$86 Find Cheap Flights to Central America

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the United States to Central America departing on 1/24. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap Flights to Central America

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
San Salvador
San Salvadornonstop$115
San José
San José1 stop$194
Guatemala City
Guatemala City1 stop$175
Panama City
Panama City1 stop$309
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$235
Managua
Managua1 stop$226
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sulanonstop$122
Flores
Flores3 stops$412
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro2 stops$732
David
David1 stop$459
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town1 stop$479
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa2 stops$510
Placencia
Placencia1 stop$967
San Salvador
San Salvadornonstop$115
San José
San José1 stop$194
Guatemala City
Guatemala City1 stop$175
Panama City
Panama City1 stop$309
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$235
Managua
Managua1 stop$226
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sulanonstop$122
Flores
Flores3 stops$412
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro2 stops$732
David
David1 stop$459
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town1 stop$479
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa2 stops$510
Placencia
Placencia1 stop$967

Book Cheap Central America Plane Tickets

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights to Central America that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals to Central America

Wed, Apr 15 - Thu, Apr 30
American Airlines Logo
6:03 am - 12:24 pm
HOU
-
SAL
7h 21m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
2:30 pm - 9:51 pm
SAL
-
HOU
6h 21m1 stop
$220American Airlines
Wed, Apr 22 - Wed, Apr 29
American Airlines Logo
5:00 am - 12:24 pm
HOU
-
SAL
8h 24m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
2:30 pm - 8:39 am
SAL
-
HOU
17h 09m1 stop
$223American Airlines
Fri, Jan 30 - Fri, Feb 13
American Airlines Logo
6:36 pm - 12:31 pm
HOU
-
SAL
17h 55m2 stops
American Airlines Logo
4:00 pm - 11:47 am
SAL
-
HOU
19h 47m2 stops
$224American Airlines
Sun, May 3 - Wed, May 20
Avianca Logo
3:00 am - 8:40 am
JFK
-
SJO
7h 40m1 stop
Avianca Logo
4:50 pm - 2:15 am
SJO
-
JFK
7h 25m1 stop
$227Avianca
Mon, Jan 19 - Wed, Jan 28
Avianca Logo
10:00 am - 4:10 pm
JFK
-
SJO
7h 10m1 stop
Avianca Logo
10:45 pm - 6:55 am
SJO
-
JFK
7h 10m1 stop
$232Avianca
Fri, Feb 6 - Sat, Feb 14
Delta Logo
6:00 am - 1:10 pm
JFK
-
SAL
8h 10m1 stop
Delta Logo
2:35 pm - 12:50 am
SAL
-
JFK
9h 15m1 stop
$240Delta
Wed, Jan 28 - Thu, Feb 5
Spirit Airlines Logo
4:07 pm - 1:16 pm
LAX
-
GUA
19h 09m2 stops
Spirit Airlines Logo
2:11 pm - 6:02 pm
GUA
-
LAX
29h 51m1 stop
$251Spirit Airlines
Thu, Feb 19 - Mon, Feb 23
United Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 5:25 pm
LAX
-
GUA
8h 25m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
2:40 am - 6:04 am
GUA
-
LAX
5h 24mnonstop
$252United Airlines
Wed, Jan 28 - Tue, Feb 3
Spirit Airlines Logo
4:07 pm - 1:16 pm
LAX
-
GUA
19h 09m2 stops
Spirit Airlines Logo
2:11 pm - 8:22 am
GUA
-
LAX
20h 11m2 stops
$256Spirit Airlines
Wed, Feb 4 - Fri, Feb 20
United Airlines Logo
10:46 pm - 5:45 am
LAX
-
SAL
4h 59mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
6:55 am - 10:30 pm
SAL
-
LAX
17h 35m1 stop
$275United Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for flights to Central America

Get data-powered insights and trends for flights to Central America to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest flight to Central America?

These are the best round-trip prices found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 72 hours.

