$91 Find Cheap Flights from Central America to the United States

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Low seasonMarch
Cheapest flight$91
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 7% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 4% increase in price.
Flight from San José to Fort Lauderdale

Flights from Central America to the United States: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Central America to the United States 
JeffreyFlew with Copa Airlines
PTY
-
MIA
Mar 2025
Be sure to use the restroom BEFORE you sit down in the gate area. There is a second level of security screening just to sit in the gate area. If you leave the gate area for any reason, you must go through the gate screening upon your return.
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.
Verified travelerFlew with Spirit Airlines
GUA
-
FLL
Apr 2025
Take a day flight, window seat, the view is fantastic. Avoid Spirit at all costs.
RicardoFlew with Alaska Airlines
GUA
-
LAX
Mar 2025
BRING YOUR OWN SNAKS NOT MUCH HERE TO CHOOSE NONE OF THEM HEALTHY OPTIONS
Verified travelerFlew with Copa Airlines
PTY
-
JFK
Feb 2025
Whatever you purchase before boarding your flight make sure all liquids are finished before boarding or you will have to throw it away. That there is another checkpoint once you reach the gate even if you go to the bathroom you will have to clear the second checkpoint each time you leave the gate. That most of the Copa crew in Panama did not speak English, so as an English speaker you have to just watch what everyone else does, because the Panamanian crew does not speak English.
RajFlew with Copa Airlines
PTY
-
SFO
Jan 2025
Pack your lunch or dinner with you either from airport restaurant.
RobertFlew with United Airlines
PTY
-
IAH
Feb 2025
IAH is efficient but security and checked baggage transfer and rescreening for connecting flights causes unnecessary anxiety for short stop overs.
Verified travelerFlew with United Airlines
PTY
-
IAH
Feb 2025
International transfer at HIA was difficult with self baggage transfer, multiple security screens.
AdrianFlew with Copa Airlines
PTY
-
DEN
Oct 2024
When booking, the distance between gates must be something you need to plan ahead... always leave at least 2 hours between flights
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 United Airlines
LIR
-
DEN
Oct 2024
If you take another flight in Denver, expect to go through the security line again with all your luggage. Take enough time. Denver Airport is a mess, and the people working there are not patient; some are even rude.
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.
KathyFlew with American Airlines
LIR
-
DFW
Apr 2024
I was through security in 10 minutes. Food choice took some time, be aware that waiting 20 plus minutes for a hot sammie will be about right.
MichaelFlew with United Airlines
BZE
-
IAH
May 2024
Small airport. Easy and quick. Don’t get there too early though as it gets crowded and not really any food or shopping.
StephanieFlew with Copa Airlines
PTY
-
MIA
Mar 2024
Get to the airport early especially if you're not a US citizen because you have to pass through security twice.
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.
DominicFlew with Alaska Airlines
BZE
-
SEA
Feb 2024
Take the direct flight to avoid an overnight layover
MayumiFlew with Avianca
SAL
-
LAX
Jan 2024
Eat well before boarding and bring your own entertainment.

FAQs for booking flights from Central America to the United States

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Central America to the United States?

    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 the United States.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Central America to the United States 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 the United States?

    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 the United States 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 the United States?

    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 the United States 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 the United States?

    Central America and United States are connected by different airlines. The airlines that fly that route the most regularly are United Airlines (658 flights per week), Copa Airlines (357 flights per week), and Avianca (352 flights per week).

  • How many airports are there in the United States?

    There are 587 airports in the United States. The busiest airport is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL), with 8% of all flights arriving there.

  • Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in the United States?

    Prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in the United States is Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL), with an average flight price of $214.

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to the United States?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to the United States is Wednesday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $390. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Monday, where round-trip prices are $474 on average.

  • What is the cheapest time of day to fly to the United States?

    The cheapest time of day to fly to the United States is generally in the evening, when round-trip flights cost $295 on average. Morning departures are around 73% more expensive than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to the United States is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $512.

  • What is the cheapest flight to the United States?

    The cheapest ticket to the United States from Central America found in the last 72 hours was to Newark Airport, at $102 round-trip. The most popular route is Belize City Philip S.W.Goldson Airport (BZE) to Miami (MIA) and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $109.

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

    The cheapest month for flights from Central America to the United States is May, when tickets cost $541 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are January and November, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $677 and $671 respectively.

  • How far in advance should I book a flight from Central America to the United States?

    To get a below average price on the flight from Central America to the United States, you should book around 5 weeks before departure, which saves you about 36% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 16 weeks before departure.

  • How many cities have direct flights to the United States?

