We recently flew Copa Airlines from LAX to Jamaica…with a 2-year-old in tow…and took full advantage of the Copa Airlines Stopover Program. We chose to stopover in Panama City, Panama for a few days, and it was totally worth it. Here I will break down the latest scoop.
Why We Chose Copa Airlines
- Great fares: Copa often offers lower prices than other carriers between the U.S. and Latin America. We were surprised, too, and got nervous thinking “budget means junk plane,” but it was nothing like that.
- Decent service & comfort: Clean cabins, solid legroom, and workable seatback entertainment (worth checking as amenities may vary).
- Customer support: A bit slow initially, but once connected, agents were super helpful about bookings, baggage, and special requests.
While doing some research on the airline, we discovered their stopover program which allows you to fly to Panama at no additional cost. You can stay anywhere from 24 hours to 7 days. It is Panama’s way of getting their tourism up, and it totally worked on us. You also get discounts on hotels and tours.
*If you are looking for a reliable way to get from the airport to your hotel, CLICK HERE. KiwiTaxi offers great prices. Plus they’re reliable and safe.
The 2026 Panama Stopover: What’s New
- Stopovers last 24 hours–7 days at no extra airfare (must book during ticket purchase)
- Add a second stopover (on outbound and return segments) for up to US $250 + taxes when booked at purchase
- Taxes for entry/departure are $50 USD total
- Plan ahead: You can’t add the stopover later. Only at booking. It applies to all fare types, flights with codeshares, and group bookings
- Extra perks: Access exclusive discounts on 80+ hotels, tours, and restaurants. Partners span 32 lodgings and 33 dining spots, offering 15–30% off .
- Program growth: 160k passengers in 2024; projected 185k by the end of 2025; aiming for 300k stopover guests by 2026
- Top-tier recognition: Named one of 2025’s top 10 airline stopover programs by Business Traveler journal.
Copa Airlines Stopover Program 2025 Expansion Boost
- New routes: Added San Diego (June 2025), Tucumán, and Salta in Argentina.
- Network reach: As of Sept 2025, Copa connects 88 destinations across 32
- Modern fleet: Expanding from 102 to 114 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and investing US $1.7 billion for improved efficiency and comfort
- Regional hub: Emphasizes Panama City’s Tocumen as the “Hub of the Americas”
Where we Stayed
We decided to stay in Panama City for 2 days. We stayed at the InterContinental Miramar Panama, and IHG Hotel which is situated in the heart of Panama City. It has these incredible floor to ceiling windows which give an amazing view of the ocean and the ships entering the Panama Canal. I could have sat there all day and watched.
Click here to check availability on the InterContinental Miramar Panama. I highly reccommed this hotel if you’re traveling with family!
Due to the weather (on and off rain and thunderstorms) we mostly hung around the hotel enjoying the pool and restaurants on site, but we did venture out into the city a few times.
We found a taxi which took us to the Amador Causeway. The causeway was built using rock that was extracted during the excavations from the Panama Canal. We walked along the causeway, our daughter chasing the vultures, and made our way to the colorful Biomuseo. Unfortunately it was closed when we arrived, but it is a beautiful structure! We also walked along the boardwalk next to our hotel and enjoyed the big open parks.
The links will take you to GetYourGuide where you can book tours and check out things to do in the area!
Panama is so beautiful, and I’m glad we took advantage of the stopover program. It definitely made me want to come back to explore more. If we ever get the opportunity to fly Copa Airlines again, we will be planning on stopping in Panama City again!
We spent a lot of time researching places to stay and things to do before visiting Panama. I assume a lot of other people are asking the same questions, so we put all of our findings below in hopes it makes planning your Panama trip a lot easier!
What is Copa Airlines and Where do they Fly?
Embarking on our first flight with Copa Airlines was a delightful surprise. Unfamiliar to the airline prior to our journey, we discovered that it’s an excellent choice for those seeking cost-effective travel between the United States and Latin America.
The airline’s standout feature is its awesome Panama Stopover Program, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in Panama City’s vibrant culture without additional airfare costs. Copa Airlines connects passengers to an impressive network of 2 domestic and 83 international destinations across 32 countries. The airlines expansive reach includes sought after locations such as Brazil, Venezuela, Uruguay, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, catering to a variety of travel wants and needs.
Click Here for a current list of all destinations that Copa Airlines services, and more information on their Stopover Program.
What is the ‘Panama Stopover’ through Copa?
I had no clue what a stopover program was before finding Copa Airlines. What a great way to see another country at no additional airline costs!
The Panama Stopover Program is part of a broader initiative to attract more tourists to Panama, with the goal of bringing in an additional 125 thousand visitors per year and contributing over $100 million annually to the Panamanian economy.
The Basics
Here is some general information about the program, or click the link to read the full terms and conditions:
- Your stay can be anywhere from 24 hours and up to 7 days. Plan how many days you would like to stay before booking your ticket.
- One stopover in Panama is permitted for no additional airfare only if the stopover is requested when the ticket is originally purchased and issued.
- You must pay the applicable taxes for entering and exiting Panama, which are about $50 USD
- The Panama Stopover program is available through Copa Airlines’ sales channels (the Copa Airlines Reservation Center, ConnectMiles Service Center, sales offices, and at CopaAir.com). The program is also available through travel agencies.
