$83 Find Cheap Flights from Central America to the United States

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Low seasonMarch
Cheapest flight$83
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 7% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 5% 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 AirlinesPTY-MIAMar 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 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 Spirit AirlinesGUA-FLLApr 2025
Take a day flight, window seat, the view is fantastic. Avoid Spirit at all costs.
RicardoFlew with Alaska AirlinesGUA-LAXMar 2025
BRING YOUR OWN SNAKS NOT MUCH HERE TO CHOOSE NONE OF THEM HEALTHY OPTIONS
Verified travelerFlew with Copa AirlinesPTY-JFKFeb 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 AirlinesPTY-SFOJan 2025
Pack your lunch or dinner with you either from airport restaurant.
RobertFlew with United AirlinesPTY-IAHFeb 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 AirlinesPTY-IAHFeb 2025
International transfer at HIA was difficult with self baggage transfer, multiple security screens.
AdrianFlew with Copa AirlinesPTY-DENOct 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 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
Verified travelerFlew with United AirlinesLIR-DENOct 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 AviancaGUA-LAXMay 2024
Bring something to drink or eat, at least sweets especially if traveling with children or are elderly.
KathyFlew with American AirlinesLIR-DFWApr 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 AirlinesBZE-IAHMay 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 AirlinesPTY-MIAMar 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 AviancaSAL-SFOMar 2024
Bring a pillow Bring phones charged Bring your own entertainment Be patient for luggage to get off plane.
JulioFlew with AviancaGUA-LAXMay 2024
Check carry on status before. Check in online to avoid lines.
DominicFlew with Alaska AirlinesBZE-SEAFeb 2024
Take the direct flight to avoid an overnight layover
MayumiFlew with AviancaSAL-LAXJan 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 (545 flights per week), Copa Airlines (329 flights per week), and Avianca (272 flights per week).

  • How many airports are there in the United States?

    There are 583 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 Orlando Airport (MCO), with an average flight price of $185.

  • 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 $396. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Saturday, where round-trip prices are $473 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 $301 on average. Morning departures are around 72% 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 $517.

  • 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 Miami, at $110 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 $110.

  • 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 July, when tickets cost $316 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are January and March, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $575 and $550 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 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 34% 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 748 direct flights each week.

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

    There are around 348 direct flights from within Central America to the United States every day. Most flights (41%) depart in the morning.

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

    Each week there are around 2,430 direct flights from within Central America to the United States. The most common day for departures is Saturday, with 17% 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 40m, covering a distance of 1743 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 136 long-haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration), 1,041 medium-haul (3-6 hour flight duration) and 1,253 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 (33% of total searches to the United States). The next most popular destinations are Miami (11%) and Los Angeles (10%). Searches for flights to Orlando (10%), to Houston (8%) and to Fort Lauderdale (7%) 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 1568 reviews
8.1Crew
6.8Entertainment
7.4Comfort
7.8Boarding
6.8Food
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 2025SDQ - 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)

Ot was overall fine. Left on time and had basic snacks. Weather was finicky but that’s not the airlines fault.

Quick and seamless boarding. No entertainment but fast Starlink wifi for this short trip and the staff was really friendly.

We boarded late. The crew at the airport was dismissive. The seat cushion on the plane was uncomfortable.

Very thoughtful flight attendant offered me water immediately since I had run to make my connection.

Door to door, the crew and staff were amazing. It was a stressful travel day with delays, but they were focused on customers and doing what they could to get us to our destinations.

I dread trans-Pacific flights. They are very long. This was my first time on Universal, and it was my best crossing ever. The staff were professional, the hospitality was great, and the food was delicious. The entertainment system filled the long flight hours. I will seek out Universal flights from now onwards. 🙂

United has come a long way, it’s been a fantastic experience traveling with them.

Even though we were delayed, we were able to make our connection

Starlink wifi on the Embraer E175 is an excellent experience. I was able to connect and work from IAD all the way to approach into BTV.

Great crew, excellent landing, good food. Over all great experience. Thank you!

I like that the crew kept us informed but we moved back and forth from gate to gate before the aircraft arrived.

I like how the crew and pilot kept us updated Even though our flight was slightly delayed. We made up time for it in the air. I really did enjoy my seat and amenities and my trip and value overall.

The flight was delayed multiple times, again no fault of American but again the extra cost, for everything makes it feel like a cheap airline! Especially when flights are outrageously expensive already

The inflight staff is never the issue always the extra and charges american charges! Literally 30 bucks for WiFi! Is insane and then it’s choppy and slow. If you pay for it once you don’t need to pay again for switching aircraft especially when there is flight delays

Horrible. Both legs of my flight were delayed more than 6 hours. No compensation, no screens on the plane, and the plane was not clean.

I had a positive experience on American. I'm blind and traveling with a guide dog and the flight attendants were so kind, friendly, and helpful towards us. They checked in on us during the flight and they made us feel comfortable and welcomed. There was an hour delay before depature, but overall the flight was a smooth ride. I appreciate that there were no issues on this long flight back home.

We were told the flight was delayed 5 times, then it was moved to the next day.

More choices on snacks. Built-in video screen to enjoy entertainment choices.

we landed at cmh ten minutes early but had to sit on tarmac for twenty minutes because a plane was at our gate despite the fact that 3 other gates were open.

flight was good until we arrived at cmh ten minutes early but then sat on tarmac for twenty minutes because a plane was at our gate, so we had to wait despite the pilot tellling us that 3 other gates were open.

This low cost airline looks and fells more like a local bus. In a 6 hour flight not being able to recline a seat is torture. The only thing available with no charge is a glass of water provided by, mostly, rude staff. Our luggage didn’t arrive

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.

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.

Not what it used to be. The sale of food makes them look greedy!

Avianca is not what it used to be. So disappointing

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

why did we have to go through security mid flight

I didn't eat, so I can't rate the food. Delayed set off was beyond

No free snacks or drinks. Freezing. Uncomfortable. No plugs or entertainment. If you fly to LA the make you change terminals with a slow bus. Awful trip that took forever. Terrible airline- maybe the worst I’ve ever flown.

I hope you continue to be one of the great company

Crew are always very angry and dismissive like they seem they are being forced to work. In addition, there was a long line for the bathrooms, and only one was allowed to be used. No reason was given for only one bathroom being available; apparently, the stewardess was more interested in using the jumpseat instead of allowing the customers to use the bathroom.

Very positive in both directions. Safe travels, nice staff, lost and found in fact found my phone under my chair! I was out of cash after my NYC trip otherwise I would've offered a reward for helping my day out immensly! Thanks you so much Spirit staff!

I stopped flying spirit as much because they are crooks and thieves. It's not like other airlines where you can at least get credits they just take your money.

Flight was on time. Friendly crew. Gate agents in the other hand were very unfriendly.

Uncomfortable seats and tiny tray table. Expensive snacks. Flight was on time and crew was pleasant but take me back to Southwest!

Boarding and unboarding processes were pretty smooth. I gave a low score for Boarding because of how my flight was missing from all the boards at the airport, and when I checked the flight status on the Spirit website, it said it would be departing from Terminal E, gate D15. There are no "D" gates in terminal E.

Speaker airport didn't work well, so we couldn't hear the boarding call but the plane was on time leaving and on time arriving took a while for them to open the door and there was a non-disruptive guy who was inebriated a few rows ahead of us. Overall the flight was good and we appreciate the on-time-ness

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.