$101 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 1/31. 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$164
Guatemala City
Guatemala City2 stops$203
Panama City
Panama City1 stop$299
Liberia
Liberianonstop$261
Managua
Managuanonstop$156
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sulanonstop$121
Flores
Flores1 stop$350
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro1 stop$680
David
David1 stop$360
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town1 stop$568
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa1 stop$377
Placencia
Placencia1 stop$798
San Salvador
San Salvadornonstop$115
San José
San Josénonstop$164
Guatemala City
Guatemala City2 stops$203
Panama City
Panama City1 stop$299
Liberia
Liberianonstop$261
Managua
Managuanonstop$156
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sulanonstop$121
Flores
Flores1 stop$350
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro1 stop$680
David
David1 stop$360
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town1 stop$568
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa1 stop$377
Placencia
Placencia1 stop$798

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, Mar 7 - Wed, Mar 11
Volaris El Salvador Logo
1:07 pm - 4:44 pm
IAD
-
SAL
4h 37mnonstop
Volaris El Salvador Logo
6:20 am - 12:27 pm
SAL
-
IAD
4h 07mnonstop
$214Volaris El Salvador
Sat, Feb 28 - Wed, Mar 11
Volaris El Salvador Logo
1:25 am - 5:02 am
IAD
-
SAL
4h 37mnonstop
Volaris El Salvador Logo
6:20 am - 12:27 pm
SAL
-
IAD
4h 07mnonstop
$215Volaris El Salvador
Sun, Jan 25 - Wed, Jan 28
Avianca Logo
6:15 pm - 9:55 pm
IAD
-
SAL
4h 40mnonstop
Avianca Logo
10:05 pm - 3:10 am
SAL
-
IAD
4h 05mnonstop
$217Avianca
Sat, Feb 28 - Wed, Mar 11
Avianca Logo
6:15 pm - 9:55 pm
IAD
-
SAL
4h 40mnonstop
Avianca Logo
10:05 pm - 4:10 am
SAL
-
IAD
4h 05mnonstop
$218Avianca
Wed, Jan 21 - Tue, Feb 3
American Airlines Logo
11:21 am - 10:30 pm
JFK
-
SJO
12h 09m2 stops
American Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 8:03 pm
SJO
-
JFK
13h 03m2 stops
$242American Airlines
Wed, Jan 21 - Tue, Feb 3
American Airlines Logo
9:00 am - 10:30 pm
JFK
-
SJO
14h 30m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 3:21 pm
SJO
-
JFK
8h 21m1 stop
$244American Airlines
Sat, Jan 24 - Sat, Feb 7
United Airlines Logo
5:50 am - 7:39 pm
LAX
-
GUA
11h 49m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
2:10 am - 9:23 am
GUA
-
LAX
9h 13m1 stop
$246United Airlines
Thu, Feb 12 - Sun, Feb 15
JetBlue Logo
6:15 pm - 10:38 pm
JFK
-
SJO
5h 23mnonstop
JetBlue Logo
11:59 pm - 5:56 am
SJO
-
JFK
4h 57mnonstop
$247JetBlue
Sun, Jan 25 - Sun, Feb 1
JetBlue Logo
11:00 am - 3:15 pm
JFK
-
GUA
5h 15mnonstop
JetBlue Logo
4:40 pm - 10:25 pm
GUA
-
JFK
4h 45mnonstop
$251JetBlue
Thu, Feb 19 - Thu, Feb 26
United Airlines Logo
7:18 am - 11:44 am
EWR
-
LIR
5h 26mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
5:15 pm - 11:17 pm
LIR
-
EWR
5h 02mnonstop
$261United 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 Salvador, at $68 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 $68.

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 $684 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 22% 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 $219.

Good to know

Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$101
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 14% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 33% 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 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 $462. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Saturday, where round-trip prices are $501 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 $336 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 $508.

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 $198, from Newark $466, from Houston George Bush Intcntl $598
  • 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 1562 reviews
7.4Comfort
8.1Crew
6.8Entertainment
7.8Boarding
6.8Food
Airline reviews

Horrible. No TV or any type of entertainment on board. Passwnger listening to/watching stuff on their own phone with no headphones making it noise and uncomfortable for everyone else, little/tiny food portions, old seats, useless wifi (cant access anything). Horrible exlerience especially it was a lomg distance flight with kids.

2.0 MediocreAnonymous, Dec 2025
PTY - POA
Read more Copa Airlines reviews

Horrible. No TV or any type of entertainment on board. Passwnger listening to/watching stuff on their own phone with no headphones making it noise and uncomfortable for everyone else, little/tiny food portions, old seats, useless wifi (cant access anything). Horrible exlerience especially it was a lomg distance flight with kids.

