$110 Find Cheap Flights from Central America to California

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Low seasonMarch
High seasonDecember
Cheapest flight$110
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 2% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 0% lower on average.
Flight from San José to Los Angeles

Flights from Central America to California: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Central America to California 
LisaFlew with Copa AirlinesPTY-LAXMar 2025
You have to go through an additional security clearance at the actual gate, and there was a long line so I'd get to the gate right when it opens to avoid the additional long line.
Verified travelerFlew with United AirlinesGUA-LAXApr 2025
Just make sure all your paperwork is in order
RajFlew with Copa AirlinesPTY-SFOJan 2025
Pack your lunch or dinner with you either from airport restaurant.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska AirlinesLIR-LAXNov 2024
The airport is expensive. I would not buy things there. You don’t need to take off your shoes for security. Have your passport ready for boarding
OlgaFlew with AviancaGUA-LAXJul 2024
Don’t book Avianca. Go for Alaska Air instead.
Verified travelerFlew with AviancaGUA-LAXMay 2024
Bring something to drink or eat, at least sweets especially if traveling with children or are elderly.
JerFlew with Alaska AirlinesLIR-LAXMay 2024
Alaska air still allows 1 personal and 1 carry on. Alaska is quick, courteous and helpful
JulioFlew with AviancaGUA-LAXMay 2024
Check carry on status before. Check in online to avoid lines.
Verified travelerFlew with AviancaSAL-SFOMar 2024
Bring a pillow Bring phones charged Bring your own entertainment Be patient for luggage to get off plane.
AdrianaFlew with AviancaSAL-SFOApr 2024
Skip Avianca. They are a low budget airlines with rude flight crew.
MayumiFlew with AviancaSAL-LAXJan 2024
Eat well before boarding and bring your own entertainment.

FAQs for booking flights from Central America to California

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Central America to California?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Central America to California.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Central America to California?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Central America to California is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Central America to California?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly from Central America to California with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Central America to California?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying from Central America to California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

  • Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in California?

    Prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in California is Los Angeles Airport (LAX), with an average flight price of $294.

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to California?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to California is Friday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $468. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Monday, where round-trip prices are $531 on average.

  • What is the cheapest time of day to fly to California?

    The cheapest time of day to fly to California is generally in the afternoon, when round-trip flights cost $356 on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to California is generally at night, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $526.

  • What is the cheapest flight to California?

    The cheapest ticket to California from Central America found in the last 72 hours was to Los Angeles, at $168 round-trip. The most popular route is Belize City Philip S.W.Goldson Airport (BZE) to Los Angeles (LAX) and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $168.

  • What is the cheapest month to fly from Central America to California?

    The cheapest month for flights from Central America to California is May, when tickets cost $565 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are November and December, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $730 and $707 respectively.

  • How far in advance should I book a flight from Central America to California?

    To get a below average price on the flight from Central America to California, you should book around 7 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 26 weeks before departure.

  • How long is the flight to California?

    An average nonstop flight from Central America to California takes 9h 39m, covering a distance of 2577 miles. The shortest route is Guatemala City (GUA) to Los Angeles (LAX) with an average flight time of 4h 58m.

  • What are the most popular destinations in California?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Los Angeles (62% of total searches to California). The next most popular destinations are Las Vegas (10%) and San Francisco (10%). Searches for flights to Ontario (8%), to Burbank (3%) and to Santa Ana (1%) are also popular.

Top 5 airlines serving from Central America to California

Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Central America to California? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.0
Alaska AirlinesOverall score based on 9968 reviews
7.1Food
8.2Boarding
8.5Crew
7.1Entertainment
7.9Comfort
Airline reviews

Boarding was quick and easy as always the crew is on their game as always I always have an enjoyable flight so I’m good.

10.0 ExcellentAnonymous, Apr 2025EUG - LAX
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

Boarding was quick and easy as always the crew is on their game as always I always have an enjoyable flight so I’m good.

Need to get on train for second flight it’s much nicer when all the gates are together for obvious reasons

Cramped, crowded aircraft. Poorly organized boarding. Tasteless crackers to eat. 40 minutes late. A standard US air travel experience.

Economy class seats have inferior leg room for long trip, esp when people in front of you crank their seats back. If you are group 8 during boarding, good luck in find spaces for your carey on luggage!

It was my first time flying Alaska Airlines and first time flying from Santa Rosa airport. The staff was very professional and friendly. Their instructions were clear and any question was answered satisfactorily. My seat was comfortable and the in-flight beverage service very adequate for the duration of the flight. We arrived ahead of the scheduled landing time and deplaning was simple. I look forward to flying with Alaska again.

The flight was good, there were no problems at all. The only thing that was very disappointing was how filthy the bathroom was, it was discussing.

Flight attendant took my carefully folded coat and flung it across the aisle to the bin across the way. Where one of the passengers rescued it for me, because that just wasn’t right!!

the flight was delayed twice and then delayed from taking off.

Crew was very good. Problem was not Alaska Airlines’ fault, there was a horrible, squealing, screaming kid near me.