    From Central America, there are direct flights to the United States from 10 cities. The city with the most direct flights is Panama City, with 781 direct flights each week.

  • How many direct flights to the United States are there each day?

    There are around 415 direct flights from within Central America to the United States every day. Most flights (42%) depart in the morning.

  • How many direct flights to the United States are there each week?

    Each week there are around 2,900 direct flights from within Central America to the United States. The most common day for departures is Saturday, with 16% of flights taking off on this day.

  • How long is the flight to the United States?

    An average nonstop flight from Central America to the United States takes 4h 25m, covering a distance of 1723 miles. The shortest route is San Pedro Sula (SAP) to Miami (MIA) with an average flight time of 2h 17m.

  • How many long-haul flights are there to the United States each week?

    Each week there are around 135 long-haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration), 1,264 medium-haul (3-6 hour flight duration) and 1,501 short-haul (up to 3 hour flight duration) flights to the United States. The most long-haul flights depart from Panama City.

  • What are the most popular destinations in the United States?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is New York (32% of total searches to the United States). The next most popular destinations are Miami (14%) and Orlando (10%). Searches for flights to Los Angeles (9%), to Houston (9%) and to Fort Lauderdale (6%) are also popular.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Central America to the United States

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Central America to the United States? 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.
7.6
Copa AirlinesOverall score based on 1557 reviews
8.1Crew
6.8Entertainment
6.8Food
7.8Boarding
7.4Comfort
Airline reviews

I always enjoy flying Copa. There are very few airlines where I can enjoy a comfortable sleep in-flight. The snacks weren't the best, but they sufficed. The in-flight entertainment was fantastic, and I crossed another movie off my watch list.

8.0 ExcellentTisagh, Nov 2025
SDQ - PTY
Read more Copa Airlines reviews

I always enjoy flying Copa. There are very few airlines where I can enjoy a comfortable sleep in-flight. The snacks weren't the best, but they sufficed. The in-flight entertainment was fantastic, and I crossed another movie off my watch list.

Some of the Air hostesses are not that friendly. Need improvement

Simply as follows:- First, there was no vegetarian option for the meal Second, only 2 washrooms for the entire economy class.

Cops Airlines is fantastic! The level of care and professionalism provided by the entire crew was top rate.

We had a great flight just wished they had a tv so we can see a movie that would of made my trip excellent.

horrible service, food was an embarrassment, no charging for cellphones, stay away

the food served was an embarrassment. No connection for charging the cellphone... What a crappy airline.

Great experience with a crew always thinking in the passenger

I selected first class expecting excetional service. It was mediocre at best. The food service was cold, meal choices was poor and on one leg they did provide dessert. I did enjoy the lay day seat but the movies were old and nothing current. Boarding the plane is always hot. So boarding is quite warm until your in the air. I took a small personal air fan. Update the meals and movies.

Did upgrade, travel in business it was great (more room I could sleep)

The flight was delayed for 1:30 hours for maintenance issues. They should give more information about connecting flights. For a Business Cabin the Crew was mediocre.

Very turbulent trip made it pretty bearable, plus the lack of refreshments served and the lack of any air conditioning before takeoff which took an hour or more.

Flight was late - I was downgraded from first class to coach

Not good - outbound flight was delayed and missed my connection even though I got to the gate after running through the airport - the agent would not let me on because the door was closed (flight had not left). There was no notification from United - overall experience was very disappointing. Additionally, I was downgraded from first class to coach on the alternative flight

The flight was on time. I generally don’t drink or eat on short flights and the seats were good and the flight attendants were friendly. That’s all I expect

Movie selection is good. Crew did not understand mileage program and were no help. Sick later. Food?

Staff on board was excellent. Positive upbeat helpful- like it used to be.

It was nice to have gotten up upgraded to first class with a meal on a three hour flight

For an expensive flight to another country, United has a lot of nerve serving pretzels and no meals (unless, of course, you want to buy something to eat). Unacceptable.

The food is terrible. The same pasta or chicken with bad taste and presentation

Great flight - friendly and attentive team! Seats in coach were comfy, but a little cramped - but that is the case with all airlines ;)

The boarding by groups is pointless. The first two groups worked fine, but almost Noone boarded in goups three thru five leaving the vast majority boarding when group six was called. It defeated the purpose of spreading out the crowd.

For whatever reason, the flight was not catered -we were told it would be a 45 minute delay waiting for catering - so no food. There were opened candy and peanuts in the seatback pocket. Flight landed early in DFW but due to the assigned gate not being available, we sat on the ground for 30 minutes waiting for the gate to open - making the flight actually arrive at the gate late.

