$84 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 Salvador1 stop$186
San José
San Josénonstop$178
Guatemala City
Guatemala Citynonstop$199
Panama City
Panama City1 stop$299
Liberia
Liberianonstop$260
Managua
Managua1 stop$202
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sulanonstop$120
Flores
Flores1 stop$402
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro3 stops$626
David
David1 stop$459
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town1 stop$511
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa2 stops$509
San Salvador
San Salvador1 stop$186
San José
San Josénonstop$178
Guatemala City
Guatemala Citynonstop$199
Panama City
Panama City1 stop$299
Liberia
Liberianonstop$260
Managua
Managua1 stop$202
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sulanonstop$120
Flores
Flores1 stop$402
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro3 stops$626
David
David1 stop$459
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town1 stop$511
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa2 stops$509

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

Mon, Jan 26 - Wed, Jan 28
American Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 2:21 pm
HOU
-
SAL
8h 21m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
3:21 pm - 8:34 am
SAL
-
HOU
17h 13m1 stop
$220American Airlines
Sat, Jan 24 - Sat, Jan 31
American Airlines Logo
4:55 pm - 12:31 pm
HOU
-
SAL
19h 36m2 stops
American Airlines Logo
3:49 pm - 10:05 am
SAL
-
HOU
18h 16m2 stops
$224American Airlines
Mon, Jan 26 - Mon, Feb 2
American Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 2:21 pm
HOU
-
SAL
8h 21m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
3:21 pm - 6:06 pm
SAL
-
HOU
26h 45m1 stop
$225American Airlines
Sat, Jan 24 - Mon, Feb 9
Volaris El Salvador Logo
1:07 pm - 4:44 pm
IAD
-
SAL
4h 37mnonstop
Volaris El Salvador Logo
6:20 am - 11:27 am
SAL
-
IAD
4h 07mnonstop
$227Volaris El Salvador
Fri, Jan 23 - Tue, Feb 3
Avianca Logo
1:30 am - 7:55 am
IAD
-
SAL
7h 25m1 stop
Avianca Logo
8:10 am - 12:10 am
SAL
-
IAD
15h 00m1 stop
$228Avianca
Mon, Feb 23 - Tue, Mar 3
Avianca Logo
1:30 am - 10:50 am
IAD
-
SAL
10h 20m1 stop
Avianca Logo
8:10 am - 12:10 am
SAL
-
IAD
15h 00m1 stop
$230Avianca
Wed, Jan 21 - Mon, Feb 2
Volaris El Salvador Logo
1:25 am - 5:02 am
IAD
-
SAL
4h 37mnonstop
Volaris El Salvador Logo
6:20 am - 11:27 am
SAL
-
IAD
4h 07mnonstop
$231Volaris El Salvador
Wed, Jan 28 - Tue, Feb 3
United Airlines Logo
11:02 pm - 5:48 am
LAX
-
GUA
4h 46mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
4:40 pm - 11:33 pm
GUA
-
LAX
8h 53m1 stop
$240United Airlines
Sun, Jan 25 - Sun, Feb 8
United Airlines Logo
11:02 pm - 5:48 am
LAX
-
GUA
4h 46mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
2:40 am - 6:04 am
GUA
-
LAX
5h 24mnonstop
$241United Airlines
Mon, Jan 19 - Wed, Jan 28
JetBlue Logo
6:59 am - 1:01 pm
JFK
-
GUA
7h 02m1 stop
JetBlue Logo
4:40 pm - 10:25 pm
GUA
-
JFK
4h 45mnonstop
$244JetBlue
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 Pedro Sula, at $108 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 $194.

Good to know

Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$84
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 14% 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 $478. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Saturday, where round-trip prices are $529 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 $175, from Newark $424, from Houston George Bush Intcntl $623
  • 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 1561 reviews
6.8Food
6.8Entertainment
7.4Comfort
8.1Crew
7.8Boarding
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

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)

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

Sat next to a one year old. She crawled all over the place and made me laugh.

