$81 Find Cheap Flights from Central America to the United States

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Low seasonMarch
High seasonDecember
Cheapest flight$81
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 1% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 3% 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 
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.
Verified travelerFlew with United AirlinesGUA-IADMar 2025
All ok except the leg of journey from Toronto to St. John’s which was operated by AC
Verified travelerFlew with United AirlinesGUA-LAXApr 2025
Just make sure all your paperwork is in order
NiranjanFlew with American AirlinesSJO-CLTDec 2024
Good direct flight from CostaRica to CLT passenger
RajFlew with Copa AirlinesPTY-SFOJan 2025
Pack your lunch or dinner with you either from airport restaurant.
juliaFlew with American AirlinesGUA-MIAFeb 2025
be prepared to run to your connecting flight
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.
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 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 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
OlgaFlew with AviancaGUA-LAXJul 2024
Don’t book Avianca. Go for Alaska Air instead.
Ana MariaFlew with Spirit AirlinesSJO-FLLJun 2024
You get what you paid for and even then you have to pay for inconveniences…Fort Lauderdale Hollywood was a mess yesterday.
Verified travelerFlew with AviancaSAL-JFKJul 2024
Avianca has poor customer service. And I do not recommend this airline.
Verified travelerFlew with Copa AirlinesPTY-BWIMar 2024
COPA Airlines has excellent nonstop service to Panama City. Everybody was very helpful and the flights were excellent. Panamá City Airport ( PTY) was very modern and efficient. Security is taken very seriously, but everyone was very friendly and helpful. Just allow for the time coming in and going out.
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 AviancaGUA-LAXMay 2024
Bring something to drink or eat, at least sweets especially if traveling with children or are elderly.
JerFlew with Alaska AirlinesLIR-LAXMay 2024
Alaska air still allows 1 personal and 1 carry on. Alaska is quick, courteous and helpful
JulioFlew with AviancaGUA-LAXMay 2024
Check carry on status before. Check in online to avoid lines.
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.
Verified travelerFlew with AviancaSAL-SFOMar 2024
Bring a pillow Bring phones charged Bring your own entertainment Be patient for luggage to get off plane.
AdrianaFlew with AviancaSAL-SFOApr 2024
Skip Avianca. They are a low budget airlines with rude flight crew.
Verified travelerFlew with United AirlinesRTB-IAHFeb 2024
United was very convenient and worked out great with Ferry times to Utila
MayumiFlew with AviancaSAL-LAXJan 2024
Eat well before boarding and bring your own entertainment.
DominicFlew with Alaska AirlinesBZE-SEAFeb 2024
Take the direct flight to avoid an overnight layover
stephanieFlew with Spirit AirlinesXPL-FLLFeb 2024
Fly anything but spirit. It’s worth the extra cost
serenaFlew with Spirit AirlinesSJO-FLLJan 2024
Choose a different airline than Spirit. The plane had no running water for hand washing and they charged $5 for a bottle of water.

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 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 $207.

  • 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 Thursday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $394. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Monday, where round-trip prices are $483 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 at night, when round-trip flights cost $372 on average. Morning departures are around 10% 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 $532.

  • 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 $133 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 $174.

  • 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 June, when tickets cost $432 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are November and October, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $712 and $682 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. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 26 weeks before departure.

  • How long is the flight to the United States?

    An average nonstop flight from Central America to the United States takes 4h 47m, covering a distance of 1792 miles. The shortest route is San Pedro Sula (SAP) to Miami (MIA) with an average flight time of 2h 17m.

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

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is New York (29% of total searches to the United States). The next most popular destinations are Los Angeles (12%) and Miami (12%). Searches for flights to Houston (9%), to Orlando (7%) and to Washington, D.C. (6%) are also popular.

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 1414 reviews
6.8Entertainment
7.4Comfort
7.8Boarding
8.1Crew
6.8Food
Airline reviews

We were in transit from Lima (flight at 1.10am) and we were in stand by in our flight from Panama to Washington. We wait from 4.30 am to 18.30pm in the Airport. The company give us 2 x 15 dollars for eat during the day and a personnal travel voucher of 400 dollars each. Do they buy food one time something in the Airport ??? And one of us live in France so the voucher is not usable. More than 24 hours travel !! And our place were near the toilets, with 8 children around us. The boy behind my seat stamped his feet on my back all the flight. Really Wonder full ! So we are totally unhappy with our travel. Thanks Copa Airlines....