The pilot greased the landing and the crew was fantastic.

I bought wifi and most of the flight could not even use it my apps would just spin. I couldn't even listen to music. super frustrating.

delayed due to weather. Could not communicate with family since the wifi was broken

Experience was good, however I had a delay due to weather happening and had to re purchase a seat on a new plane for a higher price (could be my own issue and misunderstanding) but other than that situation. First time flyer (by myself) was terrific!! The last from ORD to ALO didn't have wifi, but it was only 45 minutes so I'm sure that was part of the reason. Overall my experience was great! Next time I will remember to buy tickets with longer layovers. The delays really saved my overall anxiety. :)

Flight was on time is the only good thing. Person loading the plane called 1-6 to board at the same time, made it chaotic. Plane was too small for even putting backpacks in overhead. Seat for normal sized people were too small. The WIFI didn't work. When we landed had to wait because not enough ground crew.

Did not understand a single word the attendant said on the pa system. I was glad it was not an emergency.

Gate was overcrowded. Gate agents performed very well. Flight crew was top notch! Efficient & professional & courteous. Both meals not thermalized well. Dinner main dish was actually cold in the center. Almost inedible. Breakfast sandwich was lukewarm.

The flight attendant smashed her beverage cart into my knee, causing significant amount of pain. The seats were extremely uncomfortable. No food or drink is offered unless you want to pay the ridiculous prices for it. The schedule of flying in the overnight hours is also very uncomfortable.

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.

I like the crew members they're very friendly. Clean plane. The flight was on time. I dont like the comfort my car seat its better that the plane seats. They charge for everything. This airline was very good. Now it's a low cost airline

I like the crew they're very friendly. I don't like. on five hour flight they not offered snacks. Any drink. Not even coffee

6 hour flight and have to pay for everything 100 dollars to add a carry-on bag is insane

Did not fly with Pakistan International Airlines. Have never flown with Pakistan International Airlines.

Luggage lost and nowhere to be found, no response from either airline regarding my bag

The usb plugs for charging your phone didn’t work, the seats were coarse and hard. Not very comfortable. No inflight WiFi

Very uncomfortable planes , poor service on the plane , take your own water so you don’t dehydrate , in a 6 hs flight they sold one time food and beverage . 1 plane was delayed 6 hs , I lost a connecting flight . Then in the way back they announce a delay of 2 hs so I had to take a different flight to arrive on time for my connecting flight . Avoid this airline .

The check in is the only positive thing in Avianca. The seat is the most uncomfortable I have traveled, the distance is minimal.

Spirit cancelled the flight very late last night, I was on the way to the airport when I found out

First time in a decade I threw up on the flight, turbulence was terrible!! The staff were kinda rude at times.

Boarding was good, clearly explained and efficient. Staff were helpful, I would've liked a place to get coffee that wasn't Starbucks

I really liked the personalized treatment at the MDE airport, where someone from SPIRIT received me at the entrance of the counter line to ask if the weight of my luggage was accurate or if I wanted a better seat, gave me a name tag for my luggage and walked me to the counter. Thank you.

The most horrible flight ever not only Spirit delayed our flight 2 hours departure time for a 1 hour flight — that I could have driven FLL to TPA and spend less time on the road —- and they did the same on the return with 2-hr delay again!!! Then to top all, the rubber like and most unconfortable seats in the industry with no leg room!!! There should be an award for these kinds of companies measuring % of returning customers!!!

I can't rate food or entertainment when previously you know the lowest rate doesn't have any of that included. However I want to congratulate the crew and specially the flight attendants for their kindness and free smile even knowing is the end of a long day. I had the opportunity to chat to Hailey, Despise her busy job, she had the time to chat with me and even when she asked me to stop using my phone, not with words but with her sweet face expression, was as MasterCard said, a priceless moment. She even told me she learned from the best teacher, her Mom Ruth, a flight attendant working in the same flight, Definitely, with people like them, the real Americans, this country will overcome the worst moment in USA history falling in the hands of the biggest senil Psycho felon. God bless America!!!!

The flight was cancelled and Spirit said they could not rebook me on another flight for six days. They said they couldn't do anything for another six days.

Flight was on time, Newark staff, especially Nathan, very helpful, and plane crew to RDU very good without being pushy. We arrived early, and had a gentle landing.

See my last comment for the first leg. That should’ve been in here

Horrible. Arrived at my gate at 6:37 for a 6:50 flight and was denied by staff to board. Literally watched my flight leave from the window and it didn’t take off until after 7am. Tried to talk to staff and they were rude beyond compare. Will never fly with this airline again.

Everything you need to know for your flight to the United States

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.