$162 Find Cheap Flights from Central America to the United States

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Low seasonFebruary
Cheapest flight$160
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 11% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 1% increase in price.
Flight from San José to Orlando 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 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.
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 (590 flights per week), American Airlines (370 flights per week), and Copa Airlines (332 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 9% 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 $259.

  • 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 $389. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Monday, 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 $325 on average. Morning departures are around 56% 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 $506.

  • What is the cheapest flight to the United States?

    The cheapest ticket to the United States from Central America found in the last 7 days was to Newark Airport, at $184 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 7 days was $197.

  • 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 August, when tickets cost $545 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and July, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $787 and $660 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 29% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 18 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 681 direct flights each week.

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

    There are around 307 direct flights from within Central America to the United States every day. Most flights (49%) depart in the morning.

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

    Each week there are around 2,146 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 35m, covering a distance of 1735 miles. The shortest route is San Pedro Sula (SAP) to Miami (MIA) with an average flight time of 2h 21m.

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

    Each week there are around 104 long-haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration), 909 medium-haul (3-6 hour flight duration) and 1,133 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 (31% of total searches to the United States). The next most popular destinations are Miami (13%) and Houston (12%). Searches for flights to Orlando (8%), to Los Angeles (8%) and to Washington, D.C. (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.
7.5
Copa AirlinesOverall score based on 1576 reviews
6.8Entertainment
7.4Comfort
7.8Boarding
8.1Crew
6.9Food
Airline reviews

Entire experience from check in to landing was amazing the flight crew was excellent and friendly. Seats were comfortable.

10.0 ExcellentK Anson, Apr 2026
POS - PTY
Read more Copa Airlines reviews

Entire experience from check in to landing was amazing the flight crew was excellent and friendly. Seats were comfortable.

Boarding was confusing from staff telling going to preboard and than to group 1 Airplane was not cooling at the beginning

Friendly crew, good food options, food not the best and seats not as comfy but that’s typical.

The food is terrible I ask for water never got transport my mother we’re late and my sister from Lima was the worst waiting to long for wheelchair

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.

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.

Had a one hour delay due to mechanical issue. I didn’t think I’d be able to make my connecting flight, but they waited for me and greeted me when I arrived to help things run smooth.

Broken tray table. Erratic service. Premium economy is more economy than premium- other airlines treat PE much better. No lounge access.

6 1/2 hours from Tampa to SFO on a Boeing 737. Cramped. No Service. No real food. One pass for coffee at the beginning and a second pass THREE hours later. And check-in in Tampa was nasty even by United standards. And I am at almost TWO million miles on United. It's a non-stop. But terrible service.

MY FAMILY'S LUGGAGE WAS LOST FROM ROME TO BARI. I WAS THE ONLY ONE THAT RECEIVED MY LUGGAGE FROM ROME TO BARI. AFTER DEPLANING IN BARI, WE WASTED A LOT OF TIME AT BAG CLAIMS LOST AND FOUND REPORTING THE CLAIM AND PLEADING FOR THE BAGS TO BE DELIVERED THE NEXT DAY. WE WERE TOLD THAT IT TAKES 3 DAYS MINIMUM TO DELIVER. MY DAUGHTER AND MY GIRLFRIEND NEEDED THEIR PERSONAL THINGS AND WE WERE STAYING 3 HOURS AWAY FROM THE BARI AIRPORT. WE HAD TO DRIVE 3 HOURS TO THE AIRPORT TO COLLECT OUR LOST LUGGAGE THE NEXT DAY. WE ARE NOT HAPPY WITH THE EXPERIENCE

We had a delay, but thankfully I made it to my connection. Overall it went smooth

The flight had a delay but I made it to my connection. Flight was smooth overall

As I wrote earlier, poor planning and/or communication. At least twice, we were told that we would be boarding in less than ten minutes, only to have the flight again delayed at least another hour.

Our flight from Nice to Newark ran an hour late, and the food was mediocre, but it was fine. The problem was that we were scheduled to have a 4.5-hour layover in Newark, but then our flight to RDU was almost four hours late, finally departing at almost 11:30 p.m. We understand that flight delays were caused by weather problems in the East. However, there were at least two times, when were told that we would begin boarding in just a few minutes, only to have the flight delayed another 1.0-1.5 hours. This meant that we would leave a restaurant or the United Club, go to the gate, only to learn that there would be another major delay. Poor planning and/or communication.

This flight is a quick way to get to Chicago, but a bit expensive.

There were no facilities in the middle of the aircraft and premium economy was not allowed to use the business class facilities, and had to share the only two toilets at the back with economy. The upgrade to Premium was definitely not worth it

We got delayed getting out of DFW for broken overhead bins. Once the flight got underway the captain kept the seatbelt sign lit the entire flight despite little perceptible turbulence, preventing use of the rest rooms and any sort of refreshment service in the main cabin.

Flight delays for communication overall not a good experience uncomfortable on the plane. Person in front of me reclined his seat, putting them inches from my lap.

