$98 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 5/28. 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 Josénonstop$208
Guatemala City
Guatemala Citynonstop$165
Panama City
Panama City2 stops$239
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$235
Managua
Managua2 stops$233
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sulanonstop$123
Flores
Flores2 stops$318
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro2 stops$640
David
David1 stop$443
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town2 stops$610
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa1 stop$502
Placencia
Placencia1 stop$656
San Salvador
San Salvadornonstop$115
San José
San Josénonstop$208
Guatemala City
Guatemala Citynonstop$165
Panama City
Panama City2 stops$239
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$235
Managua
Managua2 stops$233
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sulanonstop$123
Flores
Flores2 stops$318
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro2 stops$640
David
David1 stop$443
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town2 stops$610
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa1 stop$502
Placencia
Placencia1 stop$656

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

Sat, Jan 31 - Sun, Feb 8
Avianca Logo
10:00 am - 4:10 pmJFK-SJO
7h 10m1 stop
Avianca Logo
3:05 pm - 12:20 amSJO-JFK
8h 15m1 stop
$218Avianca
Find Deal
Thu, Jan 15 - Fri, Jan 23
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:00 am - 1:26 pmJFK-GUA
28h 26m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:45 pm - 1:15 amGUA-JFK
4h 30mnonstop
$220Multiple Airlines
Find Deal
Mon, Feb 23 - Tue, Mar 3
American Airlines Logo
5:24 pm - 2:54 pmJFK-GUA
22h 30m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
2:06 pm - 9:59 amGUA-JFK
18h 53m2 stops
$223American Airlines
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Tue, Jan 20 - Wed, Feb 4
American Airlines Logo
7:20 pm - 12:31 pmJFK-SAL
18h 11m2 stops
American Airlines Logo
1:31 pm - 10:31 amSAL-JFK
20h 00m2 stops
$239American Airlines
Find Deal
Sat, Jan 24 - Sat, Jan 31
United Airlines Logo
8:19 am - 12:42 pmEWR-SJO
5h 23mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
6:30 am - 6:05 pmSJO-EWR
10h 35m1 stop
$277United Airlines
Find Deal
Thu, Jan 22 - Mon, Feb 2
Spirit Airlines Logo
5:00 am - 11:37 amEWR-SJO
7h 37m1 stop
Spirit Airlines Logo
1:30 pm - 11:58 pmSJO-EWR
9h 28m1 stop
$278Spirit Airlines
Find Deal
Sat, Dec 13 - Sat, Dec 20
Spirit Airlines Logo
6:49 pm - 11:42 amEWR-SJO
17h 53m1 stop
Spirit Airlines Logo
1:31 pm - 11:59 pmSJO-EWR
9h 28m1 stop
$282Spirit Airlines
Find Deal
Sat, Feb 28 - Mon, Mar 30
Volaris El Salvador Logo
10:50 pm - 7:41 amLAX-GUA
6h 51m1 stop
Volaris El Salvador Logo
1:59 pm - 10:20 pmGUA-LAX
9h 21m1 stop
$283Volaris El Salvador
Find Deal
Wed, Jan 21 - Mon, Jan 26
United Airlines Logo
3:31 pm - 7:53 pmEWR-SJO
5h 22mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
6:30 am - 6:09 pmSJO-EWR
10h 39m1 stop
$284United Airlines
Find Deal
Fri, Jan 9 - Tue, Jan 20
Volaris El Salvador Logo
10:50 pm - 5:39 amLAX-SAL
4h 49mnonstop
Volaris El Salvador Logo
5:54 pm - 9:20 pmSAL-LAX
5h 26mnonstop
$295Volaris El Salvador
Find Deal
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 $77 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 $115.

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 February, when tickets cost $397 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and April, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $822 and $667 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 21% 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 $148.

Good to know

Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$98
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 15% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 38% increase in price.
Flight from Washington Dulles 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 AirlinesIAH-XPLDec 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 AirlinesLAX-LIRJan 2025
Know that flights are very unreliable so pad your days/plans.
RonelliFlew with American AirlinesMIA-BZEMar 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 AviancaLAX-GUAJan 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 AirlinesMIA-SJOJan 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 $480. 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 $335 on average. Morning departures are around 30% 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 $500.

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 $136, from Newark $410, from Houston George Bush Intcntl $524
  • 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 1559 reviews
7.8Boarding
8.1Crew
6.9Food
7.4Comfort
6.8Entertainment
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 2025DEN - 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 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

They brought an empty plane to the gate. Then a flight delay was announced for maintenance and waiting on a part. I was then put on a flight to San Francisco instead with a connecting flight to my final destination. Arrived at my final destination 2 hours late.

The only downside was my cell phone charger wouldn’t work in the charging port but everyone else’s would work in them all. My cell phone cable works fine in my hotel room in Frankfurt.

Flight and crew were great. United didn't inform crew of immigration process which was disappointing!

Flight team stood out for perzonal attention, kindness at bright cheery attitudes at 8am. Very helpful.

Seats had less pitch than a regional jet. Food was OK. Have to buy alcohol on US based carriers flying international. Boarding was a mess. Did not have bags but overhead space was gone quick. Would like to see the airlines enforce the one bag over and one bag under policy

Ot was overall fine. Left on time and had basic snacks. Weather was finicky but that’s not the airlines fault.

from SFO-> FRA flight, AVML meal was significantly less compared to regular meal, especially no Desert, no Bread, no sides.

AA delayed the flight for 3 hours and 50 minutes, but delayed the last 2 hours, 30 minutes at a time, so if we knew before, could have stayed at home and worked instead of being at the airport wasting time... The plane's crew was excellent, not their fault.

After arriving in Dallas, the aircraft taxied for an unusually long time and was unable to park at the gate, which caused a significant delay and made me miss my connecting flight. I then had to wait in a very long line to be rebooked, and I was told that no hotel or meal accommodations would be provided. What is even more unacceptable is that my luggage was mishandled and has still not been located. My suitcase contains important medications that I urgently need, and I have been unable to access them due to the airline’s mishandling. This situation has caused me considerable stress and inconvenience, and I need this issue to be resolved immediately.

RIC Staff was not enough. Elderly passengers had to wait 30 minutes to deplane, so we could board and still had to walk as no chairs were provided. And, passenger in front of my seat assignment rammed seat against my legs entire flight time. Was mildly bruised and left thigh still sore.

Liked that it was on time. Staff professional and friendly.

Things were delayed a little. But that didn’t affect my plans. It was fine. I was surprised it was so full thanksgiving day. The crew were friendly and professional.

I appreciated that it was on time, safe and professional. I didn’t like that I wasn’t in a place where I had a window at my window seat. It would have been nice to know that in advance. If it was mentioned in the ticketing, I didn’t notice it.

My flight was delayed about three hours. I got home at 3:30 in the morning very bad experience.

I like that the crew kept us informed but we moved back and forth from gate to gate before the aircraft arrived.

The flight was delayed multiple times, again no fault of American but again the extra cost, for everything makes it feel like a cheap airline! Especially when flights are outrageously expensive already

Horrible. Both legs of my flight were delayed more than 6 hours. No compensation, no screens on the plane, and the plane was not clean.

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.

Very uncomfortable planes , poor service on the plane , take your own water so you don’t dehydrate , in a 6 hs flight they sold one time food and beverage . 1 plane was delayed 6 hs , I lost a connecting flight . Then in the way back they announce a delay of 2 hs so I had to take a different flight to arrive on time for my connecting flight . Avoid this airline .

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.