The Best Ways To Fly to Central America With Points and Miles [Step by Step]

Central America is a particularly interesting part of the world, home to several vibrant countries and 7% of the planet’s total biodiversity, despite occupying just 0.1% of Earth’s land.

Travelers flock to the region to see sights like the Great Blue Hole in Belize, Mayan pyramids in Guatemala and Honduras, and the picturesque beaches of Costa Rica. You can even find bustling metropolises in Panama if you’re a city slicker.

Regardless of what ends up drawing you to Central America, let’s review all of the best ways to fly to this fascinating region using points and miles.

Nonstop Flights Between the U.S. and Central America

Thanks to the region’s proximity to the U.S., plenty of airlines fly nonstop between the U.S. and Central America.

In our guide, we’ve defined the following countries to be part of Central America:

• Belize — Belize City (BZE)
• Costa Rica — Liberia (LIR), San José (SJO)
• El Salvador — San Salvador (SAL)
• Guatemala — Guatemala City (GUA)
• Honduras — Coxen Hole (RTB), San Pedro Sula (SAP), Tegucigalpa (TGU)
• Nicaragua — Managua (MGA)
• Panama — Panama City (PTY)

Like we mentioned, numerous airlines, including low-cost carriers Frontier, Spirit, and Volaris, fly nonstop to the region. However, we’ve excluded these from this guide, which will focus on the best ways to get outsized value from your points.

The main foreign carriers offering nonstop flights to Central America are Avianca and Copa Airlines.

In addition, nonstop flights are offered by major U.S. carriers, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. JetBlue even offers some flights with its lauded Mint business class.

Check out the domestic airlines offering nonstop flights:

Alaska Airlines

American Airlines

Delta Air Lines

JetBlue

* Mint service available

United Airlines

And here’s a look at foreign carriers’ nonstop routes between the U.S. and Central America:

Avianca

Copa Airlines

Bottom Line: All major U.S. airlines, as well as Avianca and Copa Airlines, offer nonstop service to Central America. The best lie-flat options are found on JetBlue and Copa Airlines, but convenient nonstop flights may end up being the deciding factor.

Best Programs for Booking Flights to Central America

Etihad Guest

You may be wondering, “What in the world is Etihad doing in a guide to flying to Central America with points?”

Well, we’re here to inform you that redeeming Etihad Guest miles is the best way to book JetBlue Mint using points.

Thanks to a close partnership between the 2 airlines, there’s finally an alternative to booking JetBlue Mint using points, apart from redeeming JetBlue TrueBlue points at a poor, fixed value or using the Chase travel portal.

Here’s the award chart for booking JetBlue flights with Etihad Guest miles:

Here are some great example JetBlue redemptions you can make:

• Boston (BOS) – Liberia (LIR) one-way in JetBlue Mint for 50,000 Etihad Guest miles
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Liberia (LIR) one-way in JetBlue Mint for 64,000 Etihad Guest miles
• New York (JFK) – Liberia (LIR) one-way in JetBlue Mint for 50,000 Etihad Guest miles

These flights can exceed $1,500 in price, opening up the possibility to get around 3 cents per point in value!

Here’s how to book JetBlue Mint tickets with Etihad Guest:

1. Visit Etihad’s website.
2. Log in to your Etihad account.
3. In the search box on the homepage, enter your departure airport, destination, and whether you want a one-way or round-trip award.
4. Select the number of travelers and cabin class (Business for Mint). Select Continue.
5. Choose your travel dates, then select Continue.
6. On the results page, check off Pay with miles.
7. Select your flight and Continue to complete your booking.

Earning Etihad Guest Miles

Etihad Guest is 1:1 transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Marriott Bonboy.

Amex, Citi, and Capital One transfer to Etihad almost instantly at a 1:1 ratio.

Marriott Bonvoy transfers to Etihad Guest at a 3:1 ratio, taking around 3 business days to complete. If you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to Etihad Guest, you’ll receive a bonus of 5,000 Etihad Guest miles.

