$172 Find Cheap Flights from Central America to California - Compare and Save

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Central America to California departing on 9/24. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Low seasonFebruary
Cheapest flight$172
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 12% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 6% lower on average.
Flight from San José to Las Vegas

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 
Verified travelerFlew with United Airlines
SJO
-
SFO
Apr 2026
If you have a connecting flight in SFO you have to grab your bag and recheck it
AFlew with Copa Airlines
PTY
-
LAX
Jan 2026
Bring your own food and your own screen because you won’t have any for the next couple of hours.
LisaFlew with Copa Airlines
PTY
-
LAX
Mar 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.
RicardoFlew with Alaska Airlines
GUA
-
LAX
Mar 2025
BRING YOUR OWN SNAKS NOT MUCH HERE TO CHOOSE NONE OF THEM HEALTHY OPTIONS
RajFlew with Copa Airlines
PTY
-
SFO
Jan 2025
Pack your lunch or dinner with you either from airport restaurant.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
LIR
-
LAX
Nov 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
Verified travelerFlew with Avianca
GUA
-
LAX
May 2024
Bring something to drink or eat, at least sweets especially if traveling with children or are elderly.
Verified travelerFlew with Avianca
SAL
-
SFO
Mar 2024
Bring a pillow Bring phones charged Bring your own entertainment Be patient for luggage to get off plane.
JulioFlew with Avianca
GUA
-
LAX
May 2024
Check carry on status before. Check in online to avoid lines.
MayumiFlew with Avianca
SAL
-
LAX
Jan 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 airlines fly most frequently to California?

    Central America and California are connected by different airlines. The airlines that fly that route the most regularly are Avianca (78 flights per week), United Airlines (57 flights per week), and EVA Air (46 flights per week).

  • How many airports are there in California?

    There are 29 airports in California. The busiest airport is Los Angeles Airport (LAX), with 40% of all flights arriving there.

  • 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 $328.

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to California?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to California is Tuesday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $419. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Monday, where round-trip prices are $499 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 $345 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 $499.

  • What is the cheapest flight to California?

    The cheapest ticket to California from Central America found in the last 5 days was to Los Angeles, at $254 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 5 days was $254.

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

    The cheapest month for flights from Central America to California is December, when tickets cost $214 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are January and April, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $330 and $330 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 8 weeks before departure, which saves you about 26% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 11 weeks before departure.

  • How many cities have direct flights to California?

    From Central America, there are direct flights to California from 6 cities. The city with the most direct flights is San Salvador, with 148 direct flights each week.

  • How many direct flights to California are there each day?

    There are around 52 direct flights from within Central America to California every day. Most flights (45%) depart in the morning.

  • How many direct flights to California are there each week?

    Each week there are around 362 direct flights from within Central America to California. The most common day for departures is Sunday, with 17% of flights taking off on this day.

  • How long is the flight to California?

    An average nonstop flight from Central America to California takes 9h 28m, covering a distance of 2573 miles. The shortest route is Guatemala City (GUA) to Los Angeles (LAX) with an average flight time of 5h 04m.

  • How many long-haul flights are there to California each week?

    Each week, there are 21 long-haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration) and 341 medium-haul flights (3-6 hour flight duration) to California. There aren't any short-haul flights (up to 3 hour flight duration).

  • What are the most popular destinations in California?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Los Angeles (54% of total searches to California). The next most popular destinations are Las Vegas (14%) and San Francisco (11%). Searches for flights to Ontario (10%), to John Wayne (Santa Ana) (3%) and to San Diego (2%) are also popular.

Reviews of the 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.
7.9
Alaska AirlinesOverall score based on 12590 reviews
7.8Comfort
8.5Crew
8.1Boarding
7.0Entertainment
7.0Food
Airline reviews