2.0 MediocreCec, Apr 2025PTY - IAD
Read more Copa Airlines reviews

We were in transit from Lima (flight at 1.10am) and we were in stand by in our flight from Panama to Washington. We wait from 4.30 am to 18.30pm in the Airport. The company give us 2 x 15 dollars for eat during the day and a personnal travel voucher of 400 dollars each. Do they buy food one time something in the Airport ??? And one of us live in France so the voucher is not usable. More than 24 hours travel !! And our place were near the toilets, with 8 children around us. The boy behind my seat stamped his feet on my back all the flight. Really Wonder full ! So we are totally unhappy with our travel. Thanks Copa Airlines....

My flight delayed and i misss the connection they send me to orlando no to tampa i have to pay a uber to my house

I upgraded myself to Business Class at the last minute so I had a DREAMS window seat. Seeing as I've never flown Business before everything was novel and fun for me and it made the 7 hour flight much more enjoyable for sure.

It was reasonably comfortable trip considering its duration (7 hours). Crew was very good and friendly, seats very more comfortable than other planes. Only negative comment would be that the bathroom light did not get its full brightness 🙃

The flight was delayed about 4 hours without any explanation. No wifi or entertainment at all on planes. Had to pay for checked bags I was allowed according to reservations.

Copa stranded us ans then tried to charge us thousands to leave Panama.

I loved my experience. Very safe, Very informative and very friendly.

At JFK the Security line was extremely long and few checkpoints open.

Flight attendant -José? - was over the top friendly and professional. Beautiful new plane with lie flat seats in Business (worth it!)

Horrible food. No wine or any other alcohol is served on the flight. Water is not served often and they refused when I asked for water in two cups. On the other hand, both going and coming back flights were on time.

Our flights got changed from United to Air Canada and our purchased seats did not get transferred so we had to pay for seats twice. I brought it up with Air Canada and they stated I had to go back and chase it with United. The united seats were $21 Canadian each and Air Canada were $56 each so we have paid $77 for each seat. Very unhappy

A bit rush for transit. Food and entertainment are not available

So far so good but food and entertainment are not available for this flight

Multiple delays and not straight answer from the United team

Stewardess spilled orange juice on my clothes/seat no help no apology just threw napkins at me to clean the mess up. Not Happy.

Smooth flight. Boarding was chaotic. Could not hear the gate agent over the intercom. People were lined up in the wrong lines. Groups one and two were told to board through line one and group 3 through line 2. All very confusing. Once in the air, the flight was smooth. There was no entertainment option on this aircraft, even though it was a larger aircraft.

The plane pushed back from the gate on time. However, it stopped on the ramp, and we waited for over 20 minutes before the aircraft pulled back to the gate. Apparently, something of importance had to be removed from the aircraft by the gate agent. I found this to be odd. The delay was not significant, but I felt that whatever was on the aircraft that had to be taken off, should’ve been done before we pushed back from the gate.

Electric plugs didn't work. Entertainment system wasn't working

The design of the light switch on the arm rest is ridiculous.

Smooth boarding process. Early departure, smooth flight, early arrival. The entertainment package has very good recent movie options. The flight crew were friendly and professional.

Paid $35 and not able to access the internet at all.

Several delays. Next flight was worse. Did not arrive home until 2am PT

Very helpful ground crew after an earlier flight delay and being rebooked on a different flight.

Everything about the flight was lovely…We left early, arrived early, cabin crew were efficient and helpful. Flight was easy and most pleasant.

First world problems, but still… We were seated in first class and asked for a cocktail on a very short, 50 minute flight. After our drink order was taken, a half hour went by, and we noticed that every other person in the small plane had been served except for us. We got up to ask about it, the drinks finally came, then were taken away three minutes later since the flight was so short. Really strange situation, on the other hand, we were in Utah.

We missed our flight. The boarding pass had the wrong gate and by the time we received the text from Kayak, our flight was already gone. I’ll never use Kayak again and will go direct to the airlines in the future.

Boarding took forever, the plane was cramped and cold, and the seatbelt song came on constantly throughout the red eye flight with a loud pre-recorded message playing each time

Cabin felt crammed Snacks are lame But crew was super efficient getting us out on time despite delay

Flight was delayed bc of mechanical issue. New plane had different configuration so some seats had to be switched. They called all passengers who needed new boarding cards. They did not call us so we thought our seats were the same and fine. When we boarded they informed us our receipts had changed and we are now all sitting separate and in the back row. Both my daughters had meltdowns and started to cry and once we got on the flight, we figured out how we could sit closer to each other, but this was very upsetting.