Bottom Line: The most comfortable way to fly to Central America is in JetBlue Mint, one of the best business class products from a U.S. carrier. You can redeem Etihad Guest miles, which are easy to earn, for this experience, though the only available routes currently are to Costa Rica’s beach hotspot, Liberia (LIR).

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

American Airlines is another major operator of nonstop flights to Central America.

With nearly 20 nonstop flights, you’re bound to find a flight suitable for you, whether you live in one of the cities from which AA flies nonstop or one of the many other cities American connects with its hubs across the country.

Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles program offers great redemption prices on American’s longer flights, while The British Airways Club (discussed in the next section) has the best prices for shorter flights.

Here are some great American Airlines redemptions you can make using Asia Miles:

• New York (JFK) – Liberia (LIR) one-way in American Airlines business class for 30,000 Asia Miles + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• New York (JFK) – San José (SJO) one-way in American Airlines business class for 30,000 Asia Miles + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Phoenix (PHX) – San José (SJO) one-way in American Airlines business class for 30,000 Asia Miles + ~$6 in taxes and fees

Unfortunately, Asia Miles requires you to submit an award request form or call the customer service phone number in order to book.

Given this extra step, here’s what we recommend you to do:

1. Do not use American Airlines’ website to find availability. Instead, use a partner website like British Airways or Qantas to search.
2. After finding American Airlines availability, give Asia Miles a call at 866-892-2598.
3. Provide the Asia Miles customer service specialist with the details and finish making the reservation.

Earning Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles are easy to earn.

It maintains partnerships with American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Capital One Miles, Brex Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Amex transfers at a 1:1 ratio in a few hours, Citi and Brex both transfer at a 1:1 ratio within 1 business day, and Capital One transfers at a 1:1 ratio within 2 business days.

Marriott Bonvoy transfers at a 3:1 ratio with a 5,000-mile bonus when you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Transfers to Asia Miles process in 5 business days.

Recommended American Express Cards

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$695

APR

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Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel^® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel^®.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, with over $500 of annual value if you visit Centurion Lounges and each of our partner lounges including Delta Sky Club^® lounges when flying an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations) , select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa, Plaza Premium lounges and Escape Lounges, and enroll in Priority Pass Select. See terms.
• A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card^®.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express Membership Rewards

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American Express^® Gold Card

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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

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Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

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American Express^® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

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Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Terms Apply.

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• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express Membership Rewards

The British Airways Club

With the British Airways Club, it’s best to compare the merits of this program to those of Asia Miles.

In this case, partner American Airlines is going to be the major airline we examine.

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles offers attractive mileage prices compared to The British Airways Club on flights longer than 2,000 miles. But, on the other hand, British Airways Club offers phenomenal award prices on flights up to 2,000 miles in flight distance.

Here’s the award chart for partner-operated flights (including American Airlines) booked with Asia Miles and British Airways Avios:

As you can see in the chart above, British Airways costs 8,000 Avios less than Asia Miles for American Airlines business class flights up to 2,000 miles in flight distance, while Asia Miles costs 8,750 miles less than British Airways for American Airlines business class flights longer than 2,000 miles in flight distance.

Additionally, flights can be booked 100% online and it’s easy to earn British Airways Avios.

Here are some great example routes you can book using British Airways Avios:

• Austin (AUS) – Liberia (LIR) one-way in American Airlines business class for 22,000 British Airways Avios + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Chicago (ORD) – Guatemala City (GUA) one-way in American Airlines business class for 22,000 British Airways Avios + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Dallas (DFW) – Belize City (BZE) one-way in American Airlines business class for 22,000 British Airways Avios + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Dallas (DFW) – Guatemala City (GUA) one-way in American Airlines business class for 22,000 British Airways Avios + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Dallas (DFW) – Liberia (LIR) one-way in American Airlines business class for 22,000 British Airways Avios + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Dallas (DFW) – San José (SJO) one-way in American Airlines business class for 22,000 British Airways Avios + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Dallas (DFW) – San Pedro Sula (SAP) one-way in American Airlines business class for 22,000 British Airways Avios + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Dallas (DFW) – San Salvador (SAL) one-way in American Airlines business class for 22,000 British Airways Avios + ~$6 in taxes and fees