I am writing regarding my recent flight from La Paz (LAP) to Los Angeles (LAX). While I understand and respect the importance of airline safety procedures, I left this experience feeling deeply upset by the way I was treated by a member of your staff. At the gate, I was informed that my suitcase contained a charging unit that could not travel in its current form. My husband and I immediately complied with every instruction given to us, including opening the suitcase and removing the charging unit. We were ultimately told that we needed to break apart the charger in order to board the flight, which we did without argument. Afterward, I was directed to another employee. I calmly asked whether it had actually been necessary to break the charging unit in order to board, as I simply wanted to understand the policy. Rather than explaining, she responded aggressively, repeatedly asking, “Do you want to stay? Do you want to stay? Because this flight is leaving.” Following that interaction, I was instructed to reopen my suitcase, remove my shoes, and the employee asked my husband whether I had been drinking. I have been sober for seven years, and being questioned in that manner after simply asking a respectful question was humiliating and incredibly upsetting. I want to be very clear that I am not challenging Alaska Airlines’ safety policies. I fully support them and understand that employees have an important responsibility to keep passengers safe. My concern is solely with the manner in which I was treated. I felt intimidated rather than assisted, and what should have been the joyful end of a trip celebrating my marriage became an experience that left me in tears for much of the beginning of our flight home. I rarely submit complaints and generally try to extend grace to people working in stressful environments. However, this interaction fell far short of the level of professionalism I have come to expect from Alaska Airlines. I respectfully ask that this incident be reviewed with the employees involved so that future passengers are treated with dignity and respect, even during time-sensitive situations. Given the distress this experience caused and the lasting impact it had on what should have been a very special trip, I would also like to respectfully request that Alaska Airlines consider providing a refund or other appropriate goodwill compensation for this flight. While I understand this may not be standard policy, I hope you will take the circumstances into consideration. Thank you for taking the time to review my concerns. I look forward to your response.

2.0 MediocreAnonymous, Jun 2026
LAP - LAX
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

I am writing regarding my recent flight from La Paz (LAP) to Los Angeles (LAX). While I understand and respect the importance of airline safety procedures, I left this experience feeling deeply upset by the way I was treated by a member of your staff. At the gate, I was informed that my suitcase contained a charging unit that could not travel in its current form. My husband and I immediately complied with every instruction given to us, including opening the suitcase and removing the charging unit. We were ultimately told that we needed to break apart the charger in order to board the flight, which we did without argument. Afterward, I was directed to another employee. I calmly asked whether it had actually been necessary to break the charging unit in order to board, as I simply wanted to understand the policy. Rather than explaining, she responded aggressively, repeatedly asking, “Do you want to stay? Do you want to stay? Because this flight is leaving.” Following that interaction, I was instructed to reopen my suitcase, remove my shoes, and the employee asked my husband whether I had been drinking. I have been sober for seven years, and being questioned in that manner after simply asking a respectful question was humiliating and incredibly upsetting. I want to be very clear that I am not challenging Alaska Airlines’ safety policies. I fully support them and understand that employees have an important responsibility to keep passengers safe. My concern is solely with the manner in which I was treated. I felt intimidated rather than assisted, and what should have been the joyful end of a trip celebrating my marriage became an experience that left me in tears for much of the beginning of our flight home. I rarely submit complaints and generally try to extend grace to people working in stressful environments. However, this interaction fell far short of the level of professionalism I have come to expect from Alaska Airlines. I respectfully ask that this incident be reviewed with the employees involved so that future passengers are treated with dignity and respect, even during time-sensitive situations. Given the distress this experience caused and the lasting impact it had on what should have been a very special trip, I would also like to respectfully request that Alaska Airlines consider providing a refund or other appropriate goodwill compensation for this flight. While I understand this may not be standard policy, I hope you will take the circumstances into consideration. Thank you for taking the time to review my concerns. I look forward to your response.

The flight was on time, seats were comfortable, crew is friendly and professional. Nice flight overall. Thanks!

We showed up to our gate less than 15 minutes after boarding started and they wouldn’t let us in. It was still 15 minutes even before take off so we’re weren’t even late to the flight.

Alaska airlines has gone from excellent to budget. Food only for purchase. Entertainment only on your devise, no headphones

The plane was delayed almost 3 hours. I had a first class seat and there was no food loaded due to the late night departure (no nuts, not meal and no cookie), and the first class bathroom was out of order. Truly a disappointment all around.

I was very surprised that at the Seattle airport, Alaska's main hub, that the gates were very small and very close together, and it was very hard to discourage between my flight, and the flight next to us going to Boise and the flight next to that going to Denver. Denver. The audio for all three Gates was at the same level, and almost impossible to differentiate unless they actually said their flight number and location. Location. People tried to get on our plane, before they were ready, because they were confused about the Denver announcements. We were on a Boeing 737- 800 00, that must have recently been redone. It actually had USB--c ports which really surprised me. The Apu was out on the plane, so when we got on it was very very hot. A lot of people were complaining. The gate agents were very professional, but it was a lot going on and even though there were two of them, I think they could have used another person to help them. Mandy was particularly helpful in getting me a window seat. Flight crew was up to the usual Alaska airline standard, which is very high. Can we please get another snack then garlic pretzels? It would also be nice, if they knew ahead that the flight was full, to offer to let us check in our bags for free at baggage check, and not at the gate!

