$166 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 8/6. 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$292
San José
San Josénonstop$275
Guatemala City
Guatemala City1 stop$312
Panama City
Panama City1 stop$304
Liberia
Liberia2 stops$297
Managua
Managuanonstop$445
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sula1 stop$424
Flores
Flores1 stop$474
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro1 stop$783
David
David1 stop$422
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town2 stops$914
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa2 stops$828
Placencia
Placencia1 stop$1,070
San Salvador
San Salvadornonstop$292
San José
San Josénonstop$275
Guatemala City
Guatemala City1 stop$312
Panama City
Panama City1 stop$304
Liberia
Liberia2 stops$297
Managua
Managuanonstop$445
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sula1 stop$424
Flores
Flores1 stop$474
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro1 stop$783
David
David1 stop$422
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town2 stops$914
Tegucigalpa
Tegucigalpa2 stops$828
Placencia
Placencia1 stop$1,070

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, Oct 3 - Wed, Oct 7
Volaris Costa Rica Logo
9:00 am - 2:47 pm
LAX
-
GUA
4h 47mnonstop
Volaris Costa Rica Logo
2:12 pm - 6:16 pm
GUA
-
LAX
5h 04mnonstop
$327Volaris Costa Rica
Fri, Aug 21 - Wed, Aug 26
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:00 am - 2:47 pm
LAX
-
GUA
4h 47mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
3:47 pm - 10:52 pm
GUA
-
LAX
8h 05m
1 stop
$328Multiple Airlines
Wed, Aug 19 - Mon, Aug 31
Volaris Costa Rica Logo
9:00 am - 2:47 pm
LAX
-
GUA
4h 47mnonstop
Volaris Costa Rica Logo
2:12 pm - 6:16 pm
GUA
-
LAX
5h 04mnonstop
$330Volaris Costa Rica
Sun, Aug 23 - Sat, Sep 5
American Airlines Logo
5:41 am - 12:48 pm
HOU
-
SAL
8h 07m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
3:07 pm - 12:27 pm
SAL
-
HOU
20h 20m
2 stops
$405American Airlines
Sat, Aug 22 - Sat, Sep 5
American Airlines Logo
12:14 pm - 12:48 pm
HOU
-
SAL
25h 34m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
3:07 pm - 12:27 pm
SAL
-
HOU
20h 20m
2 stops
$412American Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Sun, Oct 11
Avianca Logo
1:00 am - 7:00 am
LAX
-
SAL
5h 00mnonstop
Avianca Logo
6:15 pm - 10:40 pm
SAL
-
LAX
5h 25mnonstop
$430Avianca
Sat, Oct 24 - Thu, Nov 5
Avianca Logo
12:20 am - 6:15 am
LAX
-
SAL
4h 55mnonstop
Avianca Logo
5:35 pm - 9:15 pm
SAL
-
LAX
5h 40mnonstop
$431Avianca
Thu, Dec 31 - Tue, Jan 19
Copa Airlines Logo
1:16 am - 8:34 pm
JFK
-
SAL
20h 18m
1 stop
Copa Airlines Logo
4:56 am - 5:17 pm
SAL
-
JFK
11h 21m
1 stop
$439Copa Airlines
Wed, Sep 9 - Wed, Sep 30
United Airlines Logo
8:00 am - 7:37 pm
EWR
-
SJO
13h 37m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
12:44 pm - 8:00 pm
SJO
-
EWR
5h 16mnonstop
$441United Airlines
Thu, Sep 17 - Wed, Sep 23
United Airlines Logo
8:00 am - 7:37 pm
EWR
-
SJO
13h 37m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
1:25 pm - 12:49 am
SJO
-
EWR
9h 24m
1 stop
$443United Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for flights to Central America

Get data-powered insights and trends for flights to Central America to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest flight to Central America?

These are the best round-trip prices found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 5 days.

The cheapest ticket to Central America from the United States found in the last 5 days was to San Salvador, at $274 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 $274.

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 $176 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and July, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $324 and $317 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 $429 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 $583.

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 7 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 Liberia Airport (LIR), with an average flight price of $328.

