Copa IAD-PTY-GRU 7hrs layover
May 23, 2013, 12:09 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: DCA / LAX / GRU
Programs: Delta PM
Posts: 189
Copa IAD-PTY-GRU 7hrs layover
I have a 7hrs layover in PTY on my way from IAD to GRU. Will I have to claim my checked luggage and check on again?
I'm planning on checking out the city if I don't have to claim my checked luggage.
Thanks!
I'm planning on checking out the city if I don't have to claim my checked luggage.
Thanks!
May 23, 2013, 3:09 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: MEX
Programs: LATAMPASS, Copa ConnectMiles Gold
Posts: 266
Your bags should be checked through. I've purposely scheduled some long layovers at PTY (10 hours) to go into the city and do some things before continuing on my trip. Never had any problems - it's a well-organized airport for connecting flights.
May 24, 2013, 4:35 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 386
I, too, had a 5 hour layover a few weeks ago and went to the canal via taxi. 45 mins to an hour to get to canal (mira flora locks) around 2pm on a Thursday 45 mins at canal - perfectly timed as ship just stayed passing through - then 1hr 30min can back to PTY where security / customs took 15 mins total. Luggage checked all the way through to final destination.
May 24, 2013, 6:43 am
#5
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
May 24, 2013, 11:26 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: MEX
Programs: LATAMPASS, Copa ConnectMiles Gold
Posts: 266
Aside from the snack bar, they also have a sit-down restaurant (with canal views) at the Visitor Center, though I haven't tried it out. Either way, I think a visit to the Miraflores locks is worth it. Enjoy!
May 24, 2013, 4:23 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 386
It is a four storey building with observation decks on all of them, I think. We went straight to the fourth level as a ship was passing, but it was crowded (2 people deep) so ran downstairs to level 3 and there were maybe 5 people watching from there with pretty much the same view. Paid about $7 to get in - a few dollars more gets you into museum. IIRC, there is a snack bar on floor 4, buffet restaurant on floor 2 and another snack bar on floor 1. I would recommend it.