The cheapest ticket to Central America from the United States found in the last 72 hours was to San José, at $99 round-trip. The most popular route is Atlanta (ATL) to San Salvador (SAL) and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $112.

What is the cheapest month to fly from the United States to Central America?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for flights from the United States to Central America, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from the United States to Central America is May, when tickets cost $407 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and April, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $696 and $677 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from the United States to Central America?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights to Central America, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from the United States to Central America, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 24% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 10 weeks before departure.

Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in Central America?

Prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in Central America is San Pedro Sula Ramon Villeda Airport (SAP), with an average flight price of $180.

Good to know

Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$86
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 15% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 36% increase in price.
Flight from Houston Hobby Airport to San Salvador

Flights to Central America: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew to Central America 
Verified travelerFlew with United Airlines
IAH
-
XPL
Dec 2024
There is not enough room for carry on when your on group 4 or more . Hsve a basic bag for emergencies in case the take your carry on to the final destination
CarmelFlew with Alaska Airlines
LAX
-
LIR
Jan 2025
Know that flights are very unreliable so pad your days/plans.
RonelliFlew with American Airlines
MIA
-
BZE
Mar 2024
Know your gate number and ensure you know where it is before doing any shopping or start wondering around the airport
Verified travelerFlew with Avianca
LAX
-
GUA
Jan 2024
Be sure to have you immigration declaration filled out before landing. We weren’t given documents, but the staff was helpful in setting us up with a QR code and assisting us along the way.
LannyFlew with American Airlines
MIA
-
SJO
Jan 2024
Bring a book or tablet to connect to entertainment to keep you occupied. This leg of our trip met our expectations. Much better job than our first leg of our trip.

FAQs - booking Central America flights

  • Do I need a visa to fly to Central America?

    American citizens are not required to have a visa to fly to countries in Central America. Countries including Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. All these countries apart from Nicaragua, allow US Citizens to stay for up to 90 days visa-free. If you plan to extend your stay, you’ll need to get a visa.

  • What are the entry requirements to Central America for US citizens?

    With the visa waiver, US citizens are required to have a passport valid for at least six months that they should carry all the time while in Central America. In addition, countries like Panama, Honduras, and El Salvador will require them to also have a tourist card that is valid for up to 30-90 days. If you plan on visiting Kuna Yala in Panama, you’ll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate because the country has a risk of yellow fever.

  • Can I fly non-stop to Liberia, Costa Rica from the United States?

    Yes. From airports in the US like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) aboard Delta Airlines, New York John. F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) aboard Jet Blue Airlines, or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) aboard Alaska Airlines to Liberia Guanacaste International Airport (LIR). All these airlines offer specialized services to their passengers to help them relax and cater to their flight needs during long flights.

  • What is the best airport to fly in and out of Central America?

    Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City is the biggest and busiest airport in Central America. It connects Panama and several cities and states in the US. Moreover, it acts as a hub for several airlines giving flyers the chance to choose the best airline. It’s also known for clean terminals, efficiency, great customer service, and accessible services.

  • Which airlines have the cheapest prices from the United States to Central America?

    Among the airlines that provide either direct or layover flights to Central America, the cheapest airlines are Frontier Airlines, Copa Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. All these airlines have layover flights that are affordable alternatives to their non-stop flight counterparts.

  • Can I fly non-stop to Managua from the United States?

    Yes. From Fort Lauderdale International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, you can fly directly to Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua, Nicaragua aboard Spirit Airlines. From Miami International Airport (MIA) in Miami, you can fly directly to Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport in Managua aboard either Avianca Airlines or American Airlines. From George Bush International Airport (IAH) in Houston, you can fly directly to Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport aboard either United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Avianca Airlines, or American Airlines.  

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from the United States to Central America?

    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 the United States to Central America.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from the United States to Central America?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from the United States to Central America 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 the United States to Central America?

    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 the United States to Central America 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 the United States to Central America?

    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 the United States to Central America up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to Central America?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to Central America is Tuesday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $481. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Saturday, where round-trip prices are $540 on average.

