinations! Furthermore, the service and catering are often disappointing.
KLM has recently added a small premium economy cabin to most of its Boeing long-haul planes. The seats are among the best on the market, the service is good, and you also get SkyPriority services at the airport. However, there is a big downside to flying with KLM: Except on US flights, KLM’s premium economy includes no free luggage.
Search & Book
The fare rules for these flights don’t offer an expiration date. You need to spend at least six days (or a Sunday) in to get the lowest fare. Departures are available from March through June, and from August through November.
Google Flights previews available flights reliably, but with a slightly increased price. We recommend that you to book this deal on KLM‘s website.
Editor’s Note: Although KLM/Air France fares do not include checked baggage, you can bring two carry-on bags and one personal item. This means you can take a 40-liter backpack plus a duffel bag with all your shopping, in addition to a backpack for your laptop and basic essentials.
Miles & Points
Air France and KLM issue tickets for economy class segments in booking class A and premium economy segments in booking class Y. To give you an example, flying with Air France should get you:
- 19,222 RDM + 3,194 MQD on Delta SkyMiles
- 14,202 Miles on MEA Cedar Miles
- 14,202 Miles on GOL Aéreos Smiles
- 13,742 Miles on Aeromexico Club Premier
- 13,028 Miles on Aerolíneas Argentinas AerolíneasPlus
- 13,028 Miles on Saudia Alfursan
- 13,028 Miles on Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles
- 13,028 Miles on Korean Air Skypass
- 13,028 Miles on Garuda Indonesia GarudaMiles
- 13,028 Miles on Air Europa Suma
- 13,028 Award Miles on Etihad Guest
- 13,028 Award Miles on Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
- 13,028 Miles on ITA Volare
- 13,028 Points on SAS EuroBonus
- 12,386 Award Miles + 120 Tier Points on Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- 7,158 Points on Malaysia Airlines Enrich
- 3,208 Award Miles + 58 XP on Flying Blue
- Customize Calculation
Destination
Information & Tips for Panama
Panama City blends modern skyscrapers with colonial history, most notably in the Casco Viejo district with its plazas and churches. The famous Panama Canal is the city’s top attraction, with visitors often stopping at the Miraflores Locks. The official currency is the Balboa, though U.S. dollars are used interchangeably and are the main form of cash payment. Prices are moderate compared to North America—cheaper local eateries and transport exist, but touristy areas can feel pricey. The climate is hot and humid year-round, with a distinct rainy season from May to November.
→ All Dealz for Panama
Information & Tips for San José, Costa Rica
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a common starting point for travelers exploring the country. Key sights include the National Theatre, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and the lively Central Market. The local currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC), though U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Prices are moderate by Central American standards—cheaper than the U.S., but not budget-travel cheap, especially in tourist areas. The weather is generally mild year-round due to the city’s elevation, with a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November.
→ All Dealz for San José, Costa Rica