There should be a warning regarding the quality of the aircraft on the website as we reserve the tickets. There was no TV or any type of screen onboard. The wifi they offer is good for nothing. Traveling 9 hours straight with kids and no type of entetainment was horrible. I wish I had been informed prior so I could buy a ticket with another airline. The food was a joke too. A very tiny portion per passenger. They also charged $100 per checked bag. With United I used to pay $60. So, fair to say that I wont be flying Copa anymore. Their aircraft was super old, outdated, no entertainment, with nearly no onboard food.

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

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)

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

Check-in, boarding and the flight from Phoenix to Houston was quick and easy. The flight from Houston to Shreveport was delayed 5 hours. It was frustrating but I think United handled it the best they could.

Some flight attendants were great others were cranky. Seats were very tight and sitting on an aisle was very hard as the carts and people walking constantly bumped shoulder and arm.

It was great with United overall except for two things. 1) It was a 5-hour flight and we were with kids, so we were asking for extra snacks. They were extremely reticent to dole them out even though there wasn't any meal and the kids were starting to hit their limit towards the end. 2) Baggage didn't arrive until 80 minutes after we landed.

They lost my luggage, so, not happy. The crew was nice but my suitcases never made it, still trying to find out what happened!

The staff was hospitable and professional. The seat had a bit of wear. The winner shade was stuck 1/4 open. I received the best of both worlds. The morning sun was able to come in and blind the screen i was trying to use while at the same time it was too low to look out and enjoy the view. Rather embarrassing for a 1st class ticket.

Perfect flight. Smooth flight. Arrived 20 minutes early at destination. Excellent service.

The flights were on time which was great give. It was holiday travel season and there’d been some weather issues. The only complaint and this is every time with United is the terrible seat design. The head rest is not built for comfort and having my neck bent forward for a cross country trip reminded me while I try not to take United flights as a rule.

I’m so sorry, I can’t remember her name, I believe it was Dimpti. She was stellar, also a mature Asian flight attendant, lots of flowers in her hair, just as amazing! But literally the crew was AWESOME . Only downside is there weren’t any charging outlets. Maybe I needed to ask a flight attendant , but it would’ve been nice to have one easily accessible.

The flight was delayed by two de-icings. The seatbelt did not work correctly. It did not stay tight.

Everything was absolutely wonderful from check in to baggage claim. Staff was very professional and sweet. Will definitely recommend United to family and friends.

Good food & refreshment. The seats and entrainment screens are modern compared to others. The staff though pleasant serve and attend to passengers based on nationality. Some get served first others last regardless of their seating positions.

It was fine. My connection in Charlotte to go to WPB was too late and I had to spend the night in the Charlotte Airport in the mini suites.

The flight was on time and arrived early. The crew were friendly and helpful.

My carry on baggage was damaged. Entire trip, I had to carry the baggage. When complained to the boarding crew, they got mad at me and still asked me to valet check in the cabin baggage. Rude boarding crew!!!

The economy seats are very cramped and the food was bizarre. However, I did like the greek yogurt option for breakfast.

While I didn’t watch much tv I would have liked a few more options of TV series from Apple TV or hbo max ..

Everything about the flight was lovely. My only suggestion would be to offer a few more options of tv series from Apple TV or HBO.

Nothing to write home about, average flight experience. Seats were spacious enough, crew friendly enough. Loved the AA entertainment/wifi service.

Kayak was among the missing. There was not the usual advice regarding next gate after arriving in Dallas. No communication after the reminder to check in before the Moline flight. What happened?

They should have allowed for extra time to de-ice the plane before boarding passengers. This delayed us about 10-15 mins after we boarded. Overall experience was fine. Crew was friendly and on top of everything. We didn’t have any issues during the flight.

Deplaning was a mess, I sat in business (seats are horrible) and the front door had a problem so we had to deplane from the rear exit. The stairs were not tall enough to reach so there was a large step down from the plane to the top of the stairs.

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

Pros: we leave and arrive on time Cons: the most uncomfortable seats ever. You cant recline at all your seats. No entertainment No TVs flight attendants didn't provide even a glass of water. You have to go to back of the airplane and ask for one. I am Colombian and I remember seeing the flight attendants very neat, elegants which is or was a staple of Avianca.it was one with tennis shoes, no male up, the hair was messy... that was really odd.

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.

Here we have another airline flying to Guatemala but doesn't have a plus or a less, just in the middle. Why? Well, first we don't have even free water Movie selection is poor Seats don't recline in some places Food selection is carb based Forgot to mention, customer service on the web is the worst. Good things; Very reliable on schedule Kind crew

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

We waited for one hour to deboard the plane after landing. That could be better

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

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.