Apr 30, 2016, 12:36 pm
Last edit by: Server
OCTOBER 2016 UPDATE
LAX-JFK TRANSCONTINENTAL FLIGHTS:
1. Same day turns possible on the E-jets and morning 738s.
2. Bonuses now based on fare paid.
3. As of OCTOBER 2016, best fares are now around $1000. Fare tends to rise a few hundred for 2 pax. Fares can also occasionally rise for no discernible reason, but the price spikes have thus far proven to be temporary. Fares have the trend to drop during the year. Keep checking for fares in the $700-$800 ranges for best possible pricing.
4. Airport hotels with shuttles - Crowne Plaza Panama Airport & Riande Aeropuerto. The CP is slightly closer; the Riande is slightly nicer. The CP shuttle leaves the hotel every :00 and :30 and runs 24 hours but they seem to leave a few minutes early as it had left when I went down at 4:00AM on the dot. Also, note UberX charges a US$14 surcharge on top of the ~US$2 fare. CP has poor sound isolation, I could hear my neighbors on both sides including talking, crying baby etc. Had to wear earplugs to sleep.
5. Lounges:
Please refer to this thread for more detailed and accurate information on lounge access in general: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-airlines-aadvantage/1656378-help-desk-will-i-have-lounge-access-access-rules-2016-a.html
6. PTY Customs:
NOTE: LAX-JFK NO LONGER VALID FOR LOWEST FARES (effective OCT 2016)
If you want the transcon bonus, enter the search with a connection in JFK. (e.g. LAX-JFK,JFK-MIA,MIA-PTY,PTY-JFK,JFK-SFO.) You can play around from there to get the best deal. Some of the better deals do not start and end in the same city (e.g. start in LAX, end in SFO may be cheaper than start/end in LAX).
Also, it's possible on the outbound portion to time it so you have no more than a 60-minute layover at JFK or MIA (though note that some of these flights aren't available on weekends). While yes, JFK is notorious for delays, this rarely applies for inbound red-eye flights. Also, note that AA 28 below is sometimes "hidden" if you're looking on Google Flights inside a much more expensive trip; that does not necessarily mean, however, that you can't get it for one of the trips under $1,000 (in other words, try it out to see).
NOTE: LAX-JFK NO LONGER VALID FOR LOWEST FARES (effective OCT 2016)
Below is the shortest-possible outbound itinerary that has the LAX-JFK transcon on AA's A321T with flat-bed seats:
LAX-JFK on AA 28
10:45pm - 7:22am
JFK-MIA on AA 200
8:15am - 11:24am
(Note: AA has now switched all of the metal it used on this leg - on all JFK-MIA nonstops - to 757s instead of the 767s with international-style F & J seating.)***767 and 772 are back. Flight 200 is a 772**
MIA-PTY on AA 4434
12:33pm - 2:48pm
(Note: Even more distressingly, AA switched from using a 737 on this leg to an RJ, presumably because summer is off-peak season in Central America. The 6:05pm flight still uses a 737 if a full-size aircraft is a must.)
LAX-JFK TRANSCONTINENTAL FLIGHTS:
Recent fare rule inclusions, effective October 2016, now prevent any routing via JFK on the non-stop transcontinental A321T aircraft. Any future booking will demand a significantly higher fare to route on the non-stops via JFK. Unless the fare rules are modified and these clauses are removed (highly doubtful), the ability to fly on the transcons via JFK is a thing of the past.
IF THE FARE COMPONENT INCLUDES TRAVEL BETWEEN LAX AND NYC
THEN THAT TRAVEL MUST BE ON
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING
ANY AA FLIGHT OPERATED BY AA
BUT NOT ON AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A321 (SHARKLETS) AIRCRAFT.
AND
IF THE FARE COMPONENT INCLUDES TRAVEL BETWEEN SFO AND NYC
THEN THAT TRAVEL MUST BE ON
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING
ANY AA FLIGHT OPERATED BY AA
BUT NOT ON AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A321 (SHARKLETS) AIRCRAFT.
THEN THAT TRAVEL MUST BE ON
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING
ANY AA FLIGHT OPERATED BY AA
BUT NOT ON AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A321 (SHARKLETS) AIRCRAFT.
AND
IF THE FARE COMPONENT INCLUDES TRAVEL BETWEEN SFO AND NYC
THEN THAT TRAVEL MUST BE ON
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING
ANY AA FLIGHT OPERATED BY AA
BUT NOT ON AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A321 (SHARKLETS) AIRCRAFT.
