Copa Airlines: your traveler's guide to the Americas

Everything for a Copa trip in one place — the Panama Hub of the Americas and its routes, fares from Economy Basic to Business, baggage, check-in and ConnectMiles — plus how to reach Copa directly or get help from a live BargainAirTicket agent, 24/7 in English and Spanish.

BargainAirTicket is an independent travel agency. We are not Copa Airlines and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Copa Airlines. This guide is for information only. You can manage your booking yourself at copa.com at no cost. If you'd rather we handle it, our agents assist for a service fee, quoted before you're charged.

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About Copa Airlines

A quick profile of the carrier.

Founded in 1947, Copa Airlines is Panama's flag carrier and one of Latin America's most reliable networks. From its base in Panama City it links North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, usually on a single connection. Copa is a member of the Star Alliance global network and runs the ConnectMiles loyalty program, built around its Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport (PTY).

Founded

1947

Alliance

Star Alliance

Loyalty

ConnectMiles

Main hub

Panama City (PTY)

Hubs & route network

Where the airline is based and where it flies.

Copa is built around one powerful connecting point. Almost every Copa itinerary touches Panama City, with these cities as frequent origins and destinations:

PTY

Panama City — Tocumen

Hub of the Americas

BOG

Bogotá

Key destination

MIA

Miami

Key destination

SJO

San José

Key destination

GRU

São Paulo

Key destination

LIM

Lima

Key destination

Panama City (PTY) is Copa's single hub — the "Hub of the Americas" — and the reason the airline can connect so much of the continent on one stop. Most Copa journeys route through Panama, linking North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Copa Airlines route network

Schematic of the airline's main hubs and popular routes we book — not to scale. For the full current network, see copa.com.

Popular routes we book

Call for phone-only fares.

Panama City → Miami PTY–MIACall for fare Panama City → Bogotá PTY–BOGCall for fare Panama City → São Paulo PTY–GRUCall for fare New York → Panama City JFK–PTYCall for fare

Fares & cabins — what's included

Copa's branded economy fares, from the lowest up, plus Business. Exact inclusions vary by route and aircraft.

Economy Basic

The lowest, most restricted fare — typically no changes and no free advance seat selection, and it earns reduced ConnectMiles. Best only when price is all that matters.

Economy Classic

The standard economy experience — a carry-on plus a checked bag, standard flexibility and full ConnectMiles earning.

Economy Full

The most flexible economy fare — two checked bags, free seat selection and the widest change and refund options in economy.

Business Promo

An entry point to Copa's Business cabin — the lie-back Business seat and service with a lighter, more restricted fare.

Business Full

The fully flexible Business fare, with the widest change and refund options, priority services and the most generous allowances.

Not sure which fare fits your trip and budget? An agent can compare them for you on the call.

Not sure which fare or route is best?

Tell an agent your dates and we'll find the right option — plus phone-only fares across 500+ airlines.

Call +1 (833) 667-2918

Baggage — the essentials

General guidance. Your exact allowance depends on your fare, route and ConnectMiles status.

Carry-on:

Most fares include a carry-on plus a personal item. Confirm the carry-on rules for Economy Basic on your specific route before you fly.

Checked bags:

Included allowance rises with the fare — Economy Classic generally includes one checked bag and Economy Full two, while Economy Basic may include none. Business allowances are the most generous.

Overweight / oversize / special items:

Cheaper added in advance than at the airport. Sports gear, instruments and special items usually need advance arrangement.

We can confirm your exact allowance and pre-pay bags for you — just call.

Check-in & boarding

How to be ready on the day.

Copa online check-in on copa.com and the Copa Airlines app generally opens 24 hours before departure and closes shortly before the flight. Airport bag-drop and boarding cutoffs vary by airport; because most Copa trips are international, allow extra time for documents and security.

Boarding is done in groups, and higher fares, Business and ConnectMiles elite status board earlier. If you connect through Panama, know your gate and minimum connection time — the Hub of the Americas is large and busy.

ConnectMiles loyalty program

The airline's frequent-flyer program.

ConnectMiles is Copa's own loyalty program, and as a Star Alliance member Copa lets you earn and redeem across dozens of partner airlines worldwide for flights and upgrades. Higher elite status unlock priority check-in and boarding, extra baggage and lounge access on eligible fares. If you have a ConnectMiles number, give it to us when booking and we'll add it to your reservation.

Copa Airlines: frequently asked

Quick answers — call us for anything specific to your booking.

How do I change or cancel my Copa flight?+

It depends on your fare. Economy Full and Business are the most flexible; Economy Basic typically can't be changed. Tickets bought in the US may qualify for a 24-hour risk-free cancellation. Have your reservation code ready and call us, or manage it at copa.com.

What happens if Copa cancels or delays my flight?+

You're generally entitled to rebooking on the next available flight or a refund, and extra rights can apply by route and cause. Because most Copa trips connect through Panama, a disruption can affect your connection — call us right away and we'll re-route you.

What is ConnectMiles and does Star Alliance count?+

ConnectMiles is Copa's frequent-flyer program. As a Star Alliance member, Copa lets you earn and redeem miles across the alliance's global partners. Give us your ConnectMiles number when booking and we'll add it to your reservation.

How do I travel with a pet or as an unaccompanied minor on Copa?+

These need advance arrangement and have specific rules, especially on international routes through Panama. Call us and we'll set them up correctly on your reservation, or arrange them yourself at copa.com.