There were flight delays making our flight arrive at our destination after midnight didn’t seem to have enough crew or airplanes for the flights laid over in Dallas should’ve had plenty of time to make it to our next flight only made it because that flight was also delayed because our plane wasn’t even at the airport yet overall have not had a good experience on American

Flight left on time. Captain provided relevant announcements. We had to wait 45 minutes to desembark due to the ramp closed because of lightening.

The homeless eat better than what was served on that plane. Pretzels and ice cream? My last trip to Europe. Everything is small, but the bill.

Cancelled flight. Still waiting to get home for grand daughter’s graduation .

So overall the flight was just average and nothing special. They overbooked some of the flights and they ended up running out of overhead storage space so we had to check our carry-ons which wasn't terrible but we were inconvenienced because of the second connecting flight with a long layover we couldn't get our bags until the final destination. Most of the flight attendants were pretty good and overall the meals were not that great because the chicken was dry and overcooked. They also didn't provide butter or any kind of spread with the bread which is cheap and concerning. The American airlines staff at the check-in counter was kind of unprofessional because this lady just started singing in the middle of checking us in and that's weird. The worst part of the flights was the terrible conditions of the bathrooms which were unclean and did not have toilet paper or toilet tissue available which is kind of insane for a 14-hour and 8 and 1/2 hour flight.

The seat when "flat" was not flat and pad was too thin to cover it.

Awful customer service, horrible experience. We travel a lot domestic & international- worst flights to/from ever. Brief bkgd as Inhate to relive this experience: booked and chose 2 seats 4 months prior in Premium Economy - last row end seats close to bathroom, no one behind us, plenty of legroom;, underwear storage — flown this was on other airlines, love it. We receive notice 4 days before scheduled overseas flight - plane has changed, new seats assigned. Seats are split into single seats, opposites of the plane, FRONT Row so no reachable storage. Called BOTH British Air & America. American “switched planes and the seats you want are taken;” British Air “Yes, we’ll be glad to accommodate you (type type type). Just ask at the Gate and someone will give you new boarding passes with seats together in middle, OK?” — OK. —At Gate the attendant looks us up saying “No, it is an overbooked flight and yours are the only seats available.” But but but wait, “We were TOLD our seats had been switched and seated together?” Gate attendant “Well they were wrong and don’t change your seats. Your original seats are where you’ll sit.”. Right. No help WHATSOEVER. We sit opposite on way there, wife VERY disgruntled, a Tol 5 worst ways to start a 3-week bus tour of UK. We promise to NEVER FLY AMERICAN OR BROTISH AIR EVER, and we have 3 more extensive trips planned..

Requested early boarding to disinfect seat, tray table, etc. before general boarding. Instructed to board after wheelchair passengers. Waited on jet bridge behind 12 wheelchair passengers. Stopped immediately after entering plane to wait for gate agent in rear of plane cleaning a seat that was wet, got to my row and found both seats adjacent to mine already occupied, with the lack of room making it impossible for me to clean my own space and defeating the purpose of my boarding early. Cleaned the armrests and tray table as best I could.

The employees at the gate were not communicating, they preferred to give the upgrade to pilots and not to the elite passengers Every flight I more disappointing, clients shooed be priority instead of other employees even if they are pilots, there was plenty room for pilots in economy

This was my first time flying with you guys and my very last! This was the most horrible experience!!! There was not even tv in the plane! How cheap can this airline be!!! I paid so much for my suitcase!!! I would never fly with this airline again! The crew are very rude!

The crew was great! They waited for me as Air Canada flight was delayed by 1:15 hours from Ottawa to Toronto. I am a bit disappointed that we could only use wifi for entertainment but I survived! The only thing I would of liked is a more comfortable seat. The seat cushions are not thick enough for flights longer than 3 hours. Aside from that, everything was great.

They should provide water to passengers who ask for it

Seating was tight. Seats don't recline. Initial flight was cancelled. Lost two days of vacation.

I had bad experiences before now was excellent I am glad they have business class again

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.

only a bag of chips and a bottle of water in business class was served

Staff are the rudest in the industry … awful customer service … will never fly Avianca again

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.

My flight today was cancelled because it was Spirit Airlines but have received no refund.

THEY WENT OUT OF BUSINESS AND CANCELED FLIGHT. REPLACEMENT FLIGHTS WERE 300% HIGHER SO MY FAMILY COULD NOT GET TOGETHER. WHY AM I GETTING THIS SURVEY?????

If there WAS a flight it would have been EXCELENT..Maybe?

It would have been better IF IT HAD NOT BEEN CANCELED!!!!

There was no flight. Spirit went bankrupt Right before my departure and kayak did not refund me any money. I would like my refund kayak. How can I get it? Please let me know. Thank you

Flights were canceled due to airline shutting down and haven’t received a reimbursement. Had to book last minute new flights which were expensive

My flight was canceled the morning of the flight. I had to rebook a flight with a different airline that cost me $900 out of my pocket

Had a flight change had to get a credit.will I get my money back.

Shut down without prior notice End up with spending lots of extra $$$

There was a crack in my window seal. And Spirit is now closed forever.

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.