1. Same day turns possible on the E-jets and morning 738s.
2. Bonuses now based on fare paid.
3. As of OCTOBER 2016, best fares are now around $1000. Fare tends to rise a few hundred for 2 pax. Fares can also occasionally rise for no discernible reason, but the price spikes have thus far proven to be temporary. Fares have the trend to drop during the year. Keep checking for fares in the $700-$800 ranges for best possible pricing.
4. Airport hotels with shuttles - Crowne Plaza Panama Airport & Riande Aeropuerto. The CP is slightly closer; the Riande is slightly nicer. The CP shuttle leaves the hotel every :00 and :30 and runs 24 hours but they seem to leave a few minutes early as it had left when I went down at 4:00AM on the dot. Also, note UberX charges a US$14 surcharge on top of the ~US$2 fare. CP has poor sound isolation, I could hear my neighbors on both sides including talking, crying baby etc. Had to wear earplugs to sleep.
5. Lounges:
Please refer to this thread for more detailed and accurate information on lounge access in general: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-airlines-aadvantage/1656378-help-desk-will-i-have-lounge-access-access-rules-2016-a.html
LAX AIRPORT
= When trying to gain oneworld J / QF F access based on status, it is simply departing/connecting/arriving at any point on same ticket to and from an eligible international destination. PTY is eligible and not excluded regardless of length.
= When trying to gain oneworld J / QF F access based on class of service disregarding status, it is the international long haul clause that applies. Therefore, no "oneworld/QF lounge" access for non-elites for trips to and from PTY unless booking transcons since PTY is under 5 hours. BUT AA doesn't enforce this in their own lounges so Admirals Club access is expected.
AA GOLDs(RUBYs)/NON-ELITES
Admirals Club access is granted regardless of routing as AA does not enforce international long haul rule. However, the oneworld J lounge does for Golds(rubys)/non-elites as they are aware the PTY flights are under 5 hours. Booking transcon flights in J/F gains access to the OWJ/QFF lounges.
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J lounge + QF F Lounge LAX>
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in J = Admirals + LAX oneworld J lounge>
<Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Technically NONE (PTY under 5 hours therefore class of service rule applies) BUT AA still opens Admirals Club doors to all customers because they dont enforce the long-haul rule>
AA PLATINUMs
Platinums gain access to all AC/Business lounges regardless of routing due to flying to and from PTY. They gain access to First/Flagship lounges when traveling in F 3-class transcon
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J lounge + QF F Lounge LAX>
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in J = Admirals + LAX oneworld J lounge>
<Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + LAX oneworld J>
AA EXPs
EXPs have access to all lounges at all airports regardless of routing so long as they are traveling to and from PTY on the same itinerary (an international destination neither excluded from AA's list of ineligible regions nor limited by the flight length rule)
<EXPs Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in Y = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in J = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
NON-AA ONEWORLD ELITES
All sapphires and emeralds have some form of lounge access on any flight systemwide
<non-AA sapphires on ALL AA FLIGHTS = Admirals Club + oneworld J lounge LAX>
<non-AA emeralds on ALL AA FLIGHTS = Admirals Club + oneworld J lounge LAX + Flagship Lounge + QF F lounge LAX>
OTHER AIRPORTS
SFO - Admiral's Club (Centurion Lounge for a fee)
JFK - Admirals Club & Flagship Lounge for EXP/First 3-class/Emerald
MIA - Admiral's Club (Centurion Lounge for a fee), Oneworld Premium Lounge for EXP/First 3-Class/Emerald
PTY - No lounge access (Copa with PP, or for a fee, for 7am or later flights)
YVR - No lounge access (PP for a fee)
DFW - Admiral's Club (with F/C Dining for EXP/Emerald) (Centurion Lounge for a fee)
= When trying to gain oneworld J / QF F access based on status, it is simply departing/connecting/arriving at any point on same ticket to and from an eligible international destination. PTY is eligible and not excluded regardless of length.
= When trying to gain oneworld J / QF F access based on class of service disregarding status, it is the international long haul clause that applies. Therefore, no "oneworld/QF lounge" access for non-elites for trips to and from PTY unless booking transcons since PTY is under 5 hours. BUT AA doesn't enforce this in their own lounges so Admirals Club access is expected.
AA GOLDs(RUBYs)/NON-ELITES
Admirals Club access is granted regardless of routing as AA does not enforce international long haul rule. However, the oneworld J lounge does for Golds(rubys)/non-elites as they are aware the PTY flights are under 5 hours. Booking transcon flights in J/F gains access to the OWJ/QFF lounges.
