$165 Find Cheap Flights to Central America - Compare and Save

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 8/2. 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$295
San José
San Josénonstop$301
Guatemala City
Guatemala City1 stop$332
Panama City
Panama Citynonstop$387
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$276
Managua
Managuanonstop$425
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sula2 stops$289
Flores
Flores1 stop$405
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro1 stop$863
David
David1 stop$420
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town3 stops$1,605
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa2 stops$781
Placencia
Placencia3 stops$1,705
San Salvador
San Salvadornonstop$295
San José
San Josénonstop$301
Guatemala City
Guatemala City1 stop$332
Panama City
Panama Citynonstop$387
Liberia
Liberia1 stop$276
Managua
Managuanonstop$425
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sula2 stops$289
Flores
Flores1 stop$405
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro1 stop$863
David
David1 stop$420
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town3 stops$1,605
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa2 stops$781
Placencia
Placencia3 stops$1,705

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, Aug 22 - Sat, Aug 29
American Airlines Logo
5:41 am - 12:48 pm
HOU
-
SAL
8h 07m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
12:29 pm - 9:02 am
SAL
-
HOU
19h 33m
2 stops
$385American Airlines
Sun, Aug 23 - Mon, Aug 31
American Airlines Logo
5:41 am - 12:48 pm
HOU
-
SAL
8h 07m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
1:53 pm - 9:03 am
SAL
-
HOU
18h 10m
1 stop
$388American Airlines
Sat, Aug 29 - Mon, Aug 31
American Airlines Logo
5:41 am - 12:48 pm
HOU
-
SAL
8h 07m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
1:53 pm - 9:03 am
SAL
-
HOU
18h 10m
1 stop
$389American Airlines
Mon, Aug 17 - Fri, Aug 21
Avianca Logo
7:35 am - 5:00 pm
JFK
-
PTY
10h 25m
1 stop
Avianca Logo
3:50 pm - 1:15 am
PTY
-
JFK
8h 25m
1 stop
$404Avianca
Sun, Aug 23 - Fri, Aug 28
Avianca Logo
3:35 am - 10:30 am
JFK
-
PTY
7h 55m
1 stop
Avianca Logo
3:50 pm - 2:05 am
PTY
-
JFK
9h 15m
1 stop
$405Avianca
Fri, Nov 27 - Sat, Dec 12
Copa Airlines Logo
1:16 am - 8:34 pm
JFK
-
SAL
20h 18m
1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
7:30 am - 5:17 pm
SAL
-
JFK
8h 47m
1 stop
$414Copa Airlines
Sat, Aug 29 - Fri, Sep 4
JetBlue Logo
9:06 am - 12:33 pm
JFK
-
SJO
5h 27mnonstop
JetBlue Logo
2:02 pm - 9:59 am
SJO
-
JFK
17h 57m
1 stop
$440JetBlue
Wed, Aug 26 - Sat, Sep 5
JetBlue Logo
9:06 am - 12:33 pm
JFK
-
SJO
5h 27mnonstop
JetBlue Logo
1:53 pm - 9:09 pm
SJO
-
JFK
5h 16mnonstop
$451JetBlue
Mon, Jul 27 - Sat, Oct 31
Volaris El Salvador Logo
11:54 pm - 5:52 am
LAX
-
SAL
4h 58mnonstop
Volaris El Salvador Logo
6:11 pm - 10:24 pm
SAL
-
LAX
5h 13mnonstop
$457Volaris El Salvador
Fri, Aug 21 - Sun, Aug 30
Volaris El Salvador Logo
10:59 am - 4:57 pm
LAX
-
SAL
4h 58mnonstop
Volaris El Salvador Logo
5:16 am - 9:29 am
SAL
-
LAX
5h 13mnonstop
$458Volaris El Salvador
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 5 days.

The cheapest ticket to Central America from the United States found in the last 5 days was to Belize City Philip S.W.Goldson Airport, at $245 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 5 days was $269.

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 September, when tickets cost $171 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and December, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $324 and $305 respectively.

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

The average price for all round-trip flights from the United States to Central America depending on the time of departure, clicked by users on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

The cheapest time of day to fly to Central America is generally in the morning, when round-trip flights cost $417 on average. Morning departures are around 26% 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 $565.

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 8 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 Guatemala City La Aurora Airport (GUA), with an average flight price of $335.

Good to know

Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$165
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 14% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 25% 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 Avianca
JFK
-
SAL
Jun 2026
Tips for traveling call ahead of time if you have any questions. Also to travel with less items the better.
RonFlew with Delta
MSP
-
LIR
Jan 2026
It took us an hour to go through immigration at peak about 1:30 landing time and room was warm, so wear something for the heat and put away any jackets/overcoats/sweaters before you even deplane, you will not need them.
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 Wednesday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $497. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Sunday, where round-trip prices are $534 on average.