On time, good seats, not overly full, up beast positive crew.

People were friendly. Flight was a little delayed. Maybe I missed the reason for it. Overall a nice experience.

The flight itself was great. But we had to wait over an hour to deplane so I missed my train. Not the crews fault. They were wonderful!

Great trip. No complaints. Impressed with the crew’s response to various challenges pre-boarding.

Smooth flight. Easy boarding. Come early. Check in line is long

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.

This airline always trick us so we end up paying again for the luggage’s. This airline is worthless and take advantage of travelers .

Now days most airlines flying to Central America have a really poor service, but if you buy first class they will treat you better. I miss those days when flying was fun.

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

Friendly crew, but we were delayed for more than an hour and had to change planes due to maintenance issues.

United has been holding my money for a cancel on another ticket they wouldn’t let me fly for going on 5 months. Terrible service I wouldn’t choose to buy tickets or fly with united again. Very bad experience generally dishonorable and poor service .

The flight got delayed. They forgot to bring the drinks when I asked for it. The toilet is messy.

This was an overnight flight, and in the morning they did know coffee service. How you can throw passengers in a San Francisco airport at 5:40 a.m. in the morning and not giving them Coffee is a crime.

Our flight was delayed several Times due to mechanical issues. Although I understand this may happen at times, it was very inconvenient and we had to book a hotel for an overnight stay. We were traveling with my 3-yo grandson and waiting at the airport from noon until 6:30pm with no reassurance that our next rescheduled flight would depart, we had to decide what’s best for him. A day later, I found out that I may be able to demand compensation if my flight is delayed more than 4 hours. I will hav to read the fine print next time.

Service was professional and quick. Premium economy seat was comfortable given the class

Like: departed and arrived on time. Unlike: Food options for purchase allways bad, 1 of 2 of the crew members not very friendly at all. Seats and leg room aweful. At this point I am thinking on switching to AA.

The staff was extremely helpful and friendly at all times! They went above and beyond to get us into an earlier flight in San Diego to make our connection in SFO possible, because our original flight did actually not make it! I did so much appreciate the UA team and how they made this possible. We also didn’t have seats together on the long flight to Singapore, but they found us seats together last moment with no additional cost! Nobody sat next to us, so that we were able to sleep! Thanks to UA for improving their service and Underpricer for booking this trip! Please be careful: 1,5 hrs for transfer in San Francisco might not be enough time in the future

Crew was great! Good meals. Had room to stretch out

Packed flight, which makes it tough on crew and boarding staff (and the customers of course). But this was great boarding, clear instructions, etc. Traveling on the weekends are always fraught with danger as you have families and less frequent flyers thus more confusion. But this flight went as planned.

Horrible experience with Avianca, they delayed their flight and when we arrived to NYC, AVIANCA took 1 hr y 30 mins to park the airplane and all passenger get off the plane, it made me lost all my trains to get back home and I came back to my place at 3 am instead of 12 am. On the top of that their plane seat are so uncomfortable and is not enough space and killed my legs and knees, Avianca used to be good when it was a Colombian company, now after Brasilian company bought them, their service quality is bad and their flights are delayed and oversold.

I handed in my suitcase in perfect condition at SAL Airport. And in MIA Airport I received it with one corner broken and the wheels bent.

It was horrible. My experience with Avianca. I didn’t know it was Pakistan international Airlines but anyway, whatever it is it is bad horrible you guys need to upgrade everything in those planes. And you guys charge $130 for a carry-on did they wanna let me in with my carry-on that I travel everywhere with the luggage you guys are such a dog thank you

The fees for baggage were outrageous. $130 for carry on and $150 for check in for an international flight. The seats did not recline. We were not even offered water. Had we known all of this, we would not have booked Avianca at all.

I was shocked flying to El Salvador that they only give you water. Everything else you have to pay for. There is no wifi or entertainment and it’s an international flight. At least back in the day they had tvs on the plane and everyone watched the same movie. Also seats do not recline, even comfort or plus.

I did not like anything, first time I use company and for sure it will be the last time, they charge for simple operations that any other average airline wouldn't charge.

The good thing is the flight was on time and the crew was really nice. They can work better the arriving with staff

The inflight entertainment did not work on a 6 hour flight The cel phone chargers did not work There was a 45 minute wait for the luggage to get off the plane.

They could offer free food and drink like other international flights.

Flight attendants to show up on time, offer drinks and food.

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.