$79 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 12/12. 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$144
San José
San Josénonstop$204
Guatemala City
Guatemala Citynonstop$151
Panama City
Panama Citynonstop$276
Liberia
Liberianonstop$234
Managua
Managua1 stop$234
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sulanonstop$123
Flores
Flores1 stop$395
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro2 stops$726
David
David1 stop$359
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town1 stop$477
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa1 stop$442
Placencia
Placencia1 stop$615
San Salvador
San Salvadornonstop$144
San José
San Josénonstop$204
Guatemala City
Guatemala Citynonstop$151
Panama City
Panama Citynonstop$276
Liberia
Liberianonstop$234
Managua
Managua1 stop$234
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sulanonstop$123
Flores
Flores1 stop$395
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro2 stops$726
David
David1 stop$359
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town1 stop$477
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa1 stop$442
Placencia
Placencia1 stop$615

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

Thu, Jan 22 - Fri, Jan 30
American Airlines Logo
6:30 am - 9:05 pmJFK-GUA
15h 35m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 8:59 pmGUA-JFK
12h 59m1 stop
$212American Airlines
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Thu, Jan 22 - Fri, Jan 30
American Airlines Logo
11:21 am - 9:05 pmJFK-GUA
10h 44m2 stops
American Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 10:58 pmGUA-JFK
14h 58m1 stop
$216American Airlines
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Mon, Jan 26 - Sun, Feb 1
Avianca Logo
2:30 am - 9:00 amJFK-GUA
7h 30m1 stop
Avianca Logo
7:45 pm - 1:15 amGUA-JFK
4h 30mnonstop
$219Avianca
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Sun, Jan 25 - Sun, Feb 8
Avianca Logo
6:15 pm - 9:55 pmIAD-SAL
4h 40mnonstop
Avianca Logo
10:05 pm - 3:10 amSAL-IAD
4h 05mnonstop
$222Avianca
Find Deal
Thu, Jan 29 - Sun, Feb 1
Volaris El Salvador Logo
1:07 pm - 4:44 pmIAD-SAL
4h 37mnonstop
Volaris El Salvador Logo
6:20 am - 11:27 amSAL-IAD
4h 07mnonstop
$223Volaris El Salvador
Find Deal
Fri, Feb 20 - Sun, Mar 8
Volaris El Salvador Logo
1:25 am - 5:02 amIAD-SAL
4h 37mnonstop
Volaris El Salvador Logo
6:20 am - 12:27 pmSAL-IAD
4h 07mnonstop
$227Volaris El Salvador
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Tue, Feb 24 - Tue, Mar 10
United Airlines Logo
3:31 pm - 7:53 pmEWR-SJO
5h 22mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
10:28 pm - 5:31 amSJO-EWR
5h 03mnonstop
$252United Airlines
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Wed, Nov 19 - Sun, Nov 23
United Airlines Logo
3:31 pm - 7:53 pmEWR-SJO
5h 22mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
11:28 pm - 5:31 amSJO-EWR
5h 03mnonstop
$265United Airlines
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Thu, Jan 22 - Mon, Feb 9
Copa Airlines Logo
1:16 am - 12:41 pmJFK-SAL
12h 25m1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
7:30 am - 2:59 amSAL-JFK
18h 29m1 stop
$266Copa Airlines
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Wed, Jan 21 - Wed, Jan 28
Copa Airlines Logo
1:16 am - 12:41 pmJFK-SAL
12h 25m1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
8:36 am - 2:59 amSAL-JFK
17h 23m1 stop
$286Copa 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 Guatemala City, at $80 round-trip. The most popular route is Atlanta (ATL) to Panama City (PTY) and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $213.

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 San Pedro Sula Ramon Villeda Airport (SAP), with an average flight price of $135.

Good to know

Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$79
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 16% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 42% 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 $482. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Saturday, where round-trip prices are $542 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 $334 on average. Morning departures are around 32% 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 $499.