Good to know

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

$166
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 11% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 23% increase in price.
Flight from Los Angeles to Guatemala City

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 $505. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Sunday, where round-trip prices are $543 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 $570, from Chicago O'Hare Intl $655, from Los Angeles $960
  • 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
7.8Boarding
7.4Comfort
6.8Entertainment
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

Wonderful flight! The crew was good, check-in was good and orderly and the flight was uneventful and good.

Gluten free snack options and meals that offer both gluten free and dairy free.

The pilot was late so we didn’t take off til almost 2 hours late.

The SFO lounge closes at 12 midnight. My flight took off at 2AM

Not a bad flight but a long delay boarding and taking off due to the pilot not arriving on time.

The experience with United Airlines was excellent; however, the experience with Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) was horrible. Although our flight departed from Terminal B, we had to go through security in Terminal C and then get on a train for travel to Terminal B. Additionally, there was significant walking required to get to the boarding location.

Delayed 2 hours while stuck on the aircraft. If the luggage was properly loaded the first time we probably wouldn’t have been delayed at all

The international portion was good. Food and beverage options were good. The sustainable wooden eatery was less than desirable. Your Star Alliance partner ANA provided real silverware. I'm 6'3" & 198 lbs and felt cramped in the exit row. How can that be? Flight attendant all had a pleasant disposition which is always good.

Flight was late to take off Plane broke down Had to move everyone to another plane Told we weren’t going to LGA but Newark Also told we would be taken to NY But United lied and we ended up at Newark at 2 in the morning Horrible experience. And the experience of trying to get compensation from United is just as bad. They could not care less about their passengers Never again!

Flight was late, the only reason I almost missed my flight was that my connection was also late.

Patrons with larger bags were asked to check the bags when boarding. Seems like the most effective, and least costly way, way to successfully use the cramped space.

Like all planes recently, entertainment is achieved by giving the patron free WiFi and letting them stream shows via the screen on a phone or tablet.

Worst communication. Delayed boarding for two hours without a single announcement until hour 1 had passed - on time status showing until our flight was supposed to takeoff and the crew had already walked away. No one was boarding. Disgusting part of DFW overcrowded with no AC on a 97 degree day. Then the first app update is that we’d take off in 15 mins… but again no one had boarded a full flight. No announcement in the terminal so everyone is just crowded around a disgusting place with no info for over an hour which turned into two. This was an overfill flight and a disgrace to passenger decency all while likely just trying to fix their own issue of overbooking. The worst airline at the worst airport.

My seat had a worn out cushion, which made it a bit uncomfortable. Other than that, the flight was excellent.

The flight was delayed almost three hours. I understand delays happen from time to time, but this flight was delayed no less than 10 times. I wish the amount of time of the delay was more accurate, versus delaying in 10 or 20 minute increments many, many times.

I thought American Airlines did well considering the adverse weather situation over July 21 and 22. I especially appreciated the consideration given to me when I got stuck in Miami on my way to Boston from Charleston, West Virginia. Thank you for providing a voucher for an overnight stay. Though it was only a few hours of sleep, it was very helpful. I was able to reschedule my medical appointment and got back to the Boston area on the 1st flight out of Miami as a standby passenger. It was very helpful that I was given number one priority on the standby list.

I’ve been on 8 flights with American Airlines in the last 2 months and 4 have been delayed.

The flight was ok, i understand Houston-Dallas is a short distance. The plane is really small: no TV, no snacks, but other than that, all was good. We had a bid delay but luckily it did not affect my connection

Horrific. We were delayed due a flight attendant stuck in traffic en route to the airport. Over 100 people were then stuck in Charolette. Then I ran to make my layover only to find that my connection didn’t have a plane anymore. Waited 2.5 hours without any updates. On the flight we had to beg for even a pretzel option.

Uncomfortable seats, spotty WiFi, only Biscoff for snack (no one likes those).

We booked seats next to each other. When we got the boarding passes, they were for different rows. The crew were reluctant to help us, so we ended up sitting separately. 1. What’s the point of reserving by seat number if you’re not going to honor that reservation? 2. Even if it gets messed up between reservation and boarding, how is the crew going to deny us the opportunity to arrange to sit together. There were plenty of people flying alone. It could’ve been easily accommodated. Not very customer-friendly at all.

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

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.