This was my first trip in years with Alaska. I don’t think I’ll do it again. The planes are old and tired looking. The seats are small with zero legroom. The JFK terminal is one of the worst I’ve been in. On this flight the pilot had to abort the landing and circle the Bay before trying again. I think I’ll stick with the usual suspects …

Quick boarding and check in.. but premium seats don’t recline.. very hard to relax. But overall, it was a Great a satisfying experience.. Thank You

If they listen to you especially when there’s a problem with a passport now I lost my tickets and also my seat money

The worst airline I have ever experienced. Terrible customer service. Absolutely disgraceful

Checking bags at the airport, very confusing they make lines for different flights but they don’t have any signs, so if you are on the wrong line be aware they will send you to the end of the correct line. No priority for check in even if you pay and no priority to disabled persons and elderly persons.

Despite all the negative reviews, I took Volaris with a family of 4 (including a toddler and infant in arms). The only compliant was they charged me $70 to gate check our wagon (which we use as a stroller) and then it was not available for pickup at the gate (which is the entire point), so we had to get through customs and the airport with our luggage and no way to push our kids :(

Après avoir manqué l’avion aucune aide de la part des agents à l’aéroport pour trouver un autre vol

Más comida no cobrar tanto por los asientos y comida food

Worst airline ever!! Delays in all my flights!!! Do not flight with Volaris!

The departures screens in the airport showed the flight as canceled for some weird reason, but when I got to the gate just to double check, it showed it as on time, and not canceled. This was confusing, but ultimately I was able to get to where I needed to go.

For whatever reason, when I was in the San Jose airport, the flight from Volaris read as canceled on the Departures screens you'd find all over the terminal, it wasn't until I got to the gate that it showed it as on time and still on. It was confusing, but ultimately I did get to where I needed to go with the flight I was expecting.

A bit rush for transit. Food and entertainment are not available

Wonderful and fast TSA checkpoint. The line was fast and our gate was close by

The gate was too far away for the connecting flight

Generally good. The aisles have gotten narrower which can slow down boarding. Flight crew was great! Healthier complimentary snacks would be appreciated. Due to earthquake in San Francisco we had to circle in air space for a bit but then had a smooth landing. I laud the flight crew for their patience ;)

We tried to upgrade to economy premium but were told this was not possible as we had booked through United Airlines (and Air Canada was operating the flight). This seemed silly given there was ample space in economy premium. Additionally, we had to wait almost 1.5 hours upon arrival to taxi to the gate. Otherwise, the crew were very pleasant and passengers were friendly.

headphone jack didnt work for the first flight and not much variety

The agents was very rude and they charged me $50 for a carry-on bag saying that it was too big and then I saw someone going on a plane with the same size bag as me

For the most part united was a good experience, how ever when they came by with the snacks and water, they completely passed by my wife and I. As we were in separate rows. On a 5 hr flight we were not offered water

Fantastic crew. Flight was delayed at last minute but we were given updates every 20 minutes and the crew was so friendly and considerate. I miss the touch screens on the back of the seats, wish they would bring that back though.

Beijing PEK to SFO. I had an economy seat on this flight. The seat comfort was acceptable. My main complaint is with the FA’s lack of personality and absence from servicing the plane, specifically restroom care (I wish I could share a pic of the restroom that I captured) and care of travelers—drink cart/availability of drinks. I'm amazed at the level of service on other International travel where a passenger is most often appreciated.

Friendly staff at all very easy check in and organize process

Horrible airline, upgraded to sit on seats made of stone. Staff were rude and on top of it they charge an arm and a leg for luggage 🧳 never again

The seats are the worst I upgraded to premium big mistake and it seems like no one likes there job very unpleasant

they don’t have TV Seat to Type in space

I receive a service for what I pay, so it is fair.

A few years ago long flights 6 hours or so used to have video screens and they offered ear phones. The food cart used to come and drinks. Now absolutely nothing. Avianca is as bad as Spirit Airlines. Avianca will now be my last choice when booking my next flight.

Terrible, We had to stay in Bogota for two days due to weather but the airline did not provide for the same day flight. Only two days later

Purchased a business class ticket and got a economy seat with center seat blocked they call it business. 3100usd ticket on a flight where economy costs 500usd The biggest scam insult have had on a regular airline. Avianca should be in the low cost category and kicked out of Star Alliance. I want the difference to be credited. Ets see what Avianca does. No reply so far. Avianca = low cost airline. Beware

Excellent flight and one of the smoothest landing I’ve ever experienced

There isn't much space in-between seats and even water needs to be paid for during the flight.

We did not know about the bag fees until check in. They are way too high. It’s insane. We also had a huge delay and everything costed extra which was very annoying.

Flew with our two children. Paid $380 to check two bags (one was overweight). They then left the bags behind on Sunday, December 21st, with all our family’s clothes and family Christmas presents. When we arrived at our destination they told us the bags had not arrived, and they thought (but didn’t know) they were still in Boston, but that there’d be a flight the next day and the bags would arrive the next day. The next day we found out there was no flight, now we’re hoping we get our bags before we fly back out. Meanwhile, trying to get any engagement or accurate information is a waste of time. The folks at the call center are just gatekeepers, who can’t connect with any departments that actually do things to solve a problem. Getting information is made deliberately difficult. My biggest regret is that I’ve had a number of awful experiences with Avianca traveling between the US and Colombia, and still let myself get suckered into buying these tickets because the schedule was great. Never again.