Follow these steps to book your American Airlines ticket using British Airways Avios online:

1. Visit British Airways’ website.
2. Log into your British Airways Club account by clicking Log in in the top-right corner and entering your account details.
3. After logging in, hover over the Book button in the top banner, and click Book a flight with Avios under the Flights sub-menu.
4. Enter your travel information and click Get flights.
5. Book the flight you wish using Avios and a credit card for taxes and fees.

Earning British Airways Avios

The British Airways Club has transfer partnerships with Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Chase and Amex transfer to British Airways at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly, while Capital One transfers to British Airways at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly.

Marriott Bonvoy transfers to British Airways at a 3:1 ratio with a 5,000-mile bonus if you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Additionally, you can also earn Avios with the British Airways Visa Signature^® Card!

Recommended Capital One Cards

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Capital One Miles

 

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Capital One Miles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome Offer

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.

20,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$360

Annual Fee

$0

APR

Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 19.24% - 29.24% thereafter

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee (rates & fees)
• No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
• Ability to use transfer partners

Cons

• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 19.24% - 29.24% thereafter
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Capital One Miles

Delta SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles is a polarizing loyalty program. Associated with an airline with extremely high customer satisfaction, it’s somewhat unintuitive to think that its mileage prices aren’t all that attractive, especially for long-haul, premium cabin travel.

Still, for regional flights in first or business class, it’s possible to get solid value overall. More importantly, you’re almost always guaranteed a “floor” value with your miles, meaning they will be worth at least 1 cent apiece in redemption value.

Booking Delta flights to Central America is best done with Delta SkyMiles. It’s not unheard of to book economy flights for 10,000 miles in each direction, though you’ll generally redeem around 30,000 to 50,000 miles in each direction for a first class flight.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to tell how much you’ll pay for a flight until you actually search due to Delta SkyMiles’ dynamic award pricing system.

Nonetheless, if you maintain a high degree of flexibility, you should be able to get some good deals on nonstop first or business class flights to Central America.

Additionally, since Delta SkyMiles members have the best access to award availability, you have the option to redeem more miles for a flight that works better with your schedule, while partner programs like Air France/KLM Flying Blue wouldn’t have that option.

Here are some great example redemptions you can make:

• Atlanta (ATL) – Panama City (PTY) one-way in Delta first class from 32,000 SkyMiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Atlanta (ATL) – San José (SJO) one-way in Delta first class from 43,000 SkyMiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Atlanta (ATL) – San Pedro Sula (SAP) one-way in Delta first class from 17,000 SkyMiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Atlanta (ATL) – San Salvador (SAL) one-way in Delta first class from 31,000 SkyMiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Liberia (LIR) one-way in Delta first class from 29,000 SkyMiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Los Angeles (LAX) – San José (SJO) one-way in Delta first class from 34,000 SkyMiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• Los Angeles (LAX) – San Salvador (SAL) one-way in Delta first class from 27,000 SkyMiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees
• New York (JFK) – Panama City (PTY) one-way in Delta first class from 20,000 SkyMiles + ~$6 in taxes and fees

If you’re ready to book your Delta flight, follow these steps:

1. Go to Delta’s website.
2. In the top ribbon, fill in the search box. Search for your flights.
3. Find suitable flight options and book your ticket using SkyMiles and a credit card for taxes and fees.

Hot Tip: Delta SkyMiles is very much a “what you see is what you get” program. Enhance what you see by searching using the award calendar.

Earning Delta SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles are best earned through transfers from American Express or Marriott Bonvoy.

Amex Membership Rewards points transfer at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly, while Marriott Bonvoy points transfer within 1 business day at a 3:1 ratio.

Also, Amex issues several Delta SkyMiles co-branded credit cards that also come with perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and more.

