I am currently at the Crowne Plaza at PTY, just up before my 8am back to DFW.

The airport is safe, people are genuinely helpful - no bands of roving taxi drivers, but there are companies that pre-sell you fare to get you somewhere in the country and there reps ask if they can help if you look lost - and are helpful even if you don't want their services.

Immigration is a long way from AA's gate - think Heathrow Terminal 3 - 10 to 15 mins at normal speed.

Queue long - I would estimate 40 minutes wait at its longest. They take photo and full fingerprints now.

Customs requires all bags through an x-ray machine for all passengers - no green lane.