Flying Copa Airlines with a Stopover in Panama

We flew Copa Airlines from LAX to Jamaica, with a stopover in Panama City, Panama. There were 2 adults and 1 child (2 years old). 

What was our experience like?

We came across Copa Airlines due to their low cost flights. I had never heard of this airline until we started looking into flying from California to Jamaica. This airline was by far the cheapest option. I was a little hesitant at first because of that old “you get what you pay for” line. I am not a fan of flying, so I pictured our family basically flapping our wings in a tin can the whole way there. 

Fortunately, that was not the case. The airplane itself is nice, nothing spectacular, but it got us there and back in one piece. Their customer service was a little hard to get a hold of, but once we got on the phone with someone it was smooth sailing from there. 

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. Great prices, reliable, and safe.

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.

To read our review of this hotel, click here

Click here to book this hotel through Booking.com

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. As of June 2024, 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. 

*In May 2024, Copa announced they would add 3 new destinations starting in June. Tulum, Mexico, Florianopolis, Brazil, and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.

 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?

Panama Tocumen International Airport (IATA: PTY) is the main airport serving Panama City and the country 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: Located in Terminal 1, near gate 21. Open from 4:00 am to 9:00 pm. Accessible for Copa Airlines business class passengers, Star Alliance Gold members, Priority Pass members, Lounge Key members, or with a fee of $59 USD per person.
  • United Club: Located in Terminal 1, near gate 31. Open from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm. Accessible for United Airlines business class passengers, Star Alliance Gold members, United Club members, Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members, or with a fee of $59 USD per person.
  • The Lounge Panama by Global Lounge Network: Located in Terminal 1, near gate 20. Open from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. Accessible for Priority Pass members, Lounge Key members, Lounge Club members, Diners Club members, or with a fee of $35 USD per person.
  • Tocumen Royal Saloon: Located in Terminal 2, near gate F6. Open from 4:00 am to 9:00 pm. Accessible for Priority Pass members, Lounge Key members, Lounge Club members, Diners Club members, or with a fee of $35 USD per person.
  • VIP Lounge Panama by Global Lounge Network: Located in Terminal 2, near gate E3. Open from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. Accessible for Priority Pass members, Lounge Key members, Lounge Club members, Diners Club members, or with a fee of $35 USD per person.
    

    Food options

    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. A casual restaurant and bar inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s music and lifestyle. Offers burgers, sandwiches, salads, cocktails and more.
    • Brioche Dorée: Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A French-style bakery and cafe that offers pastries, sandwiches, salads, coffee and more.
    • Cinnabon: Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A chain that specializes in cinnamon rolls and other baked goods.
    • Domino’s Pizza: Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A chain that offers pizza, pasta, wings and more.
    • Dunkin’ Donuts: Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A chain that offers donuts, coffee, sandwiches and more.
    • Nathan’s Famous: Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A chain that offers hot dogs, fries, burgers and more.
    • Quiznos: Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A chain that offers toasted sandwiches, salads, soups and more.
    • Starbucks: Located in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A chain that offers coffee, tea, 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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 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!