Recommended Delta SkyMiles Cards

There are many Delta credit cards available which we cover in our in-depth guide.

Air France/KLM Flying Blue

In certain situations, it makes more sense to book Delta flights using Flying Blue miles instead of Delta’s own SkyMiles.

When we’re discussing flights to Central America, Delta’s Saver-level award tickets are also bookable with Flying Blue miles.

Flying Blue miles are generally easier to earn than Delta SkyMiles, but Flying Blue members can only access a small chunk of award availability, making it a bit more challenging to book award flights on Delta metal.

Delta SkyMiles charges lots of miles on select nonstop routes, even in the Saver award category. Get around this by redeeming Flying Blue miles on some of these great example routes:

• Atlanta (ATL) – Belize City (BZE) one-way in Delta first class for 38,000 Flying Blue miles + ~$6 in taxes and fees (Delta SkyMiles charges at least 54,000 miles for this ticket)
• Atlanta (ATL) – Liberia (LIR) one-way in Delta first class for 43,000 Flying Blue miles + ~$6 in taxes and fees (Delta SkyMiles charges at least 56,000 miles for this ticket)
• Minneapolis (MSP) – Belize City (BZE) one-way in Delta first class for 43,000 Flying Blue miles + ~$6 in taxes and fees (Delta SkyMiles charges at least 62,000 miles for this ticket)
• Minneapolis (MSP) – Liberia (LIR) one-way in Delta first class for 43,000 Flying Blue miles + ~$6 in taxes and fees (Delta SkyMiles charges at least 54,000 miles for this ticket)

Here’s how to book Delta tickets using Flying Blue miles:

1. Find Saver-level availability on Delta’s website.
2. Reproduce that search on Air France/KLM Flying Blue’s website.
3. After finding a Delta flight, redeem your Flying Blue miles and pay for the taxes and fees with a credit card.

Earning Air France/KLM Flying Blue Miles

Air France/KLM Flying Blue has transfer partnerships with all the major transferable currencies, including American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Capital One Miles, Brex Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and Wells Fargo Rewards.

Amex, Chase, Citi, Capital One, and Brex have the best transfer ratios of 1:1 — they also transfer instantly.

Marriott has a 3:1 ratio transfer ratio, and transfers take 3 business days. If you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to Flying Blue, you’ll get an extra bonus of 5,000 miles.

Flying Blue also has a co-branded credit card issued by Bank of America that earns miles directly.

Recommended Citi Cards

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
• 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• $100 annual hotel benefit

Cons

• $95 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
• Earn 10X points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations.
• Earn 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card.
• No foreign transaction fees on purchases.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Air Canada Aeroplan

Air Canada Aeroplan is our go-to frequent flyer program for Star Alliance flights between the U.S. and Central America because it has plenty of transfer partners, some of the best redemption rates for economy and business class, and even permits one-way stopovers for an extra 5,000 points!

Not only can you book United flights with Aeroplan points, but you can also book Avianca and Copa Airlines flights.

Here’s the award chart for partner-operated flights.

Aeroplan has a separate award chart for its own awards and “select partners”, including United Airlines. United awards are now priced dynamically, but here’s a ballpark estimate of how many points you’ll need to redeem:

Here are some great example redemptions you can make:

• Denver (DEN) – Panama City (PTY) one-way in Copa Airlines business class for 25,000 Aeroplan points + ~$58 in taxes and fees
• Houston (IAH) – Liberia (LIR) one-way in United business class for 30,000 Aeroplan points + ~$75 in taxes and fees
• Los Angeles (LAX) – San Salvador (SAL) – San José (SJO) one-way in Avianca business class with a stopover in San Salvador for 30,000 Aeroplan points + ~$77 in taxes and fees
• San Francisco (SFO) – Panama City (PTY) one-way in Copa Airlines business class for 35,000 Aeroplan points + ~$65 in taxes and fees
• Washington, D.C. (IAD) – San Salvador (SAL) – Panama City (PTY) one-way in Avianca business class and Copa Airlines business class with a stopover in San Salvador for 30,000 Aeroplan points + ~$60 in taxes and fees

