Copa AirlinesCM

Copa Airlines is the flag carrier of Panama and one of Latin America's most punctual and reliable airlines. Headquartered in Panama City, Copa has built its success around Tocumen International Airport—strategically located as the "Hub of the Americas" for seamless connections between North and South America.

Founded in 1947, Copa operates to 81 destinations across 32 countries in the Americas and Caribbean. As a Star Alliance member since 2012, the airline offers connectivity to over 1,300 destinations worldwide through its partner network.

Copa consistently ranks among the most punctual airlines in Latin America, with connection times at PTY often under one hour—a significant advantage for travelers connecting through the Americas.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 17" x 10" x 9" (43 x 25 x 23 cm)
• No weight limit
• Must fit under the seat

Cabin Bag (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 10" (56 x 36 x 25 cm) including handles/wheels
• Weight: 22 lbs (10 kg) maximum
• Must fit in overhead bin

Fare Type	Personal Item	Cabin Bag
Economy Basic	✓ Free	✓ Free
Economy Classic	✓ Free	✓ Free
Economy Full	✓ Free	✓ Free
Business	✓ Free	✓ Free

Note: Copa enforces carry-on sizes strictly, especially at the gate.

Checked Baggage

Size Limit: 62 linear inches / 158 cm (length + width + height)

Fare Type	Bags Included	Weight per Bag	Additional Bag
Economy Basic	0	23 kg (50 lbs)	1st: $30, 2nd: $55
Economy Classic	1	23 kg (50 lbs)	$55
Economy Full	2	23 kg (50 lbs)	$55
Business	2	32 kg (70 lbs)	$100

Prepaid Baggage Savings

Save $10-20 per bag by prepaying during online check-in (24-3 hours before departure) compared to airport prices.

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Overweight:

Weight	Fee
51-70 lbs (24-32 kg)	$100
71-100 lbs (33-45 kg)	$200
Over 100 lbs	Not accepted

Oversized:

Size	Fee
63-115 linear inches (160-294 cm)	$150
Over 115 linear inches	Not accepted (cargo only)

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Skis/snowboard	Standard bag fee	Within size/weight limits
Surfboard	$100	Pre-notification required
Bicycle	Varies	Must be boxed, contact airline
Car seat	Free	For traveling child
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Always complimentary

Copa operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet (737-800 and 737 MAX 9), optimized for its Americas network.

Dreams Business Class (737 MAX 9):

• Collins Aerospace Diamond seats
• 2-2 configuration, 12-16 seats
• 60" pitch, 21" width
• Fully lie-flat beds—rare on a narrowbody
• Personal entertainment screen
• In-seat power (AC and USB)
• Multi-course meal service with wines
• Amenity kit on longer flights

Business Class (737-800):

• Recliner seats in 2-2 configuration
• 37-38" pitch
• Personal touchscreen monitors
• USB power and some AC outlets
• Enhanced meal service

Economy Extra (737 MAX 9):

• 24 premium economy seats
• Additional 3" legroom
• Enhanced entertainment options
• Improved meal selection

Economy Class:

• 3-3 configuration
• 30-31" pitch, 17" width
• 4" recline
• Personal seatback screens on MAX 9
• USB ports on newer aircraft

Entertainment:

• Seatback screens on 737 MAX 9
• Streaming to personal devices on 737-800
• Spanish and English content
• Panamanian films and music featured
• No WiFi currently available

Dining:

• Complimentary meals on all international flights
• Buy-on-board snacks on shorter routes
• Latin American and international cuisine
• Special meals available (order 24+ hours ahead)

Booking:

• Book direct on copaair.com for best service
• Economy Classic often worth the upgrade from Basic for the included bag
• Check Star Alliance partner award availability

Connections at PTY:

• Don't fear short connections—PTY is efficient
• Single terminal means no long walks between gates
• Copa Club lounge is pleasant for longer waits
• Good food options in the terminal

Upgrades:

• Mileage upgrades available on most routes
• Cash upgrade offers sometimes appear at check-in
• Dreams Business Class worth it for overnight flights

Maximizing Value:

• Credit flights to ConnectMiles for reasonable elite qualification
• PTY positioning flights can unlock great connections
• Star Alliance Gold worth pursuing for lounge access

Best Routes:

• PTY-LAX/SFO on 737 MAX 9 for Dreams Business Class
• Short connections through PTY are Copa's strength
• Many South American destinations not served by U.S. carriers

What to Know:

• No WiFi on any aircraft
• 737-800s have older business class (recliners, not lie-flat)
• Dreams Business only on MAX 9—check aircraft type when booking
• Economy Extra offers good value for legroom