$69 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 11/10. 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$114
San José
San José1 stop$199
Guatemala City
Guatemala Citynonstop$186
Panama City
Panama Citynonstop$276
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$234
Managua
Managuanonstop$198
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sulanonstop$115
Flores
Flores2 stops$376
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro3 stops$1,212
David
David1 stop$459
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town1 stop$491
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa3 stops$523
Placencia
Placencia1 stop$744
San Salvador
San Salvadornonstop$114
San José
San José1 stop$199
Guatemala City
Guatemala Citynonstop$186
Panama City
Panama Citynonstop$276
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$234
Managua
Managuanonstop$198
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sulanonstop$115
Flores
Flores2 stops$376
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro3 stops$1,212
David
David1 stop$459
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town1 stop$491
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa3 stops$523
Placencia
Placencia1 stop$744

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

Do, Jan 29 - Do, Feb 5
Avianca Logo
6:15 pm - 9:55 pmIAD-SAL
4h 40mnonstop
Avianca Logo
8:25 pm - 1:40 amSAL-IAD
4h 15mnonstop
$192Avianca
Find Deal
Do, Jan 29 - Do, Feb 5
Avianca Logo
6:15 pm - 9:55 pmIAD-SAL
4h 40mnonstop
Avianca Logo
8:10 am - 12:10 amSAL-IAD
15h 00m1 stop
$195Avianca
Find Deal
Sa, Jan 31 - Mo, Feb 9
Volaris El Salvador Logo
1:25 am - 5:02 amIAD-SAL
4h 37mnonstop
Volaris El Salvador Logo
6:20 am - 11:27 amSAL-IAD
4h 07mnonstop
$198Volaris El Salvador
Find Deal
Di, Nov 11 - Di, Nov 18
Volaris El Salvador Logo
1:25 am - 5:02 amIAD-SAL
4h 37mnonstop
Volaris El Salvador Logo
6:20 am - 11:27 amSAL-IAD
4h 07mnonstop
$199Volaris El Salvador
Find Deal
Fr, Feb 20 - Mi, Feb 25
American Airlines Logo
2:30 pm - 11:50 pmJFK-GUA
10h 20m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
7:19 am - 9:29 pmGUA-JFK
13h 10m1 stop
$212American Airlines
Find Deal
Do, Jan 22 - Do, Jan 29
American Airlines Logo
6:30 am - 2:49 pmJFK-SAL
9h 19m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
1:31 pm - 10:58 pmSAL-JFK
8h 27m1 stop
$220American Airlines
Find Deal
Di, Mrz 10 - Mi, Mrz 18
Copa Airlines Logo
3:15 am - 9:05 amJFK-SJO
7h 50m1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
4:09 am - 3:17 pmSJO-JFK
9h 08m1 stop
$262Copa Airlines
Find Deal
Mo, Okt 27 - Di, Okt 28
United Airlines Logo
3:31 pm - 6:53 pmEWR-SJO
5h 22mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
10:28 pm - 5:31 amSJO-EWR
5h 03mnonstop
$263United Airlines
Find Deal
Di, Feb 3 - Mo, Feb 9
United Airlines Logo
10:46 pm - 5:45 amLAX-SAL
4h 59mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
2:30 am - 6:15 pmSAL-LAX
17h 45m1 stop
$265United Airlines
Find Deal
Di, Jan 20 - Sa, Jan 24
Copa Airlines Logo
8:33 am - 11:36 pmJFK-SAL
16h 03m1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
7:30 am - 5:17 pmSAL-JFK
8h 47m1 stop
$266Copa Airlines
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 Salvador, at $50 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 $50.

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 $363 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and April, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $991 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 5 weeks before departure, which saves you about 27% 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 Managua Augusto C Sandino Airport (MGA), with an average flight price of $155.

Good to know

Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$69
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 17% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 44% increase in price.
Flight from New York John F Kennedy 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.
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 $484. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Saturday, where round-trip prices are $544 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 $331 on average. Morning departures are around 34% cheaper than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to Central America is generally in the evening, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $505.

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 Newark $492, from Houston George Bush Intcntl $561, from Los Angeles $789
  • 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 1549 reviews
7.4Comfort
6.8Entertainment
6.8Food
8.1Crew
7.8Boarding
Airline reviews

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

10.0 ExcellentSherry, Oct 2025ORD - PTY
Read more Copa Airlines reviews

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.