Not United Airlines' fault. It's ORL airport's fault.

Great flight. On time boarding. Smooth flight and on time arrival at EWR. The flight crew was marvelous and there was a great selection of movies on the entertainment system. Our bags were at the carousel before we got there. Another excellent flight from United.

United airlines has the best customer experience from booking to arrival. I always fly United airlines. The mileage program is excellent

They did the one thing that really matters - got to Chicago early.

I liked the snacks and the flight attendants were friendly.

Gate agent at Frankfurt was terrible. She denied PRE boarding even as it was printed on the boarding pass. Refused to look at the boarding pass and literally shouting for no reason. Frankfurt airport has horrible and rude staff who avoids trying to answer any question at all. Overall, horrible experience.

The Crew and the food was the worst I ever had in Business Class. First they told us there were no space for carry on. It was plenty of space over our 2 row seats, we had to ask to let us travel with it which was accepted. They were aware that we had to run for the connection due to the previous flight delay. Have us one hour waiting for more customers and not even offer a glass of water. Then started the service and they started to serve other passengers drinks in business and did not offer any drinks until they serve our pre ordered meal and I ask for something to drink. I had to wait until they finished to serve all passengers until Inget something. The crew was the worts I ever had for Business Class in my life.

Very turbulent trip made it pretty bearable, plus the lack of refreshments served and the lack of any air conditioning before takeoff which took an hour or more.

Flight was late - I was downgraded from first class to coach

The boarding process needs to be fixed. The zone don't work, especially when there is hardly anyone in zones 3, 4,and 5, leaving the majority of the passengers backed up in the aisle, especially because passengers seated near the front are blocking passengers who are seated in the rear of the plane. It would also help if the size of carry on bags was more strictly enforced.

I requested a low sodium meal. Reason being, I take medicine for high blood pressure and I wear compression socks on long flights to help with leg swelling. Having less sodium in meals really helps me feel better on long flights. I received my initial low sodium meal after takeoff. Just before landing, the crew came through with the meal cart and offered me what was being served. I said no thank you and then noticed my low sodium meal in the meal cart, with my name and seat assignment on it. I motioned to the crew member, but he grabbed the meal cart and proceeded to move to the rear of the aircraft. He didn’t see me or other passengers who had attempted to get this attention. He was more concerned about completing meal service since we were due to land in under 45 minutes. I pressed the call light five times from my seat to receive help, but no crew member responded to me. So, I didn’t receive a second meal, one that I requested (the low sodium option). This led me to have a migraine from only eating one meal on an 11-hour flight. This is why I’m not a fan of flying US-based airlines overseas. The crew members continue to show the absolute worst customer service experience. I would not recommend flying American for overseas flights.

WiFi didn’t work the entire flight. Very disappointing. Minimal food and options - sadly the state of current affairs. All other aspects of the flight were fine.

Great flight - friendly and attentive team! Seats in coach were comfy, but a little cramped - but that is the case with all airlines ;)

The boarding by groups is pointless. The first two groups worked fine, but almost Noone boarded in goups three thru five leaving the vast majority boarding when group six was called. It defeated the purpose of spreading out the crowd.

I don’t know who decides what food to serve on these flights but I would be so embarrassed if I served this to anyone and call it food…

For whatever reason, the flight was not catered -we were told it would be a 45 minute delay waiting for catering - so no food. There were opened candy and peanuts in the seatback pocket. Flight landed early in DFW but due to the assigned gate not being available, we sat on the ground for 30 minutes waiting for the gate to open - making the flight actually arrive at the gate late.

Not great. Booked Extra seats and got nothing extra at all. It’s basically a big budget airline.

The pilot greased the landing and the crew was fantastic.

I bought wifi and most of the flight could not even use it my apps would just spin. I couldn't even listen to music. super frustrating.

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

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

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.