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 $535, from Houston George Bush Intcntl $783, from Los Angeles $925
  • 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 1566 reviews
7.8Boarding
6.8Entertainment
7.4Comfort
8.1Crew
6.9Food
Airline reviews

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.

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

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.

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

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

Placed us in the last rear row of the plane so could not recline seats because of the rear wall, and also made it more of a tight space when the passenger in front reclined their seat. While understand seat assignments, every passenger should be afforded a reclining seat. The odor control scent from the restrooms was overwhelming strong. My wife and I could not deal with it, and she suffered a terrible headache as a result. I kept getting hit by the crew since I was on the ilse seat. No apologies, nothing. They made me feel like I was supposed to take the beating for a 3 hr flight.

There was no individual at the front check in when I arrived. I waited for at least 15 minutes and walked around asking security/janitors if they could help and they did not have a solution. So I had to take my checked bag through security and they threw away some of my items. I ended up making it to the gate only a few minutes before it closed due to my waiting for an agent at check in.

It would have been better if they don't separate families in seating. We were seated in the aile row in the middle of a family of four. It would have been better if they they seat the family of four together than separated.

It was good, plane is a bit older so seats are somewhat flat

This airline always trick us so we end up paying again for the luggage’s. This airline is worthless and take advantage of travelers .

Now days most airlines flying to Central America have a really poor service, but if you buy first class they will treat you better. I miss those days when flying was fun.

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

Boarded from a very small gate at LAX. Staff at gate had us line up, then waited 25 minutes to board without a word of explanation. Plane arrived on time then waited 20 minutes for a plane to vacate our gate. Majority of bags arrived after 15 minutes but it took an hour for a small number of remaining bags to be off-loaded despite my “priority” bag tag.

It's fine but Newark to Nashville was too long

The flight was delayed because they closed several flight ways because of air shows, fire works, etc.

Horrible experience. They delayed our flight 7 hours!! We had to seat at the airport with kids on 4th July all day!

The kid in the middle seat kicked me almost the whole flight, almost kicked my hot tea off my tray. The flight was delayed due to the first plane not being able to be de-iced in July! We had to get a new plane. Now I drive 3 hours back to Edmonton because direct flights from PVR were way to expensive

Excellent communication from the staff. We actually arrived early. Very friendly and professional staff.

Excellent flight. On time. Great staff. Clean and crisp cabin.

The flight was delayed by a hour and I wish they had communicated it sooner. No issues on the plane, it did take a while for food to come.

Know that the movies that you are going to be offered are the oldest be rated movies they could possibly get. They may have one or two new movies that they keep advertising but when you’re flying 15 hours, there is nothing to see past the first new movie.

Staff could’ve been a little more cordial. The men were much more friendlier than the women. My daughter and I also missed the 2nd to last meal as we were sleeping but that is on us.

Boarding was awful - no order, people cutting in line, completely chaotic Planes are very old and uncomfortable. Noticeable difference between Delta and United on same route.

Getting to Scotland with no luggage (no medicine, no clothes and no club) on golf trip very disappointed

My luggage never made it, I booked business class only to find out I’m sitting in the back. Very disappointed with the reservation

American Airlines changed are gate no fewer than four times. Walking back and forth from one concourse to another was exhausting, especially after all the flight delays.

Finnair is a really good airline! We specifically looked for them on this trip. On time, great crew, and overall great experience.

I was very unhappy with the lack of communication from the cockpit. It took close to a half an hour before we took off after the doors were closed, and we got no announcements as to progress. It would be nice to get some acknowledgement of the situation and updates as to when we are taking off.

We had multiple delays and a medical incident during the flight. We barely got a glass of water during the over 4 hours we were on the plane. Somehow first class got all of their service. It would be nice if all of your paying customers got the service they paid for.

The plane was spartan, the seats not that comfortable. It was like flying a super low budget airline. They charged for coffee!!! I have never, ever experienced that before.

Short hop but nice crew, efficient processes and all very timely

I had no problems but the changing of planes that I was supposed to be on was confusing. Maybe it would be helpful to let people know your flight changed. Not everyone understands airports or how flying works.

The seats were the worst I have ever flown Too narrow, did not recline and the actual seat was hard as a rock. I will tell all travelers to stay away from Avianca flights.

The worst experience I've ever had because the "people" @ Avianca wouldn't let me fly because they said I needed a round trip ticket

Seating was tight. Seats don't recline. Initial flight was cancelled. Lost two days of vacation.

It was delayed and I lost my connection flight to Cali and I missed my Mom's funeral

I actually upgraded to the medium level of seats from basic and even doing that it may have been physically the most uncomfortable flight I have ever had. They packed everyone like is a train to death camp. It was a red eye so I hoped to get some sleep but it was physically impossible to find a comfortable way to rest. I met other folks on the same flight and they said the same thing. It was an utterly miserable flight and if I have any other options I will never fly with them again

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.

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

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.