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J lounge + QF F Lounge LAX>
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in J = Admirals + LAX oneworld J lounge>
<Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Technically NONE (PTY under 5 hours therefore class of service rule applies) BUT AA still opens Admirals Club doors to all customers because they dont enforce the long-haul rule>
AA PLATINUMs
Platinums gain access to all AC/Business lounges regardless of routing due to flying to and from PTY. They gain access to First/Flagship lounges when traveling in F 3-class transcon
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J lounge + QF F Lounge LAX>
<Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA) in J = Admirals + LAX oneworld J lounge>
<Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + LAX oneworld J>
AA EXPs
EXPs have access to all lounges at all airports regardless of routing so long as they are traveling to and from PTY on the same itinerary (an international destination neither excluded from AA's list of ineligible regions nor limited by the flight length rule)
<EXPs Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs Non-Transcon F (2-class) + PTY = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in Y = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in J = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
<EXPs on Transcon 3-class (JFK/MIA + PTY) in F = Admirals + Flagship + LAX oneworld J + QF F lounge LAX>
NON-AA ONEWORLD ELITES
All sapphires and emeralds have some form of lounge access on any flight systemwide
<non-AA sapphires on ALL AA FLIGHTS = Admirals Club + oneworld J lounge LAX>
<non-AA emeralds on ALL AA FLIGHTS = Admirals Club + oneworld J lounge LAX + Flagship Lounge + QF F lounge LAX>
OTHER AIRPORTS
SFO - Admiral's Club (Centurion Lounge for a fee)
JFK - Admirals Club & Flagship Lounge for EXP/First 3-class/Emerald
MIA - Admiral's Club (Centurion Lounge for a fee), Oneworld Premium Lounge for EXP/First 3-Class/Emerald
PTY - No lounge access (Copa with PP, or for a fee, for 7am or later flights)
YVR - No lounge access (PP for a fee)
DFW - Admiral's Club (with F/C Dining for EXP/Emerald) (Centurion Lounge for a fee)
6. PTY Customs:
Inbound to PTY -
Outbound to MIA -
7. Finding flights: - 12 noon - no lines reported
- 8PM Fri (5/27/16) - ~10 min line
Outbound to MIA -
- 4:40am - no lines reported
NOTE: LAX-JFK NO LONGER VALID FOR LOWEST FARES (effective OCT 2016)
If you want the transcon bonus, enter the search with a connection in JFK. (e.g. LAX-JFK,JFK-MIA,MIA-PTY,PTY-JFK,JFK-SFO.) You can play around from there to get the best deal. Some of the better deals do not start and end in the same city (e.g. start in LAX, end in SFO may be cheaper than start/end in LAX).
Also, it's possible on the outbound portion to time it so you have no more than a 60-minute layover at JFK or MIA (though note that some of these flights aren't available on weekends). While yes, JFK is notorious for delays, this rarely applies for inbound red-eye flights. Also, note that AA 28 below is sometimes "hidden" if you're looking on Google Flights inside a much more expensive trip; that does not necessarily mean, however, that you can't get it for one of the trips under $1,000 (in other words, try it out to see).
NOTE: LAX-JFK NO LONGER VALID FOR LOWEST FARES (effective OCT 2016)
Below is the shortest-possible outbound itinerary that has the LAX-JFK transcon on AA's A321T with flat-bed seats:
LAX-JFK on AA 28
10:45pm - 7:22am
JFK-MIA on AA 200
8:15am - 11:24am
(Note: AA has now switched all of the metal it used on this leg - on all JFK-MIA nonstops - to 757s instead of the 767s with international-style F & J seating.)***767 and 772 are back. Flight 200 is a 772**
MIA-PTY on AA 4434
12:33pm - 2:48pm
(Note: Even more distressingly, AA switched from using a 737 on this leg to an RJ, presumably because summer is off-peak season in Central America. The 6:05pm flight still uses a 737 if a full-size aircraft is a must.)
AA: LAX-JFK-MIA-PTY RT $702 in A/J 18.9K EQMs
Jul 5, 2016, 11:45 am
#1276
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: The Frozen Tundra
Programs: Former AA EXP, DL PM, BAEC Bronze, SPG GOLD, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 159
Just returned from IAD-LAX-JFK-MIA-PTY and return 7/1-7/4. LAX was a nightmare (status quo) the night of 7/1 with people trying to get to NYC after most flights canceled for weather in NY. I was on AA28 which ended up I believe being the only flight to operate LAX-NYC for the whole evening. 8 flights worth of people at the gate trying to get on.