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 Miami $298, from Newark $423, from Los Angeles $791
  • 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
6.9Food
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 2025DEN - PTY
Read more Copa Airlines reviews

Very strict carry on rules meant most of the plane had to gate check their luggage. As is often the case had things that were broken because of this, but I appreciated not being charged to gate check. Otherwise good flight and great crew once on the plane

Some of the Air hostesses are not that friendly. Need improvement

Simply as follows:- First, there was no vegetarian option for the meal Second, only 2 washrooms for the entire economy class.

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

Boarding was quick & efficient; they gave boarding groups due priority; staff & air crew were very cordial and helpful, pleasant flight.

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)

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

Premium Plus is a really good idea for longer flights

7 hours delayed due to operational issues on United’s end. Basically laziness.

Short flight but an "eager to help" crew made the journey more enjoyable!

Flight was delayed only slightly before takeoff due to traffic control. However, the flight arrived early to ORD. Good flight. United has been very reliable for me.

The person I bought the ticket for didn’t make the flight.

Lately I like the planes have been exceptionally filthy. There’s lines of dust and dirt all across the ceiling in the vents, and the cracks in between the seats are literally full of food. It’s definitely not the quality of service that I was used to with United. I’m also very disappointed with the Wi-Fi! All I wanna do is knock out a few work jobs while I’m trapped in my seat And it spools so bad. They did provide me with a refund, but the process of getting that refund is so complicated. It’s unfortunate.

Another delayed flight. When the delays exceed the duration of the flight, it’s a problem.

Excellent flight. Smooth, efficient boarding. Quick flight. Arrived early at STL.

After boarding the plane in Chicago, the passengers were told that there was a technical problem with the plane. Passengers remained on the plane as they tried to fix the problem. After what was probably an hour passengers were told that there was a need to change planes as the problem was not solved. Passengers disembarked and boarded another plane. After taxing to the runway and waiting for takeoff, passengers were told that owing to the thunderstorm the flight was unable to take off but would try and reroute. After some time passengers were told there wasn't enough fuel for the new route and the plane had to return to the gate for additional fuel. after another log delay the flight got underway. On the plane there was food, drinks, ice or entertainment. We were a glass of water, which appeared rationed. Flight arrived about 5 hours late. The pilot was fantastic and communicated with the passengers throughout the ordeal.

Same as last comment. Food sucks. Quality. Not surprising most people have no clue about nourishment Clearly

We loved the steward on the plane. He made the night enjoyable

I enjoyed the extra leg room compared to other airlines. The first stewards made my daughter’s birthday special by giving her an extra snack. Then the last one coming home from Chicago to Appleton made our night really enjoyable Thanks for making our trip enjoyable

The flight was smooth, the pilot kept us informed about delays and we arrived more of less on time

Flight delay was communicated before leaving for airport which caused it to be a non-event. Great flight and crew!

Did not get any refreshments. Crew was very nice but limited. Small seats

Wish some foods provided rather than just biscuit/cookie for flight more than 2 hours

Wish a flight with more than 2 hours with some snack rather than just cookie/biscuit.

The flight attendant, a black woman with curly hair who sat near Row 21, was wonderful and kind.

It was good..clean, comfy seat. Friendly warm welcoming crew. Was able to check my cabin luggage at the gate which I was able to pickup in a decent time from baggage claim. The app gave all updates from delays to baggage claim info. Overall smooth flight.

Flight was delayed leaving Dallas. Arrived about 2 hours later than scheduled.

This low cost airline looks and fells more like a local bus. In a 6 hour flight not being able to recline a seat is torture. The only thing available with no charge is a glass of water provided by, mostly, rude staff. Our luggage didn’t arrive

Horrible experience. Flight cancelled. Arrived at destination 12 hs later. No one gave us an answer or any information. Very very poor service. We won’t ever travel again with Avianca

Did not fly with Pakistan International Airlines. Have never flown with Pakistan International Airlines.

Boarding, crew were excellent, food was ok and entertainment need to improve

The seats were uncomfortable and barely reclined at all. Very little leg room despite being business class. The crew was friendly and the food was good. Had to use my own phone for in-flight entertainment.

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

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

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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