Cops Airlines is fantastic! The level of care and professionalism provided by the entire crew was top rate.

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

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.

It was ok. However, the food was quite poor since I don't eat pasta.

Tell people to remain in their seats during the meal/beverage distribution. Enforce boarding by group numbers. No one was checking. Tell people to turn their electronics speakers off. Bigger cups for drinks.

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

Better WiFi. I cannot understand that in 2025, United is so behind on a technology that is now a necessity and still painfully unreliable, slow and keeps disconnecting.

The entertainment available didn’t work for anyone on the flight. Long 6 hr flight with no entertainment option and the staff didn’t know until an hour into the flight when we made sure they knew about it. They had no way to fix it.

Crew seemed a bit cranky. No seatback screens. But boarding was efficient and on time and we arrived early.

The worst landing I have ever had on a domestic flight. Thought we would lose the landing gear on landing in Newark. Then we spent 40 minutes trying to position the plane in the right place to be able to get the jet way to the plane. The plane arrived stopped. The announcer was that we were there. Everybody got up, then we were told to sit back down because they had to have us towed to a different position. We got towed and then everyone stood up and they told us we were in the wrong position to sit back down again, and then we got towed to a different position This did not happen immediately. It was 30 minutes while we wandered around a small section of the tarmac in Newark close to the gate, but apparently not close enough. Horrifying experience The CAB should be investigating that flight

Food was poorly timed and not good.. Hand held snacks, really. I kept asking for water and never got any. Service was rushed for a 7-hour flight.

Boarding was organized. Old plane. Seat fairly comfortable. Business Class much too large so you don’t receive as much attention as you should considering what you pay for the seat.

Boarding was organized. Plane seats comfortable and service was attentive. Food options were good.

This was a very average flight. The seat was out of alignment so more uncomfortable than usual. The cabin felt not well maintained. But I safely got where I needed to go.

Trip was great. A wild landing in Ottawa with the wind and rain, but the pilot did a great job. Always love flying United.👍

I will never book a flight through Cheap fare. They booked me from Portland Main . And would not give me a refund, so I bought 2 tickets one for 299. From Portland Main to ORD. Then I had to buy a ticket from Oregon PDX to ORD that was another 440. So Just so you know they even told me it was there fault but no refund. Bad bussniess. I did inform United but they said they couldn't help me due to the fact I booked through Cheap Tickets. Never again. And I'm spreding the word. I let everyone know at my 50th class reunion

Poor seat in rear of aircraft Food at Admiral’s Club Terminal D at DFW inedible

Always seated jammed in rear of aircraft Admirals Club food at DFW terminal D was absolute worst food experience and I pay $600/year to eat this dried out junk

Flight was delayed because of a bird strike. They had another plane available within 45 minutes.

Mostly good. Flight was crowded but Airline personnel were very friendly & accommodating. It would be good to have savory snacks rather than just sweet Biscoff cookies.

It was a typical flight. We had a delay which seems to be the normality now. And we had no in flight service due to conditions.

Flight attendants on this flight were very attentive and friendly

After we landed we sat on the tarmac for 1.5 hours waiting to get to our gate. Ridiculous.

Food should be better quality. Video screens have poor resolution and the library of movies is poor. The other airlines are much better.

the trip to madrid was uncomfortable with my legs touching the seat in front of me

The plane was late, when we did board the plane was as cold as a freezer. I was freezing the entire flight, no blankets. Lost miserable flight I’ve ever had.

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 .

Boarding was excessively slow. They do it by groups in a way that it doesn’t make sense. After business class , ppl that need assistance and any other priority group they should have ppl board from the back to the front. First rows 20+. Then 15+. Then 10, etc. having ppl sitting in the back board last makes no sense. The libe backame long as soon as ppl on rows 10 or so where told to board. The line went all the way up the ramp and tunnel for 25 mins.

Seats are very tight even in Plus, no complimentary snacks or beverage

I receive a service for what I pay, so it is fair.

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

Purchased a business class ticket and got a economy seat with center seat blocked they call it business. 3100usd ticket on a flight where economy costs 500usd The biggest scam insult have had on a regular airline. Avianca should be in the low cost category and kicked out of Star Alliance. I want the difference to be credited. Ets see what Avianca does. No reply so far. Avianca = low cost airline. Beware

There isn't much space in-between seats and even water needs to be paid for during the 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.

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.

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