Great run, no miss connects which I consider lucky with all the weather going around. I spent the night at Panama Hilton. Caught a room sale for $89 an was upgraded to water front junior suite. Great property and lounge, PTY was an easy airport with no lines anywhere. Centurion Lounge Miami is an overcrowded wreck. Admirals Club at D30 was an empty Oasis. Caught a 777-300ER Flagship suite JFK-MIA as an added bonus for the trip. Fun times
Great run, no miss connects which I consider lucky with all the weather going around. I spent the night at Panama Hilton. Caught a room sale for $89 an was upgraded to water front junior suite. Great property and lounge, PTY was an easy airport with no lines anywhere. Centurion Lounge Miami is an overcrowded wreck. Admirals Club at D30 was an empty Oasis. Caught a 777-300ER Flagship suite JFK-MIA as an added bonus for the trip. Fun times
Last edited by token385; Jul 5, 2016 at 1:30 pm Reason: MiA
Jul 5, 2016, 1:21 pm
#1277
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Northern California
Programs: AA Plat Pro, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Aeroplan 25K, UA Silver
Posts: 494
Appreciate all the updates and tips on this board. Will be doing my first run July 18 and 19 SFO-JFK-MIA-PTY and return the same way on July 21. My first visit to Panama. I love having lie flats on four of the segments. Anyone else on those dates?
Jul 5, 2016, 3:32 pm
#1278
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: PHX/NYC/LA
Programs: AA Plt, Marriott Gold, National EE, Hertz PC, El Mambero De Mucci, PWP Aide to Generalissimo Godot
Posts: 4,894
I'm searching on ITA for the month of August for this and while I get it for $764, I only got LAX-MIA-PTY-MIA-LAX, nothing is coming up for extra stops. Any idea how to get it to show up?
Jul 5, 2016, 3:55 pm
#1279
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: PDX
Programs: AA Plat, Nexus
Posts: 358
At PTY waiting for the 6AM. Couple of notes:
The shuttle from the Crowne Plaza Airport leaves every half hour at :00 and :30. So I came down to the front entrance right at 4AM to find the shuttle had already left, rather than wait another 30 minutes, I took an UberX to the airport. I thought it'd be a few bucks based on my last few times using UberX only to find that there is a $14 airport surcharge so my ride ended up being $16.
Also, as stated there are no Priority Pass lounges at the airport open at this time, unless you want to stay in the 1 lounge that's landside. The Copa lounge that's airside is open at 5:15AM.
Also, the first UberX driver accepted my request but just sat there without moving for 10 minutes so I cancelled the ride (Uber charges a $2 fee, which you can get credited back if you give a valid reason for cancelling, mine was that the ETA was too long). The second driver also sat on his ... for about 7 minutes before getting going, so I ended up waiting 20 minutes for an Uber ride that should have taken 2 minutes for a pickup. For $16, I may have just waited for the shuttle.
The security this morning (7/4 Monday) was a breeze, about a 5 minute wait for the main security and only a couple of people in front of me at the secondary security check.
The shuttle from the Crowne Plaza Airport leaves every half hour at :00 and :30. So I came down to the front entrance right at 4AM to find the shuttle had already left, rather than wait another 30 minutes, I took an UberX to the airport. I thought it'd be a few bucks based on my last few times using UberX only to find that there is a $14 airport surcharge so my ride ended up being $16.
Also, as stated there are no Priority Pass lounges at the airport open at this time, unless you want to stay in the 1 lounge that's landside. The Copa lounge that's airside is open at 5:15AM.
Also, the first UberX driver accepted my request but just sat there without moving for 10 minutes so I cancelled the ride (Uber charges a $2 fee, which you can get credited back if you give a valid reason for cancelling, mine was that the ETA was too long). The second driver also sat on his ... for about 7 minutes before getting going, so I ended up waiting 20 minutes for an Uber ride that should have taken 2 minutes for a pickup. For $16, I may have just waited for the shuttle.
The security this morning (7/4 Monday) was a breeze, about a 5 minute wait for the main security and only a couple of people in front of me at the secondary security check.
I found absolutely nothing open anywhere in the airport at PTY, so that was a bit disappointing.
Jul 5, 2016, 7:19 pm
#1280
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: SJC, SFO
Programs: Motel 6 Super Diamond
Posts: 351
I didn't feel like bothering with the shuttle and walked from Crowne Plaza to the airport. At 430am, not much traffic, so it was fairly easy to get past the narrow part of the road where it crosses the ditch.
I found absolutely nothing open anywhere in the airport at PTY, so that was a bit disappointing.
I found absolutely nothing open anywhere in the airport at PTY, so that was a bit disappointing.
