Copa, PTY connection questions.
#16
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: DFW
Programs: Former AA EXP; 2M Lifetime PLT member-
Posts: 405
everything here is correct-- 45 mins would be reasonable- 1 hr better. the recently opened new terminal has 10 gates and it is a little walk. (6-10 mins to get to main terminal) the subway sandwiches restaurant has reliable free wifi. US bound flights do require extra security at gate. Most connections are very easy/straightforward. The recently renovated Copa club is similar to UA clubs.. I hear the new one even has showers. duty free is so so. PTY is a great place to connect to most central america and south america- and there are also a few caribbean flights.
#17
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
Here is a general warning about buying duty free liquids (i.e. booze) at your originating airport and the transferring through PTY on US-bound flights. (Ex: MDE-PTY-IAD and buying duty free at MDE):
With the US-required extra security at the gate, you cannot bring liquids on board. If you buy liquids at your originating airport, you won't be allowed to bring them on with you at PTY unless you somehow have access to your checked luggage. You can buy duty-free at PTY, because they will give you the liquids on the jetway, just like in the USA.
This would apply to any airport that has secondary screening at the gate, not just PTY.
#18
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,459
+1 on the duty free. I have yet to find any bargains (though I am not much of a shopper).
Here is a general warning about buying duty free liquids (i.e. booze) at your originating airport and the transferring through PTY on US-bound flights. (Ex: MDE-PTY-IAD and buying duty free at MDE):
With the US-required extra security at the gate, you cannot bring liquids on board. If you buy liquids at your originating airport, you won't be allowed to bring them on with you at PTY unless you somehow have access to your checked luggage. You can buy duty-free at PTY, because they will give you the liquids on the jetway, just like in the USA.
This would apply to any airport that has secondary screening at the gate, not just PTY.
Here is a general warning about buying duty free liquids (i.e. booze) at your originating airport and the transferring through PTY on US-bound flights. (Ex: MDE-PTY-IAD and buying duty free at MDE):
With the US-required extra security at the gate, you cannot bring liquids on board. If you buy liquids at your originating airport, you won't be allowed to bring them on with you at PTY unless you somehow have access to your checked luggage. You can buy duty-free at PTY, because they will give you the liquids on the jetway, just like in the USA.
This would apply to any airport that has secondary screening at the gate, not just PTY.
As far as I can tell, virtually all imported consumer goods are more expensive in Panama than in the US. Except they did have a pretty good deal on a Longines watch at the PTY duty free. They were willing to bargain off the sticker price.
#19
Join Date: May 2013
Location: YYZ/YTZ/YUL
Programs: BA Gold, TK Elite
Posts: 1,558
Given how easy transferring at PTY appears to be I am wondering if a 3 hour connection would be enough time to leave the airport? The canal looks mighty close on the map... If this appears feasible, do you have any recommendations as to where to go?
If 3 hours is too short to leave the airport, could anybody tell me what the Copalounge is like?
Many thanks in advance for your input!
If 3 hours is too short to leave the airport, could anybody tell me what the Copalounge is like?
Many thanks in advance for your input!
#20
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,459
Given how easy transferring at PTY appears to be I am wondering if a 3 hour connection would be enough time to leave the airport? The canal looks mighty close on the map... If this appears feasible, do you have any recommendations as to where to go?
If 3 hours is too short to leave the airport, could anybody tell me what the Copalounge is like?
Many thanks in advance for your input!
If 3 hours is too short to leave the airport, could anybody tell me what the Copalounge is like?
Many thanks in advance for your input!
The Copa Club is pretty poor IMO. It was still under construction last time I was through there in October.
#21
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
I will add that I have eaten at the sit-down restaurant at the end food court twice in the last two months - once for breakfast and once for lunch. Both meals were pretty good. I can't remember the name of the restaurant, but I think it's something like "Margaritaville." It's sort of Jimmy Buffet themed.
#23
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
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I will add that I have eaten at the sit-down restaurant at the end food court twice in the last two months - once for breakfast and once for lunch. Both meals were pretty good. I can't remember the name of the restaurant, but I think it's something like "Margaritaville." It's sort of Jimmy Buffet themed.
I typically get the cheap empanadas from the coffee place that's next to the Haagen-Daz shop. Not exactly gourmet, but they serve the purpose.
#24
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: In between PTY, MEX and CPH
Programs: Flying Blue Plat, SAS Eurobonus Silver, Connect Miles Gold, Marriott Lifetime Plat, Hyatt Disc.
Posts: 587
#26
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: In between PTY, MEX and CPH
Programs: Flying Blue Plat, SAS Eurobonus Silver, Connect Miles Gold, Marriott Lifetime Plat, Hyatt Disc.
Posts: 587
#27
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
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Posts: 56,459
#28
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
I'm usually there during a layover. Unless you're hungry, it's still pretty much the best option. If it's a zoo in the lounge, that means the rest of the airport is busy and the Airport's free wifi will be slow too. At least you can get a decent chair and a free drink.
#30
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Join Date: Apr 2013
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The only thing I would add is there's another lounge down by the Dunkin' Donuts that takes Priority Pass. The space is less appealing, but it's also less crowded with better wifi and free liquor if that's of interest.