El Salvador is a short hop from much of the US, and San Salvador’s airport (SAL) is a major Avianca hub. Between Avianca, United, American, Delta, Volaris and Frontier, there are more nonstop flights from US cities than many travelers expect. Here’s who flies where as of October 2026, and which miles make the most sense.
The airport and the hub
SAL’s full name is El Salvador International Airport Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez. According to Aviacionline, citing data from airport operator CEPA, the airport handled about 5.3 million passengers in 2024, a record. Roughly 18.6% were connecting, mostly thanks to Avianca and Volaris. That makes SAL a real connecting hub, not just a destination airport.
US nonstops to San Salvador (as of October 2026)
| Airline | US cities with nonstops to SAL | Loyalty program |
|---|---|---|
| Avianca | Boston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston (IAH), Los Angeles, Miami, New York (JFK), Ontario (CA), San Francisco, Washington Dulles; seasonal Chicago O’Hare and Las Vegas | LifeMiles (Star Alliance) |
| United | Houston (IAH), Los Angeles, Newark, Washington Dulles (listed as seasonal by one source) | MileagePlus (Star Alliance) |
| American | Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami | AAdvantage (oneworld) |
| Delta | Atlanta | SkyMiles (SkyTeam) |
| Volaris El Salvador | Houston (IAH), Los Angeles, Newark, Oakland, Washington Dulles | Low-cost carrier |
| Frontier | Atlanta, Houston (IAH); seasonal Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, Orlando, Washington Dulles | Low-cost carrier |
This list comes from two route databases, Wikipedia’s SAL page and FlightConnections, which mostly agree. FlightConnections also shows an Avianca Orlando route. Seasonal flights may not operate when you want to travel, so check the airline’s schedule.
What about Spirit? Spirit ended its Fort Lauderdale–San Salvador route in April 2026, and the airline stopped flying entirely on May 2, 2026, according to CentralAmerica.com and PassRider. Older guides that list Spirit to SAL are out of date.
From the Midwest: Avianca’s seasonal Chicago O’Hare flight is the only Midwest nonstop we found. Otherwise, plan on connecting through Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta or Miami.
Which miles to use
Avianca LifeMiles
LifeMiles is Avianca’s own program. Because Avianca is in the Star Alliance, LifeMiles can book Avianca and United flights. LifeMiles no longer publishes a partner award chart. AwardWallet’s expected prices for partner flights from the continental US to Central America are 12,500–20,000 miles one-way in economy and 30,000–40,400 in business. LifeMiles doesn’t pass on carrier surcharges, but a redemption fee (usually $25) applies.
LifeMiles is easy to earn. Per AwardWallet, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One and Bilt transfer at 1:1. Citi ThankYou also transfers, and AwardWallet listed a bonus running through October 24, 2026. Chase does not transfer to LifeMiles.
United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan
United prices its own flights dynamically, so check the price for your dates. United miles can also book Star Alliance partner Avianca. Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer 1:1 to both United and Air Canada Aeroplan. Aeroplan can also book United and Avianca flights, and it updated its award chart for bookings made on or after June 1, 2026. Compare Aeroplan’s price before you transfer.
American, Avios and Delta
American’s Dallas/Fort Worth and Miami nonstops can be booked with AAdvantage miles (dynamic pricing). British Airways and Iberia Avios, both 1:1 Chase partners, can also book American flights, priced by distance. Delta’s Atlanta nonstop can be booked with SkyMiles (dynamic) or with Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles, another 1:1 Chase partner.
Volaris and Frontier
These are low-cost carriers. You’ll usually book them with cash and pay extra for bags and seats. They’re worth checking for a cheap one-way, especially from Oakland, Newark or Houston.
Practical tips
- Search United’s site for Star Alliance space, then compare. The same Avianca or United seat can cost different amounts in LifeMiles, MileagePlus and Aeroplan.
- Use SAL as a gateway. Avianca flies on from SAL to Guatemala City, Tegucigalpa, San José (Costa Rica), Managua and more, so a Central America trip can start in El Salvador.
- Book seasonal flights early. Avianca’s Chicago and Las Vegas flights don’t run year-round.
- Find the seat before you transfer. Point transfers usually can’t be undone.
Want to earn points that move to Avianca LifeMiles? American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to LifeMiles at 1:1. You can compare current offers and apply with our American Express referral link.
Disclosure: This is our personal American Express referral link. If you’re approved through it, we may earn referral rewards, at no extra cost to you. You can always apply directly on American Express’s website. See our Advertising & Referral Disclosure.
Our take
For most readers, we’d start with Avianca’s network and price it in LifeMiles (from Amex, Capital One, Citi or Bilt) and in United miles or Aeroplan (from Chase). From Houston, Los Angeles, Newark or Washington, United’s own nonstops are easy to book. From Chicago and the rest of the Midwest, expect a connection most of the year. The downsides: there’s no published LifeMiles chart, so prices can change without notice; dynamic pricing at United, American and Delta makes holiday dates expensive; and the low-cost options are usually cash bookings.
Sources
- Wikipedia: El Salvador International Airport
- FlightConnections: Flights from San Salvador (SAL)
- Aviacionline: El Salvador airport passes 5.2 million passengers
- FlightsFrom: United flights from SAL
- CentralAmerica.com: Spirit Airlines shuts down
- PassRider: Spirit Airlines shutdown
- AwardWallet: Avianca LifeMiles transfer partners and partner airlines
- Rewards Canada: Aeroplan award chart changes June 2026
- Upgraded Points: Chase transfer partners
Prices, points rates, schedules and entry rules change often; confirm details with the airline, hotel or organizer before you book. Points Capital is not a financial advisor.
