Belize is one of the most accessible tropical escapes from the U.S. Whether you want a quick break or a last-minute adventure, many U.S. gateways make flying to Belize convenient, affordable, and fast. Add in the value of staying at Chaa Creek with its inclusive meals & nature-rich activities, and the whole trip becomes even more compelling. Below, we have collated 13 U.S. gateways, grouped by ease, cost, and flight time, plus tips to maximize value.
What Makes Belize Such a Great Destination
Proximity: Many flights from southern U.S. hubs are under 3 hours.
Direct flights: Less transit time = fewer hassles, significant for shorter trips.
Affordability: You save on airfare, lodging, food & activities compared to more remote islands.
Value at Chaa Creek includes meals, many onsite or nearby nature trails, wildlife spotting, canoeing, etc., make your stay more enriching without a substantial extra cost.
The 13 U.S. Gateways: Direct, Budget-Friendly & Speedy
Here are cities in the U.S. with direct or mostly direct flights to Belize City (Philip S. W. Goldson International, code BZE), grouped by how “close/fast” they tend to be. I include approximate flight times (where available) and what to expect in terms of departures or deals.
| Gateway City (Airport) | Approximate Flight Time to Belize City* | Highlights / What Makes It Good | Notes on Availability / Deals |
| 1. Miami (MIA) | 2 hours 15 mins | Very frequent flights, often cheapest from Southeastern U.S.; many airlines; more options during peak season. | Watch for off-peak deals. Sometimes multiple flights per day. |
| 2. Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | 2+ hours | Good option if MIA is out of reach; often lower fares; Southwest/others may operate. | Seasonal service may vary. Book ahead in high season. |
| 3. Houston (IAH / HOU) | 2-2.5 hours | Central U.S. hub; good for many U.S. travelers to connect to Houston cheaply. | Sometimes only one flight per day, check schedules. |
| 4. Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) | 2 h 50 min | American Airlines flies direct; good balance of price & frequency from the central U.S. | Not always daily; seasonal fluctuations. |
| 5. Atlanta (ATL) | 3 h 5 min | Big hub, many connecting options; often good fare competition. | Direct flights possible; cheaper when booking ahead. |
| 6. Charlotte (CLT) | 3 h 24 min r | Good when you live in the eastern U.S.; less crowded than super busy hubs. | Seasonal; some routes might be only on certain days. |
| 7. Chicago (ORD) | 4+ hours | More northern option; good for Midwest travelers wanting fewer connections. | Fewer direct flights; sometimes weekend-only or seasonal. |
| 8. New York (JFK) | 4-5 hours | Lots of airlines; good to watch for last-minute fares. | May be more expensive; benefits if you can fly mid-week. |
| 9. Los Angeles (LAX) | 4 h 45 min | Farther, but direct service opens up many West Coast options; great for longer vacations. | Fewer flights; may require planning in advance. |
| 10. Seattle (SEA) | 6+ hours | Longest of these gateways; but for Pacific Northwest travelers it avoids long, multi-stop connections. | Very limited frequency; likely the most expensive in airfare. |
| 11. Denver (DEN) | 5-5.5 hours | Good for central/western U.S. departure; might be seasonal. | Direct flights may be weekend or limited schedule. |
| 12. Baltimore (BWI) | Varies; often weekend/seasonal direct service | East coast option; good for people around Washington, D.C. or Maryland. | Watch for seasonal/peak-season-only flights. |
| 13. Minneapolis (MSP) | 4-5 hours, seasonal | Option for northern mid-west; useful if you want to avoid bigger hubs. | May operate only in high season; limited days. |
*Flight times are approximate door-to-door or airborne plus standard buffer; actual times depend on airline, route, winds, etc.
2025 Updates
Starting November 1st, 2025, United Airlines will resume direct flights to Belize from Denver (DEN), Chicago (ORD), and Newark (EWR), complementing its existing service from Houston (IAH). In addition, service from San Francisco (SFO) will return on December 20, 2025, offering even more connectivity from the U.S. West Coast.