- Once your ticket has been issued or your trip has begun, a stopover cannot be added free of charge, and change surcharges will apply based on your purchased fare (difference in fare, penalty fees, etc.).
- If you wish to make 2 stopovers (a stopover on both your outbound trip and your return trip) you must request this before your ticket is issued. A surcharge of up to $250.00 USD, plus taxes, will apply for the second stopover.
- You can request a stopover on a one-way itinerary or on a round-trip itinerary.
- Copa Airlines baggage allowances and excess baggage charges will apply.
If you use the stopover program, you will get discount offers on hotels, transportation, and local tours. Click Here to learn more.
Star Alliance
Copa Airlines is also part of the Star Alliance. If you are a member of one of the frequent flyer programs of any Star Alliance airline member, you can earn and redeem air miles at all the member airlines within the network, and your accrued miles will help you upgrade your status and enjoy all the added benefits in any part of the world where there is an alliance member airline.
What should I know about Panama Tocumen Int’l Airport?
Tocumen International Airport (IATA: PTY) is the primary gateway to Panama City and the rest of Panama. It is located about 10 miles northeast of Panama City and serves as a hub for Copa Airlines and a regional hub for flights to and from North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
The airport has two terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) connected by a shuttle bus service. The airport has a wide range of services and facilities for passengers, including restaurants, cafes, duty free shops. There are also banks, storage and lockers, and a hairdresser! You get WIFI free for 2 hours.
Panama Airport Information
- Address: Av. Domingo Díaz, Panamá, Panama
- Phone: +507 238-2700 / +507 238-2600
- Website: http://www.tocumenpanama.aero/
- Lounges: The airport has several lounges for passengers with different access options, such as airline membership, credit card affiliation, or paid entry. Some of the lounges are:
- Copa Club: You’ll find this lounge in Terminal 1 near Gate 21, open daily from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It’s open to Copa Airlines business class travelers, Star Alliance Gold members, Priority Pass and Lounge Key holders, or anyone willing to pay the $59 USD entry fee.
- United Club: This lounge is found in Terminal 1 near Gate 31, open from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It’s available to United Airlines business class travelers, Star Alliance Gold members, United Club and Maple Leaf Club members, or for a $59 USD entry fee.
- The Lounge Panama by Global Lounge Network: This lounge is located in Terminal 1 near Gate 20 and is open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Access is available to Priority Pass, Lounge Key, Lounge Club, and Diners Club members, or for a $35 USD fee per person.
- Tocumen Royal Saloon: Located in Terminal 2 near Gate F6, this lounge operates from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Entry is available to Priority Pass, Lounge Key, Lounge Club, and Diners Club members, or for a fee of $35 USD per person.
- VIP Lounge Panama by Global Lounge Network: You’ll find this lounge in Terminal 2 near Gate E3, open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It’s open to Priority Pass, Lounge Key, Lounge Club, and Diners Club members—or you can enter for $35 USD.
- Copa Club: You’ll find this lounge in Terminal 1 near Gate 21, open daily from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It’s open to Copa Airlines business class travelers, Star Alliance Gold members, Priority Pass and Lounge Key holders, or anyone willing to pay the $59 USD entry fee.
Food Options at Tocumen Airport
The airport has a variety of cafes, restaurants and fast food outlets for passengers to choose from. Some of the food options are:
- Air Margaritaville: Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. This relaxed spot, inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s tunes and tropical vibe, serves up burgers, sandwiches, salads, cocktails, and plenty more.
- Brioche Dorée: Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A cozy French-style café and bakery offering a selection of pastries, sandwiches, salads, and coffee.
- Cinnabon: Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. I’m pretty sure everyone knows what Cinnabon is. If you don’t, well then, get ready for the ultimate sugary, cinnamon filled treat of your dreams! Serving up warm gooey cinnamon rolls and other delicious pastries.
- Domino’s Pizza: Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A well-known spot for pizza, pasta, wings, and more casual favorites.
- Dunkin’ Donuts: Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A go-to spot for donuts, coffee, sandwiches, and more on-the-go favorites.
- Nathan’s Famous: Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A popular spot for hot dogs, fries, burgers, and more comfort food staples.
- Quiznos: Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A chain serving toasted sandwiches, salads, soups, and a variety of light meals.
- Starbucks: Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A popular spot for coffee, tea, fresh pastries, and more.
Airport Transfers:
If you are looking to get from the airport to the hotel, you have a few options. There are usually taxi’s outside of the airport. You can also call an Uber or Lyft. We found this great site, Kiwitaxi, that will be there waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.
Final Thoughts
Our experience with Copa Airlines and their Panama Stopover Program was nothing short of exceptional. It offered us a seamless and cost-effective way to enrich our travel experience, adding a memorable chapter to our journey without straining our budget. We highly recommend this program to fellow travelers seeking to maximize their adventures.
Whether you’re looking to explore the historic Panama Canal or the bustling streets of Panama City, the stopover program is a golden opportunity to discover the heart of Central America on your way to your final destination. Don’t miss out on this chance to create more travel memories while saving money!
Flying with a child? Click here to read about our experience flying First Class with a Kid!