So so, you feel like you have to pay for everything each time

COP 7,000 for a cup of mediocre coffee. I thought I was on Spirit Airlines for a minute. Otherwise the flight was fine. Nothing exceptional to report.

Book cheap flights from Central America to California

Recent round-trip flight deals

10/3Fri
1 stopVolaris Costa Rica
7h 37mSJO-LAX
10/6Mon
1 stopVolaris Costa Rica
7h 29mLAX-SJO
$183
10/1Wed
1 stopVolaris Costa Rica
7h 37mSJO-LAX
10/4Sat
1 stopVolaris Costa Rica
7h 29mLAX-SJO
$187
5/21Wed
1 stopVolaris El Salvador
21h 47mSJO-LAX
5/24Sat
1 stopVolaris El Salvador
20h 39mLAX-SJO
$210
6/20Fri
1 stopVolaris El Salvador
24h 24mSJO-LAX
6/28Sat
1 stopVolaris El Salvador
20h 55mLAX-SJO
$220
5/15Thu
2 stopsAvianca
16h 50mSAP-LAX
5/27Tue
1 stopAvianca
7h 00mLAX-SAP
$234
5/21Wed
1 stopAvianca
7h 45mGUA-LAX
6/5Thu
nonstopAvianca
4h 45mLAX-GUA
$258
9/9Tue
1 stopUnited Airlines
16h 54mSAP-LAX
9/15Mon
1 stopUnited Airlines
12h 31mLAX-SAP
$285
9/10Wed
nonstopUnited Airlines
5h 11mGUA-LAX
9/21Sun
nonstopUnited Airlines
4h 51mLAX-GUA
$295
5/20Tue
nonstopAlaska Airlines
6h 23mSJO-LAX
5/28Wed
nonstopAlaska Airlines
5h 38mLAX-SJO
$330
5/30Fri
nonstopAlaska Airlines
6h 23mSJO-LAX
5/31Sat
nonstopAlaska Airlines
5h 38mLAX-SJO
$332

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Recent one-way flight deals

10/3Fri
1 stopVolaris Costa Rica
7h 37mSJO-LAX
$110
10/11Sat
1 stopVolaris Costa Rica
7h 37mSJO-LAX
$113
6/2Mon
1 stopVolaris El Salvador
24h 24mSJO-LAX
$123
6/25Wed
1 stopVolaris El Salvador
22h 31mSJO-LAX
$124
9/25Thu
1 stopAvianca
14h 05mSAP-LAX
$143
6/16Mon
1 stopUnited Airlines
15h 12mGUA-LAX
$152
5/15Thu
2 stopsAvianca
16h 50mSAP-LAX
$154
5/21Wed
nonstopUnited Airlines
5h 12mGUA-LAX
$162
5/22Thu
nonstopAlaska Airlines
5h 28mGUA-LAX
$168
5/23Fri
nonstopAlaska Airlines
6h 23mSJO-LAX
$170

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Last minute flights from Central America to California

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

5/3Sat
multi-stop
8h 49mSJO-LAX
5/10Sat
multi-stop
9h 25mLAX-SJO
$225
5/3Sat
multi-stop
8h 49mSJO-LAX
5/10Sat
multi-stop
20h 39mLAX-SJO
$232
5/2Fri
multi-stopVolaris El Salvador
24h 45mSJO-LAX
5/10Sat
multi-stopVolaris El Salvador
9h 25mLAX-SJO
$276
5/2Fri
multi-stopVolaris El Salvador
11h 59mSJO-LAX
5/4Sun
multi-stopVolaris El Salvador
9h 25mLAX-SJO
$302
5/2Fri
multi-stopUnited Airlines
13h 15mSJO-LAS
5/5Mon
multi-stopUnited Airlines
10h 27mLAS-SJO
$307
5/2Fri
multi-stopUnited Airlines
17h 04mSJO-LAS
5/5Mon
multi-stopUnited Airlines
10h 27mLAS-SJO
$311
5/4Sun
multi-stopAlaska Airlines
19h 30mSJO-LAS
5/12Mon
multi-stopAlaska Airlines
24h 35mLAS-SJO
$361
5/5Mon
multi-stopAvianca
8h 40mSJO-SFO
5/14Wed
multi-stopAvianca
8h 15mSFO-SJO
$363
5/4Sun
multi-stopAlaska Airlines
11h 34mSJO-LAS
5/12Mon
multi-stopAlaska Airlines
16h 14mLAS-SJO
$375
5/1Thu
multi-stopAvianca
8h 40mSJO-SFO
5/6Tue
multi-stopAvianca
8h 15mSFO-SJO
$428

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Everything you need to know for your flight to California

Cabin class types available on flights to Central America

Cabin classes available on flights to Central America. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.

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