Follow these steps to book your award ticket:

1. Find award availability on each segment on United.com (look for Saver availability).
2. Go to the Aeroplan homepage.
3. Click Sign In in the top-right corner and log into your Aeroplan account.
4. Re-enter the flight details from step 1 to reconfirm that you’re seeing the same flights.
5. Use your Aeroplan points and a credit card for taxes and fees.
   • If adding a stopover, you will need to call Aeroplan at 800-361-5373 to book your ticket.

Earning Air Canada Aeroplan Points

Earning lots of Aeroplan points is easier than ever.

Thanks to lucrative transfer partnerships with American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Marriott Bonvoy, you’ll have many ways to rack up points.

Amex, Capital One, and Chase maintain 1:1 transfer ratios. Marriott Bonvoy is 3:1 with a 5,000 points bonus after transferring 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to Aeroplan.

Amex, Chase, and Capital One transfer instantly while Marriott Bonvoy takes 5 business days to transfer to Aeroplan.

United MileagePlus

The last frequent flyer program we’ll be looking at is United MileagePlus. United’s website is fantastic because it’s capable of showing virtually all of the available options you can book within the Star Alliance.

However, we generally recommend only using United to perform award searches; rarely do we recommend you to book your ticket using United miles.

But if you have a bunch of United miles or need to access award availability beyond partner-level Saver awards, the only way to book United flights with points is through United MileagePlus.

Sure, you’ll end up paying more miles for your flight, but you’ll get to adhere to the schedule/availability that fits your needs best.

In any case, you’ll avoid fuel surcharges, which is great news. Here’s how much award flights cost (remember, you’ll very rarely find premium cabin awards at that starting price):

Here are some great example flights you can book using United miles:

• Chicago (ORD) – Liberia (LIR) one-way in United business class from 32,200 United miles + ~$22 in taxes and fees
• Houston (IAH) – Coxen Hole (RTB) one-way in United business class from 32,600 United miles + ~$22 in taxes and fees
• Houston (IAH) – Panama City (PTY) one-way in United business class from 32,600 United miles + ~$7 in taxes and fees
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Belize City (BZE) one-way in United business class from 50,500 United miles + ~$22 in taxes and fees
• Newark (EWR) – Belize City (BZE) one-way in United business class from 40,400 United miles + ~$22 in taxes and fees
• Newark (EWR) – Panama City (PTY) one-way in United business class from 30,000 United miles + ~$7 in taxes and fees
• San Francisco (SFO) – Liberia (LIR) one-way in United business class from 30,000 United miles + ~$22 in taxes and fees

Follow these steps to book your United flight online with United MileagePlus:

1. Go to United.com.
2. On the homepage, fill out the search box and remember to check off the box that says Book with miles.
3. Perform the search, find a suitable award flight, and complete the reservation by redeeming United miles and paying for taxes and fees.

Earning United MileagePlus Miles

Earning United miles is easy. Currently, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy are United MileagePlus transfer partners.

Chase transfers at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly, while Marriott Bonvoy transfers at a 3:1 ratio in 3 business days. Also, if you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to United, you’ll get a bonus of 10,000 miles.

You can also earn United miles through Chase’s co-branded credit cards.

Recommended United Cards

We explore the large number of United credit cards available in our detailed guide.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to fly between the U.S. and Central America using points and miles.

We’ve focused on major U.S. airlines in this guide, though Avianca and Copa Airlines also operate nonstop flights.

And with a dizzying network of routes, it can feel overwhelming to try to get the best deal with your points.

If you’re looking for a lie-flat business class opportunity, redeem Etihad Guest miles on JetBlue Mint or Aeroplan points on Copa Airlines’ lie-flat business class (on Boeing 737 MAX planes only).

But know that regardless of how you plan on getting there, you have plenty of options for getting to Central America with minimal cash outlay.