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Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$183
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 21% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 5% lower on average.
Flight from Guatemala City to Chicago O'Hare Airport

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 
Verified travelerFlew with Copa Airlines-Aug 2026
Tips for Flying From Panama City to Chicago Overall, the flight experience was good and the crew was excellent, very friendly, professional, and attentive throughout the journey. My only issue was with the baggage/liquor policy during the connection in Panama City. I had purchased liquor in Montego Bay and packed it in my luggage, but I was required to check my carry-on bag in Panama and couldn’t take it onboard as planned. What was confusing was that I later purchased more liquor in the Panama airport and was allowed to bring that onboard without any issue. It would be helpful if the baggage and duty-free liquor rules were communicated more clearly to passengers connecting through Panama so there are no surprises.
Jose DavidFlew with Delta-Aug 2026
Don’t bring too much carry-on luggage, Usually, the flight is full, and there is no space for them
Verified travelerFlew with United Airlines-Apr 2026
If you have a connecting flight in SFO you have to grab your bag and recheck it
AFlew with Copa Airlines-Jan 2026
Bring your own food and your own screen because you won’t have any for the next couple of hours.
JeffreyFlew with Copa Airlines-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-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-Apr 2025
Take a day flight, window seat, the view is fantastic. Avoid Spirit at all costs.
RicardoFlew with Alaska Airlines-Mar 2025
BRING YOUR OWN SNAKS NOT MUCH HERE TO CHOOSE NONE OF THEM HEALTHY OPTIONS
Verified travelerFlew with Copa Airlines-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-Jan 2025
Pack your lunch or dinner with you either from airport restaurant.
RobertFlew with United Airlines-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-Feb 2025
International transfer at HIA was difficult with self baggage transfer, multiple security screens.
AdrianFlew with Copa Airlines-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-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-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-May 2024
Bring something to drink or eat, at least sweets especially if traveling with children or are elderly.
KathyFlew with American Airlines-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-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-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-Mar 2024
Bring a pillow Bring phones charged Bring your own entertainment Be patient for luggage to get off plane.
JulioFlew with Avianca-May 2024
Check carry on status before. Check in online to avoid lines.
DominicFlew with Alaska Airlines-Feb 2024
Take the direct flight to avoid an overnight layover
MayumiFlew with Avianca-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 (767 flights per week), Copa Airlines (467 flights per week), and American Airlines (308 flights per week).

  • How many airports are there in the United States?

    There are 577 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 Tampa Airport (TPA), with an average flight price of $265.

  • 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 $495. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Sunday, where round-trip prices are $653 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 $402 on average. Morning departures are around 60% 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 $643.

  • What is the cheapest flight to the United States?

    The cheapest ticket to the United States from Central America found in the last 5 days was to Orlando Airport, at $156 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 5 days was $257.

  • 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 December, when tickets cost $229 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are August and September, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $434 and $392 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 20% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 20 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 991 direct flights each week.

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

    There are around 420 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 2,937 direct flights from within Central America to the United States. The most common day for departures is Sunday, 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 31m, covering a distance of 1677 miles. The shortest route is San Pedro Sula (SAP) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) with an average flight time of 2h 18m.

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

    Each week there are around 47 long-haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration), 1,255 medium-haul (3-6 hour flight duration) and 1,635 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 (19%) and Houston (15%). Searches for flights to Los Angeles (10%), to Washington, D.C. (8%) and to Dallas (4%) 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.
7.8
Volaris Costa RicaOverall score based on 81 reviews
7.9Boarding
7.5Comfort
8.2Crew
5.2Entertainment
5.8Food
Airline reviews

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

8.0 ExcellentJanice, Feb 2026
Read more Volaris Costa Rica reviews

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

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.

We were made to check our carry-on luggage because it did not fit the measurements. That’s what we were told, but I saw plenty of carry-on luggage on the plane that was the same size as ours

Flight Crew Review The crew was absolutely amazing from start to finish! They were friendly, professional, attentive, and genuinely made the flight feel comfortable and enjoyable. Every interaction was pleasant, and they went above and beyond to make sure passengers were taken care of. You could really tell that they cared about providing great service. I truly appreciate their kindness and professionalism and would be happy to fly with this crew again!

stood in line to check in luggage for nearly an hour. very poor service and not excusable

Same as the previous flight as far as comfort and food. Entertainment didn’t have a watchable screen so everything would need to be watched on your own device in which they didn’t have a charging port that accommodated my iPhone. Seats were very uncomfortable. Staff was very friendly.