Jul 5, 2016, 7:39 pm
#1281
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Loud, dark, warm, lots of ethernet cables, and in some rack space.
Programs: AA:EXP
Posts: 369
Jul 6, 2016, 12:25 pm
#1282
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: London
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold & GGL & CCR, HH Diam, Bonvoy Titanium, IHG Spire, Tastecard
Posts: 7,549
what's the shuttle TO the crowne plaza like? similarly only every 30 mins? can that be walked too? maps suggest 15 mins walk.....
Jul 6, 2016, 12:50 pm
#1283
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
Yes, the shuttle TO the Crowne Plaza runs every 30 minutes. Be patient, and wait for it curbside. You do not want to walk to the hotel. If you are picturing city streets with sidewalks and signals between the airport and hotel, think again. The road is a circuitous route, with dirt shoulders and lots of traffic.
Jul 6, 2016, 1:18 pm
#1284
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: London
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold & GGL & CCR, HH Diam, Bonvoy Titanium, IHG Spire, Tastecard
Posts: 7,549
Yes, the shuttle TO the Crowne Plaza runs every 30 minutes. Be patient, and wait for it curbside. You do not want to walk to the hotel. If you are picturing city streets with sidewalks and signals between the airport and hotel, think again. The road is a circuitous route, with dirt shoulders and lots of traffic.
Jul 6, 2016, 8:56 pm
#1285
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: some premium cabin...
Posts: 390
I am doing my first run this Friday. Just want to double check that a mobile boarding pass is sufficient at PTY, just in case I didn't have a chance to get a paper one. I will be doing the same plane turnaround there.
Jul 6, 2016, 9:40 pm
#1286
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: The Frozen Tundra
Programs: Former AA EXP, DL PM, BAEC Bronze, SPG GOLD, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 159
Yes a mobile BP will be sufficient. I just returned yesterday and used mine. Only question from security person was to locate the date. Which by scrolling down she saw. As in a previous post, you exit into the boarding area and just turn back into the gate there and go through the secondary security check in the boarding lounge. You will have to remove shoes, belt and put all electronics in a bin.
Jul 6, 2016, 10:18 pm
#1287
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
When you land in PTY, you'll have time to use the restroom and decompress for a few minutes. But, get through the secondary security promptly because sometimes they are very, very thorough (they look at everything, especially your one-quart bag of liquids).
Safe travels.
Jul 6, 2016, 10:32 pm
#1288
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: some premium cabin...
Posts: 390
Yes a mobile BP will be sufficient. I just returned yesterday and used mine. Only question from security person was to locate the date. Which by scrolling down she saw. As in a previous post, you exit into the boarding area and just turn back into the gate there and go through the secondary security check in the boarding lounge. You will have to remove shoes, belt and put all electronics in a bin.
Jul 6, 2016, 10:41 pm
#1289
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: PDX
Programs: AA Plat, Nexus
Posts: 358
You're a braver man/woman than I am! Personally, knowing my lack of any sense of direction, I wouldn't trust myself to make that walk in unfamiliar territory, (I wouldn't do it even in familiar territory) how long did the walk take and is it paved? For some reason I have this image of you walking through this field to get to the airport...
It's all paved. 15 min maybe? For me, it was quicker than waiting for the next shuttle. Of course, having sum total luggage for a 12 day trip of one 13 liter, 10 pound daypack makes the walk pretty easy. There's a pedestrian overcrossing just outside the hotel. It's not much further from the airport to the bus stop outside the airport than it is from the bus stop to the terminal doors, and that part has a covered walkway all the way.
I considered walking through the field, but I suspect it's a swamp. The ditch cuts through it, too, so it may be a bit messy.
Strangely enough, it looked like busses were running that early, too.
PTY is a fairly tiny airport:
For comparison, my walk from SAN to the downtown gaslamp district & the ibrary... This took a bit longer.
Jul 7, 2016, 8:14 am
#1290
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: some premium cabin...
Posts: 390
Do your best to get a paper boarding pass for the PTY-MIA leg before you leave MIA, even if you are not spending the night in PTY. Then, you are prepared in case your phone dies OR the equipment which reads your phone at the gate becomes inoperative (it happens).
When you land in PTY, you'll have time to use the restroom and decompress for a few minutes. But, get through the secondary security promptly because sometimes they are very, very thorough (they look at everything, especially your one-quart bag of liquids).
Safe travels.
When you land in PTY, you'll have time to use the restroom and decompress for a few minutes. But, get through the secondary security promptly because sometimes they are very, very thorough (they look at everything, especially your one-quart bag of liquids).
Safe travels.