  • What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Central America?

    The cheapest time of day to fly to Central America is generally in the morning, when round-trip flights cost $337 on average. Morning departures are around 29% cheaper than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to Central America is generally in the afternoon, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $506.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Central America

  • Looking for cheap airfare to Central America? 25% of our users found round-trip tickets to Central America for the following prices or less: From New Orleans $150, from Newark $456, from Houston George Bush Intcntl $636
  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Central America flight deals.
  • Central America has many major countries and cities known for their architectural and historical attractions. When traveling to Central America you can get non-stop flights to most of these cities from Miami, Orlando, Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, or Chicago aboard several airlines including American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Avianca Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Airlines.
  • Alaska Airlines is one of the most popular airlines along this route that offers non-stop flights from cities in the US like Seattle, Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles, Austin, Dallas, and Palm Springs to San Jose International Airport (SJC) in San Jose, Central America.
  • If you’re looking for cheap flights to El Salvador from Newark, opt for the layover flights by Spirit Airlines that have a layover in Fort Lauderdale that will give you a five-hour window to explore locations near Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL).
  • The Mayan Ruins of Tikal and Antigua in Guatemala are some of the most famous archaeological attractions in Central America. American Airlines has non-stop flights from Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Boston to Guatemala La Aurora City Aiport(GUA). From there, you can either take public transportation or take a flight to Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores to easily find your way to the Mayan Ruins of Tikal and take a taxi from GUA to Antigua.
  • Carnaval is a major annual festival that happens in Panama between February and March that lasts up to a week and attracts visitors from all around the world. Get on a non-stop flight from Miami on either American Airlines, Delta Airlines, or United Airlines to Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
  • Traveling within Central America on a budget requires you to fly into countries that are centrally located like Guatemala and Panana where you can access both public and private shuttle buses to other cities and to nearby countries to help save on transport costs.
  • Guatemala is served by two international airports namely Guatemala La Aurora City Airport and Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS). If you plan to visit towns in Guatemala like Flores, Santa Elena, and San Benito, fly on layovers into FRS which gives you direct access to these towns.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines flying to Central America

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from the United States to Central America? 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 1556 reviews
6.8Entertainment
7.4Comfort
7.8Boarding
8.1Crew
6.8Food
Airline reviews

Very strict carry on rules meant most of the plane had to gate check their luggage. As is often the case had things that were broken because of this, but I appreciated not being charged to gate check. Otherwise good flight and great crew once on the plane

6.0 GoodZach, Oct 2025
DEN - PTY
Read more Copa Airlines reviews

Very strict carry on rules meant most of the plane had to gate check their luggage. As is often the case had things that were broken because of this, but I appreciated not being charged to gate check. Otherwise good flight and great crew once on the plane

Simply as follows:- First, there was no vegetarian option for the meal Second, only 2 washrooms for the entire economy class.

I liked the meatloaf the chicken was awful but the plane was on time and got there and the staff was nice.

Boarding was quick & efficient; they gave boarding groups due priority; staff & air crew were very cordial and helpful, pleasant flight.

We had a great flight just wished they had a tv so we can see a movie that would of made my trip excellent.

the food served was an embarrassment. No connection for charging the cellphone... What a crappy airline.

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.

Very happy with my flight. I would definitely recommend it.

Did upgrade, travel in business it was great (more room I could sleep)

We paid extra with copa for seats near one another The plane was changed and we lost our seats We were all Separated. We have not received a refund for our seats despite emailing and calling.

