Copa, PTY connection questions.
#76
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: YYZ
Programs: A3*Gold, Air Canada Aeroplan
Posts: 37
I'll be travelling from YYZ-IAD-PTY-CUR with a over-night stopover in PTY. Staying at a hotel by the airport. My question is: is it safe to check my luggage all the way through to CUR, or is safer to check it to PTY and re-check in the morning for the last leg? Any advice is appreciated.
#77
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: IAH
Programs: UA
Posts: 605
But I will say that in a dozen years of regular flying in and out of PTY, I have never had any luggage losses. Also, in the carousel area, there are always dozens and dozens of bags taken off the belt and stashed to the side, accessible to anyone. I have glanced at the tags a few times, and I suspected those were connecting bags, as there seem to be way too many than just lost or misconnected bags. There are airline people about, but none seem to be specifically guarding the bags. Frankly, anyone that were so inclined could seemingly could just take one of their choosing. That they are unguarded, to me, is a testament that they are safe among passengers and workers, and possibly more safe than out of sight in the baggage handling area.
A call to Copa may give you the official policy on how your checked luggage would be handled on that layover. I would be very, very surprised if an agent could describe to you the security precautions for bags connecting overnight.
#78
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
I have a friend who travelled BLL-AMS-PTY-TGU last weekend with an overnight connection in PTY. Her bags were tagged TGU and followed her all the way, with no problems whatsoever. She had toiletries and a fresh set of clothes in her hand luggage for the one night stay in PTY.
#79
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYZ/MGA
Programs: AA 1MM Lifetime Gold, AA Platinum, WS Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 7,607
I'll be travelling from YYZ-IAD-PTY-CUR with a over-night stopover in PTY. Staying at a hotel by the airport. My question is: is it safe to check my luggage all the way through to CUR, or is safer to check it to PTY and re-check in the morning for the last leg? Any advice is appreciated.
#80
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, Delta Plat, AA Gold, Avis PresClub
Posts: 104
Has anyone had an experience if you are connecting through PTY and dont want to check your bags all the way through? I would rather pickup my bag in PTY for my 15 hour overnight layover there than check it through.
#81
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belo Horizonte, MG (CNF)
Programs: CM Presidential, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 1,113
I have had 3 overnight stops in PTY in 2017-18 and every time I checked my bags through to final destination. I have never had a problem with theft or the bags not arriving with me at the final destination. So if that is your concern, I would not worry. That said, it can be a hassle to get through immigration and customs in PTY depending on the time of day you arrive. 1 hour + is quite normal currently.
#82
Join Date: May 2016
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, Accor Gold
Posts: 1,430
A question, re access to the lounge. I arrived in to PTY in Biz class on Iberia, connecting straight onto a Copa flight to SJO in Business.
The guy at the desk refused me entry to the lounge, saying they don't allow access for biz class tickets. Found it a bit strange at the time, but knowing the lounge isn't that special I trotted off to the food court.
Was he correct?
(I'm doing a similar trip again soon, so just wanted to be aware of the actual rules this time around)
The guy at the desk refused me entry to the lounge, saying they don't allow access for biz class tickets. Found it a bit strange at the time, but knowing the lounge isn't that special I trotted off to the food court.
Was he correct?
(I'm doing a similar trip again soon, so just wanted to be aware of the actual rules this time around)
#83
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
Was your flight to SJO on IB codeshare? That might explain it, otherwise what he says makes no sense at all...
Copas website clearly states that you have access to Copa Clubs and *A lounges worldwide when flying in business class:
https://www.copaair.com/en/web/gs/business-class
Copas website clearly states that you have access to Copa Clubs and *A lounges worldwide when flying in business class:
https://www.copaair.com/en/web/gs/business-class
#84
Join Date: May 2016
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, Accor Gold
Posts: 1,430
Was your flight to SJO on IB codeshare? That might explain it, otherwise what he says makes no sense at all...
Copas website clearly states that you have access to Copa Clubs and *A lounges worldwide when flying in business class:
https://www.copaair.com/en/web/gs/business-class
Copas website clearly states that you have access to Copa Clubs and *A lounges worldwide when flying in business class:
https://www.copaair.com/en/web/gs/business-class
Thought perhaps they had different levels of biz and didn't allow certain ticket classes.
#86
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
#87
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 1,153
A friend is just about to land in PTY (coming from US), and due to delays has had a 60min connection shortened to 30mins. Is this likely to be achieved?
from what I'm reading, he wont need to collect/recheck bags or go through security. Its just a case of deplaning and running to the next gate? Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I'm wonder if his checked bags will also make it to the next flight (to MVD, Uruguay)
from what I'm reading, he wont need to collect/recheck bags or go through security. Its just a case of deplaning and running to the next gate? Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I'm wonder if his checked bags will also make it to the next flight (to MVD, Uruguay)
#88
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: 42mi from AMS
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott LT Au, Hilton C, IHG PtA
Posts: 576
Now if it's non-CM-to-CM that might be a bit more hairy. If your friend is a Star Alliance Gold I believe CM and *A tracks those connections.
That might be a bit luck of the draw, but he can check with the gate agent working his MVD flight. I've had them hold flights, but also had my luggage be delivered the next day (upon arrival insist on delivery, not picking up!).
#89
Moderator, Amtrak & Spirit Airlines
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: EWR :rolleyes:
Programs: AC 50K, AS MVP, AA Plat Pro, DL Plat, UA Silver, IHG Spire, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 9,626
A friend is just about to land in PTY (coming from US), and due to delays has had a 60min connection shortened to 30mins. Is this likely to be achieved?
from what I'm reading, he wont need to collect/recheck bags or go through security. Its just a case of deplaning and running to the next gate? Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I'm wonder if his checked bags will also make it to the next flight (to MVD, Uruguay)
from what I'm reading, he wont need to collect/recheck bags or go through security. Its just a case of deplaning and running to the next gate? Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I'm wonder if his checked bags will also make it to the next flight (to MVD, Uruguay)