$134 Find Cheap Flights from Central America to the United States

1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to the United States

Travelers love KAYAK
41 299 237 searches in the past 7 days on KAYAK

Save 24% or moreCompare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track pricesNot ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your dealsChoose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Useful Info

Good to know

Low seasonFebruary
Cheapest flight$134
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 9% drop 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 
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 (620 flights per week), Copa Airlines (423 flights per week), and Avianca (297 flights per week).

  • How many airports are there in the United States?

    There are 581 airports in the United States. The busiest airport is Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD), 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 $252.

  • 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 $386. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Monday, where round-trip prices are $475 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 $323 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 $502.

  • 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 Atlanta, at $182 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 $262.

  • 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 November, when tickets cost $306 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are March and April, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $472 and $463 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 903 direct flights each week.

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

    There are around 346 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 2,421 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 28m, covering a distance of 1714 miles. The shortest route is San Pedro Sula (SAP) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) with an average flight time of 2h 10m.

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

    Each week there are around 146 long-haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration), 1,100 medium-haul (3-6 hour flight duration) and 1,175 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 (30% of total searches to the United States). The next most popular destinations are Miami (13%) and Houston (12%). Searches for flights to Los Angeles (9%), to Orlando (7%) and to Washington, D.C. (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.
7.5
Copa AirlinesOverall score based on 1580 reviews
8.1Crew
6.8Food
7.8Boarding
7.4Comfort
6.8Entertainment
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.

Booked through Kayak Business, had a seat in middle and towards back due to booking rate, not comfortable.

Was great in general, try to respect time and excuses when slight changes have been made, appreciated!

A long delay. Don't travel late in the day.

Super friendly with lots of drink options an entertainment. Friendly crew.

Flight crew was super friendly and helpful. Food was frequent and honestly pretty good. Plenty of on-board entertainment. Economy seats are super cramped for such a long flight, but the crew allowed people to get up and stretch, and kids could wander with their parents, so we all made it work. Overall a very good experience.

Standard flight with a drinks and a snack- overall very quick flight. The flight attendants were very strict, bordered on rude.

Outstanding service, efficient & friendly crew, flight was safe, comfortable & on time

Outstanding service, great food, friendly & efficient crew, safe & comfortable flight

Staff were not attentive, wifi did not work, cut my head in the bathroom due to the position of the soap on the sink, had blood running down my face, told staff, they had no expression no sympathy, didn't even say "sorry", they said "oh we will have a look at that" about 10 mins later the purser brought me a bandaid, still no sorry.... Shocking

Starlink is great Crew was polite Business class didn’t get a welcome drink just water and snacks were ok

I would like a refund for the extra cost the seat I paid for. An oversized person sat next to me and I couldn’t fit on my seat and had to move to another seat.

Boarding gate at LAX was too crowded—two gates next to one another

The flight was delayed about an hour for a maintenance specialist to approve the maintenance repair

This flight was delayed but it worked in my favor because my Atlanta to Dallas flight was delayed.

This was a hard flight. 3 delays out of OKC (1 on the Tarmac). Delay in Atlanta coming to Dallas. total travel time was the equivalent of driving from OKC to Atlanta.

Like: flights are on time, good boarding process Can improve: planes are old, improve entertainment and make space more comfortable

Had to wait for a gate for a long time, then waited on the run way for a long time before leaving. The actual flights part was good.

Poor... food was horrible, boarding very slow, service on board mediocre

The airplane was an old model, the overhead didn’t have enough room for people’s items and made boarding and boarding disappointing and stressful. Crew allowed passengers to bring more than the permitted baggage sizes.

Flying in the United States with the major airlines has become so underwhelming. A 2-3hr flight in most other parts of the world with the major carriers of the area comes with newer, CLEANER aircraft and significantly better in flight service in terms of both staff attitude and a actual meal service.

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!

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.

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

The flight was delayed for over an hour. No one at the gate said anything about the flight being delayed. I had to rely on my phone for updates. Absolutely no communication at the gate.

The AC broke and we were onboard for 2 hrs waiting for them to fix it. It was so hot and we could not get any water or anything to drink. They finally let us off the plane after the second attempt and we boarded a new plane. We didn't land till 12:15am!

The boarding process was simple but the seats were very uncomfortable. The staff lady was also very hard to understand when she spoke over the intercom about procedures and updates. Other staff members seemed like they were just tired and didnt want to be on the plane. Im used to happy attendants and being able to understand what is said over the speakers.

The seats on this aircraft were so uncomfortable it was like sitting on high school gym bleachers. I’m not sure we will fly spirit again. I also paid for the so called shortcut security and ended up being told to get in the regular security line, don’t waste your money.

There was no flight. Call the airline and confirmed. I have no idea why you think that I flew on the days that you say I did.

They canceled my flight and never told me. There was no follow up email. I had to buy another ticket the day of.

Easy to get our TSA pre check #added. Flight crew was great and entertaining and we landed early!

Flight was delayed 6plus hours Did not take flight Customer service was terrible Will never fly again and will spread how terrible you are You stink

I didnt have a flight. Kayak must be on drugs because I confirmed with spirit that I had no booked flight.

We were surprised to be charged $99 for a personal item. And of course everything offered on the flight was an additional charge. Other than that the pilot flew and landed the plane well and the attendants and fellow passengers were nice enough.

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.