Do not book it’s a scam! They stole $1200 from me

Flight got delayed; had to go through security three times.

A lot things happened in this trip.The fly should be less stress.

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

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

I need to note that this flight experience was generally fine but the boarding situation was absolutely a mess and there wasn’t any actual priority boarding. I rated the experience poorly because I’m am genuinely so frustrated with the crew on United taking the baggage space in first class. This flight it didn’t happen, but the last few flights (when I ironically don’t get an opportunity to provide feedback) have been spoiled because upon entering the first class cabin as one of the first few seated passengers, the overhead bins are full and ‘crew’’ tags are on the bags of those taking space. I don’t intend to infer some sort of a class or caste system but it’s absolutely ridiculous that the crew takes the overhead storage above and beyond their most loyal and lucrative customers. They should not even have economy space IMO. And I’ve gotten grief when I’ve noted to the crew the ridiculousness of the notion that the crew (who are the last off the plane) should have priority over flyers who pay. I hope you find a way to convey this message to United because it’s happening with increasing frequency and I intend to find a way to expose the specific crew members who are doing this on a flight by flight basis. (And I have a day job)

I had bad experience with United airline. No live rep, they only have AI that respond to customers concern

Great flight and crew. Need more legroom and DO NOT allow seats to recline.

Flight and crew were great. Need more legroom and do not allow seats to recline.

Bathrooms broken, Wifi not working, Direct TV stuck in a United credit card loop for whole flight

We arrived to Chicago nearly 30 minutes early, which was great, but then was on the ground for over an hour because the gate was not available. The issue I had was the pilot estimation was frustrating. First he said he was informed it would be 20 minutes but he said "it will probably be more like 10 minutes". After 30 minutes he came back on the comm and said it would be another 10 minutes, maybe 20. I understand he was only giving estimates but he also layered in his own gut feel. We were never told why we didn't have a gate even after our scheduled entry.

Just sat on the run way after we arrived early

New Max 10, first class seats have been shrunk. End of a 20 hour journey, it was United not Lufthansa, just glad to get home

The Code Share with Air Canada was not very streamlined. I had to check in at airport (not online) on the outbound and return flights

Worst boarding experience, flight extremely delayed causing super tight connect and deplaning was a disaster as ppl were pushing and shoving to get off. Then after flying over 8 hours had to get off a job to next flight. Limited beverage service in Business class (water or white wine) no food. The plane was very cold (temperature) so uncomfortable

Cabin staff were very disengaged, spoke with no eye contact, dismissive. Disappointing compared to my United experiences.

awful delay, awful communication, zero updates throughout the experience of a giant delay

It was decent, there was no WiFi on the flight but the FA’s gave everyone a warning once we boarded the plane. Unfortunately it didn't give me enough time to download my entertainment content.

On Time. AA is late due to maintenance all the time.

Seats were very tight for a 17 hour flight. Baby cried for 15 out of 17 hours.

The seat configuration was insane. Horrible. Had to jump over sleeping people to go the bathroom. The food was the best we’ve had in any Business class.

Our plane was delayed for an hour because they had the wrong tow truck that pulls the plane out of the gate. An hour late just to find the right vehicle that pushes the plane out of the gate area! The delay made us barely make our connecting flight but of course our luggage didn’t make it. So no luggage when we arrived at our destination.

Flight attendant super rude demanding I remove my carry on baggage from overhead and place under seat. I stated I am an ADA passenger and need the leg room as the seats are very tight. That’s why I boarded early for the extra time to get situated. She said, we need the space. I replied “How can that be as only a few passengers have boarded so far? I am executive platinum status so I understand the rules and you are discriminating against ADA federal law. Please stop”. Her answer… then you should find another flight! Not ok. Addressed with senior flight attendant. So unprofessional and discriminatory.

Perfect from check in at the airport to the flight all staff were very friendly The plane was nice and clean and modern Because I’m here in the UK to visit my Dad who’s critically ill the details of me getting here were very important and nice to see staff being pleasant and professional

Both departure and return flights had mechanical delays. Their planes are antiquated resulting in a two hour flight taking almost four hours to complete.

There were three people in an economy seat in my row, but the row in front of me, which had the same class of service only had one person. I could barely move and the person in front of me slept on all three seats. If you had moved one person from my row to the row in front, the configuration would have been two on each row with the middle seat empty

It’s a new plane, but the most important detail is that the economy class seat doesn't recline—it’s completely fixed. The only one that reclines is in Comfort Class.

Better seats, allow us to upgrade, terrible website, poor telephone service, better equipment

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.

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

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

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

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