MDE to PTY to DAV on Copa
 

There's an early morning flight from MDE at 5:17am that makes a connection in PTY for just an hour (6:37am to 7:37am) and arrives DAV at 8:51am. According to Copa, the agent said I would not collect my checked bag but that I would proceed to the next departure gate to DAV. Once I'm in DAV I would then get my luggage. I'm assuming I would also pass through immigration in DAV. However, since the PTY to DAV would be a domestic flight then maybe I wouldn't automatically pass through immigration and customs. Just wondering if it's the passenger's duty to pass through immigration at PTY albeit quickly or in DAV. By the way, I am registered to pass through the express kiosk in PTY so no need for an immigration agent to tend to me. I can literally head downstairs and then immediately return upstairs. Has anyone flown something similar in which your final destination was in DAV with a short connection in PTY?

Unsure about the bag part, but the domestic terminal is different to the international terminal

You will go through immigration in PTY (machines in your case) then proceed through customs (again unsure about your bag), go right at the doors between customs & the exit of the terminal. Walk to the end of that area, following the signs for the domestic terminal

To get into the security area of the domestic terminal, you need to have a boarding pass and ID

You will do normal security then and be in a really small area with a few gates and lots of seats

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If you need to check a bag (collect and check it again) then you will need to head upstairs to international departures, check your bag and then go back downstairs and follow signs to domestic terminal.

Maybe tweet at them to see if they know more regarding you bag

Thanks Pmarrsouth! I've never used the domestic terminal in Tocumen so this will be interesting. The Copa agent was certain that I wouldn't pick up my checked bag as time is a major factor. Whenever I arrive PTY I typically have to wait about 30 minutes to get my checked bag so it wouldn't make sense for me to retrieve it, pass through customs with a long line and then go upstairs to the ticket counter to recheck it again having to face another possible long line. Then, as you know the security line. In any case, I'll keep you posted after I fly in late November.

The security line for the domestic boarding area is not a big deal--it's only that one flight to DAV happening. That won't be critical.

Upon arrival in DAV, one deplanes to the ramp and walks to the terminal. There's no obligatory immigration or customs upon arrival there, one walks freely in, through, and out of the terminal. I never observed any "customs activity" there, but I could imagine a process where they tag a bag a special way (at MDE or upon transfer in PTY) that requires it to be inspected upon arrival in DAV. Otherwise, I'd say the agent is completely wrong and completely ignorant that DAV is a much, much different connection than all the other connections at PTY. That means you'd have to do the down-up-down described by pmarrsouth.

However, I'd still bet that you could accomplish that connection and that if delayed, they'd hold that short DAV flight for you.

Also note the thread here about "COPA Baggage woes to increase" -- which seems to have very confusing information for international connections to DAV.

Given the rate at which COPA is changing things at Tocumen with the opening of Terminal Two, I would double-check (and get a name/badge number/ unique identifier for the agent) before departure on how they are doing it, as communication is not their strong suit. The good news is that the folks in DAV will get your bag to you one way or another.

Be certain to tag your checked luggage with the name/address of the place you will be staying as they will deliver your luggage if delayed (unless you are transporting prohibited goods, in which case all bets are off!)

Im planning on doing the same. But Im coming in from LAX. The connection right now shows 59min, and will have checked in bags from LAX.

Can this transit be done? What is the procedure, is it like in the US where you go through immigration and then to get your bags and then re-checkin?

Has anyone gone through this?

OP let me know how it goes?

OK, I am back from my Colombian and Panamanian trip. As it turned out, my checked bag did actually get sent to DAV without my having to retrieve it in PTY. I headed down to immigration and used the kiosk which was a breeze and then noticed my luggage wasn't out on the carousel so I just assumed it would be transfered to my next flight. I then took my carry on bag and passed it through customs. I immediately walked down the terminal as instructed to the domestic section. It is still connected to the international terminal however one must go outside, walk a few feet and then reenter the building. I had to show my passport and boarding pass as normal. I then passed through security and noticed there was only 1 domestic gate and it was bound for DAV. It appears the gate agent was waiting for me among others that were on the flight to DAV. The jet way isn't elevated as it's just a narrow hallway leading to the outside in which one catches a bus. I waited for about 10 minutes on the bus with a few other passengers and then we finally made our way to the jet out on the tarmac. Once we got to the jet and everyone got settled in their seat we took off on time. As soon as I got to DAV and waited for the baggage I was happy to know my checked bag made it safe and sound. I exited DAV without having to go through customs or immigration again.