Friendly staff at all very easy check in and organize process

Horrible airline, upgraded to sit on seats made of stone. Staff were rude and on top of it they charge an arm and a leg for luggage 🧳 never again

The seats are the worst I upgraded to premium big mistake and it seems like no one likes there job very unpleasant

they don’t have TV Seat to Type in space

The flight was on time. I generally don’t drink or eat on short flights and the seats were good and the flight attendants were friendly. That’s all I expect

It was nice to have gotten up upgraded to first class with a meal on a three hour flight

Not great experience - we were super late boarding due to issues with aircraft. Then when we finally all got onboard and seated and they started taxiing out to the runway they just stopped then turned around and went back to the airport. Apparently the crew “ran out of time” to legally fly us. They mentioned that they were about 2 minutes away from taking off. I understand the rules and safety but kinda wonder why they would have bothered boarding us in the first place? Had to go all the way back and de plane and then wait in a HUGE line to get a hotel (this is somewhere around 2:30am) finally got to hotel by Uber (no shuttle after 20min so gave up) and they ended up putting us all back on the same aircraft at 10am next morning so got about 2.5 hours sleep. They did give us. $250 credit, but it was a São Paulo Brazil flight out of Dulles. The flight and everything was fine.

United overall experience is great these days. Airport experience was very organized. Staff on flight were great. App and information as good as it gets.

United have really come back. Airport and boarding process is clear and good, app and information also very good

They charged a fee for 1st bag checked. Others in same party were free.

Flight was delayed 8 times. We were sitting at the airport for 14 hours. We got 2 hours of sleep (if that) on what was not meant to be a red-eye.

The movies offered were great. Staff were very pleasant and very efficient.

After a delay at the gate, C3, at Ohare on Sunday, I left my Blk ski coat on the bench at the gate, lost! Please review my lob claim, thx.

Very bad! They kept delaying my flight and wouldn’t do anything about it

Did not understand a single word the attendant said on the pa system. I was glad it was not an emergency.

Flight was late and boarding was confusing because gate changed and I didn’t get a notification

Gate was overcrowded. Gate agents performed very well. Flight crew was top notch! Efficient & professional & courteous. Both meals not thermalized well. Dinner main dish was actually cold in the center. Almost inedible. Breakfast sandwich was lukewarm.

The boarding was as always, the crew tried their best but not enough. The food was a disaster I had dietary restrictions that were half met because the company did not loaded the food for the flight. The entertainment screen was fine but content was not and also they removed the free messaging option from the flight and they charged 30 dollars for that crappy bandwidth. This flight is not worth the cost and the company is going down on quality.

Not comparable to Qatar Airways services on flights to Doha. Flight attendants provided basic services; I was never recognized by name or as an Executive Platinum member. Restrooms were not kept clean during the flight.

Awful. They won’t help me with anything. I booked on American but they abdicated to Iberia. The ticket was overpriced. Everything negative

it was fine, decent flight... dont get food besides cookies or pretzels so not sure why you ask about food. same for entertainment..

I got sick nothing contagious but distressing and the care I received by Kayla? Keighly the flight attendant will be memorable for ever. Thank You

I got sick nothing contagious but distressing enough and the care I received on the flight was astounding.

Waaay too small plane. They also need to up the size of the overhead bins. I would love to keep me 3k with of camera equipment in my hard case baggahe instead of it being thrown into the belly of the plane

Last seat of Bussines Class it does recline but passenger seating behind kept pushing since they did not have space once my seat was reclined

I like the crew they're very friendly. I don't like. on five hour flight they not offered snacks. Any drink. Not even coffee

Not even water is offered on the flight. You cannot lean back on the seats and the seats are so narrow you can’t avoid rubbing elbows with the person next to you.

I couldnt recline the seat. Other than that crew was very attentive and helpful. Thsnk you

I had to go to the boarding counter for them to enter my return flight as it’s not with Avianca. There was a long queue as there were lots of people being called to the counter.

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

Horrible experience. Flight cancelled. Arrived at destination 12 hs later. No one gave us an answer or any information. Very very poor service. We won’t ever travel again with Avianca

Did not fly with Pakistan International Airlines. Have never flown with Pakistan International Airlines.

Boarding, crew were excellent, food was ok and entertainment need to improve

The seats were uncomfortable and barely reclined at all. Very little leg room despite being business class. The crew was friendly and the food was good. Had to use my own phone for in-flight entertainment.

Everything you need to know for your flight to Central America

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.