From December 18th through December 31st, 2025, United will operate five daily flights out of Belize, with six flights scheduled on peak travel dates, December 20 and December 27, 2025. This expanded schedule ensures convenient travel options for visitors and Belizeans alike during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
United Airlines remains one of the largest international carriers serving Belize and this increase in flights is a welcome boost for Belize’s tourism industry. The additional flights will offer more opportunities for travelers to connect with the destination.
Get to know the Carriers
| Airline | Notes on Route / Service |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | Major carrier with year-round and seasonal nonstop routes from cities like Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, and others. |
| United Airlines | Offers flights from hubs such as Houston (IAH), Newark / New York, etc. |
| Delta Air Lines | Has non-stop / seasonal service from Atlanta, and other hubs. |
| Southwest Airlines | Non-stop from places like Houston, Denver. Some routes are seasonal. |
| Alaska Airlines | Flies from West Coast cities (e.g. LAX, Seattle) non-stop or seasonal. |
| Sun Country Airlines | Seasonal non-stop service from Minneapolis, etc. |
| Spirit Airlines | New non-stop route launching Nov 21, 2025 from Fort Lauderdale to Belize City. |
| Frontier Airlines | Seasonal service from Denver etc. |
| JetBlue | Non-stop / seasonal flights from New York (JFK) etc. |
Filtering Gateways by Your Priorities
To help you decide which U.S. gateway fits your travel style, here are categories based on your priorities:
Shortest Travel / Proximity: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Houston
Best for Last-Minute Deals: Miami, Dallas, Atlanta (lots of airlines, frequent flights)
Good Value + Direct Flights: Houston, Dallas, Charlotte (often competitive fares)
Best for Northern U.S. or West Coast: LAX, Seattle, Chicago, Denver
Tips for Finding Last-Minute Deals & Best Value
Be flexible with dates mid-week flights are usually cheaper than weekends.
Monitor fare alerts for your preferred gateway. Airlines often run promos from hubs.
Travel off-peak when Belize is less crowded (shoulder months.)
Choose inclusive lodging that include delicious Chaa Creek meals, many activities onsite and offsite activities such as Birdwatching, Butterfly Farm Tour, Canoeing, Hiking, Medicinal Trail Tour. Offsite Tours include Maya archeological site tours to Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Caracol and Tikal.
Fly into Belize City, and have Chaa Creek’s trusty driver guides pick you up and take you to Cayo.
Why Chaa Creek Offers Great Value Once You Land
Breakfast is always included, and many of the activities like guided nature walks, birdwatching, canoeing, and more are complimentary or offered at a minimal cost. Within Chaa Creek’s 500-acre private nature reserve, you’ll find yourself immersed in lush jungle trails and tranquil river landscapes. Experiences are designed for small groups with personalized attention, offering a refreshing alternative to the crowds of larger resorts. And with today’s affordable airfare combined with the rich onsite value, more of your travel budget goes where it should, toward creating unforgettable memories in Belize, not just getting there.
Example Trip Scenarios
Quick Long Weekend (Fri-Mon), East Coast: Fly from Miami or Atlanta, stay at Chaa Creek, explore waterfalls & cacao trails.
Budget Travel from the Midwest: Depart Chicago or Dallas, keep dates flexible, stay during the shoulder season.
West Coast Trip: Depart from LAX or Seattle, perhaps combine Belize with other Central American stops, and plan for a direct or easy connection.
See you in Belize!
Belize is no longer a far-flung escape; it’s closer than you think. With 13 U.S. gateways now offering direct or near-direct flights, many arriving in under three hours, this vibrant destination has become one of the most accessible tropical getaways in the region. And once you arrive, the journey feels even more rewarding. At The Lodge at Chaa Creek, every detail is designed to immerse you in the essence of Belize’s lush rainforest surroundings, farm-to-table dining, enriching adventures, and soul-stirring moments of relaxation.
If you prioritize the shortest travel time, value, or spontaneity, one of these gateways will fit your plans. Contact us at reservations@chaacreek.com to plan your stay!