Took off on time and successfully avoided weather that looked to be a problem along the way

A few years ago long flights 6 hours or so used to have video screens and they offered ear phones. The food cart used to come and drinks. Now absolutely nothing. Avianca is as bad as Spirit Airlines. Avianca will now be my last choice when booking my next flight.

Terrible, We had to stay in Bogota for two days due to weather but the airline did not provide for the same day flight. Only two days later

The seats were very uncomfortable. I would have upgrade or got different flight if I knew. I usually sleep in the plane but I couldn’t sleep at all. Very uncomfortable. Also no food or drink everything was to purchase, and that’s u usual for international flight.

We did not know about the bag fees until check in. They are way too high. It’s insane. We also had a huge delay and everything costed extra which was very annoying.

Boarding was somewhat confusing in that the wrong messages were being displayed at the gate. It was somewhat annoying that I got off one flight and straight onto another (from the same gate), but in between they re-checked my hand luggage and made me get rid of my water (which they charge for on the plane). I was sitting in their 'Plus' seating, but the leg room was still too small to be able to sit square. The food options on the flights are pretty cheap quality (but not price). They got me from 'A' to 'B' on-time and for a relatively good price, but the experience itself was below average.

Flew with our two children. Paid $380 to check two bags (one was overweight). They then left the bags behind on Sunday, December 21st, with all our family’s clothes and family Christmas presents. When we arrived at our destination they told us the bags had not arrived, and they thought (but didn’t know) they were still in Boston, but that there’d be a flight the next day and the bags would arrive the next day. The next day we found out there was no flight, now we’re hoping we get our bags before we fly back out. Meanwhile, trying to get any engagement or accurate information is a waste of time. The folks at the call center are just gatekeepers, who can’t connect with any departments that actually do things to solve a problem. Getting information is made deliberately difficult. My biggest regret is that I’ve had a number of awful experiences with Avianca traveling between the US and Colombia, and still let myself get suckered into buying these tickets because the schedule was great. Never again.

We were not aware carry-on bags cost extra until we arrived at the airport so, we were charged $240.00 for two small carry- on bags! There was a substantial fee for drinks and snacks. No wifi, or other entertainment was available. Waiting areas were crowded and uncomfortable.

Overpriced checked bag price of $120 and they charge you for carryon if the size is not minimal of $120.

Be very careful of the initial low price because Avianca wil bill you for a carryon of $120 or a checked bag for $120. Also, be careful with connections because the customs entry process is slow and the connecting terminal is not close.

Felt very cramped in the back of plane. There was an hour delay for take off sitting on the runway, but we did arrive on time. They charge $120 for carry on bag and backpack at the airport its ridiculous.

I mean, it’s Spirit. But it was frustrating to have our flight canceled, get bumped to a later flight, and then Spirit was unwilling to check our bag until 4 hours before our flight… tell us we could not sit in the waiting area’s chairs… and really negative experience getting checked in and dropping the bag.

Not having it be changed after we bought the flight tickets from a direct flight getting in at a reasonable time to a connecting flight red eye of 9 hours, so that we would lose our 35 dollars in nonrefundable insurance would've been great! Our country really does need low-cost carrier options, but this type of "service" ain't it. Fortunately, had a little better success with them flying to and from San Juan PR last month at least.

All was good expecting the seats need a bit of cushion. Besides that I can’t complain.

You get what you pay for, and the flights went smoothly. There’s no reclining chairs, no screens, And there isn’t always wifi, but the plane was clean and staff was friendly and the takeoff/landing were smooth.

The only positive is that the flight made it both ways. Getting charged for every little thing after the cost of the ticket itself is comical, considering how the plane and services are as bottom-tier as possible. The self check-in kiosks are useless. It’s nice to think that you can print your boarding pass, tag your checked bag, and then just drop it off. But no, they still make you go through the line once you finish- what’s the point of the self check-in then? Any questions for the staff seem like the biggest inconvenience and were met with condescending responses. This was my first and now last time ever flying with Spirit. After all the extra costs, subpar plane and staff, I see no value. I’d rather drive the 13 hours than give Spirit another dime.

The flight was fine however what started as a reasonable priced ticket could have become an overpriced ticket with additional charge for carry on as well as checked bag $79 per bag per person each way. Additional charge for choosing one’s seat, additional charge for beverage and snack, we were on what was described as a new plane yet there were no audio/visual on the jet. A bare bones service but not at a bare bones price. Will think twice before flying Spirit again. 😕

Flight was delayed a bit, but that was expected (and updated), so really not bad at all for the price. Could’ve used one less email asking me to upgrade my seat; otherwise no significant complaints

I love Spirit. New aircraft, great cabin service, the airfares are low cost which helps me visit my hospitalized daughter anytime I can without paying a fortune.

Flight was 2hours late they had no crew or the pilot.

I paid for streaming wifi and the connection was poor.

Book cheap flights from Central America to the United States

Recent round-trip flight deals

5/22Thu
nonstopSpirit Airlines
3h 23mSJO-MCO
5/27Tue
nonstopSpirit Airlines
3h 19mMCO-SJO
$123
5/22Thu
nonstopSpirit Airlines
3h 23mSJO-MCO
5/27Tue
nonstopSpirit Airlines
3h 19mMCO-SJO
$125
5/22Thu
1 stopAvianca
4h 55mGUA-MIA
5/28Wed
1 stopAvianca
5h 25mMIA-GUA
$154
5/14Wed
1 stopAvianca
5h 30mGUA-MIA
5/17Sat
1 stopAvianca
10h 00mMIA-GUA
$158
6/23Mon
1 stopCopa Airlines
10h 20mGUA-MIA
7/6Sun
2 stopsCopa Airlines
17h 13mMIA-GUA
$210
7/10Thu
1 stopCopa Airlines
5h 30mSJO-FLL
7/17Thu
1 stopCopa Airlines
15h 23mFLL-SJO
$212
7/23Wed
1 stopUnited Airlines
13h 15mSJO-MIA
8/25Mon
1 stopUnited Airlines
21h 33mMIA-SJO
$227
7/19Sat
1 stopUnited Airlines
15h 09mSJO-MIA
8/19Tue
1 stopUnited Airlines
29h 46mMIA-SJO
$232
9/11Thu
1 stopAmerican Airlines
8h 51mSJO-MCO
9/16Tue
1 stopAmerican Airlines
14h 46mMCO-SJO
$247
9/12Fri
2 stopsAmerican Airlines
10h 37mSJO-MCO
9/15Mon
1 stopAmerican Airlines
14h 46mMCO-SJO
$251

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Recent one-way flight deals

5/22Thu
nonstopSpirit Airlines
3h 23mSJO-MCO
$81
5/22Thu
nonstopSpirit Airlines
3h 23mSJO-MCO
$82
6/18Wed
2 stopsAvianca
6h 15mGUA-MIA
$102
5/23Fri
2 stopsAvianca
9h 00mSJO-MIA
$108
5/9Fri
2 stopsCopa Airlines
14h 58mGUA-MIA
$122
5/8Thu
1 stopCopa Airlines
10h 26mGUA-MIA
$126
6/17Tue
1 stopUnited Airlines
17h 12mGUA-MIA
$134
5/26Mon
1 stopUnited Airlines
7h 32mGUA-MIA
$140
6/3Tue
2 stopsAmerican Airlines
12h 11mSJO-MCO
$152
8/20Wed
2 stopsAmerican Airlines
12h 06mSJO-MCO
$153

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Last minute flights from Central America to the United States

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

5/2Fri
nonstopSpirit Airlines
3h 07mSJO-FLL
5/6Tue
nonstopSpirit Airlines
2h 58mFLL-SJO
$156
5/5Mon
nonstopSpirit Airlines
2h 55mSJO-FLL
5/10Sat
nonstopSpirit Airlines
2h 54mFLL-SJO
$160
5/4Sun
multi-stopAvianca
5h 10mSJO-MIA
5/9Fri
multi-stopAvianca
7h 50mMIA-SJO
$169
5/4Sun
nonstopAvianca
2h 50mSJO-MIA
5/9Fri
multi-stopAvianca
5h 35mMIA-SJO
$197
5/4Sun
multi-stopCopa Airlines
7h 25mGUA-MIA
5/28Wed
multi-stopCopa Airlines
9h 25mMIA-GUA
$210
5/2Fri
multi-stopCopa Airlines
9h 24mGUA-MIA
5/6Tue
multi-stopCopa Airlines
7h 15mMIA-GUA
$221
5/2Fri
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
17h 30mSJO-EWR
5/11Sun
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
18h 17mEWR-SJO
$263
5/2Fri
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
14h 30mSJO-EWR
5/11Sun
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
18h 17mEWR-SJO
$267
5/2Fri
multi-stopUnited Airlines
24h 41mSJO-EWR
5/5Mon
multi-stopUnited Airlines
17h 51mEWR-SJO
$274
5/2Fri
multi-stopUnited Airlines
26h 03mSJO-EWR
5/5Mon
nonstopUnited Airlines
5h 18mEWR-SJO
$307

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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.

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