Copa Airlines Review: Panama City to San Jose Flight
About My Flight on Copa Airlines from Panama City to San Jose
My summer 2021 trip took me to two beautiful countries in Panama and Costa Rica. I chose to visit Panama first and then fly from Panama City to San Jose on Copa Airlines. Copa Airlines had been on my radar for quite some time as an airline that I wanted to learn more about. The reason I have been interested in Copa is that I constantly see cheap airfare from the United States to South America on Copa with a layover in Panama City.
Copa Airlines is part of the Star Alliance, and I used 8,000 United Airlines miles to book my ticket. The flight was priced at $289, and I was getting close to four cents per mile which is excellent.
Upon booking, I quickly received two confirmation numbers, one for United and one for Copa. Unfortunately, my Copa locator resulted in an error message when I tried to select a seat on Copa’s website. I was able to get Copa’s iPhone App to take the confirmation number, but it wouldn’t let me choose a seat because it said “payment required.”
I spent the next month emailing Copa, messaging them on Twitter, and attempting to call their office in Miami, Florida. I kept being told to contact United. United kept telling me my ticket was confirmed and to not worry.
Thankfully, 24 hours before my flight, I was able to check-in using Copa’s app. The payment required message never disappeared, but it was never mentioned throughout the check-in process. I wonder if the “payment required” message was because it was an award ticket.
Copa Airlines - Panama City to San Jose - Table of Contents
- About My Flight on Copa Airlines
- Checking In and the Security Line at Panama City Tocumen International Airport
- The Terminal at Tocumen International Airport
- Copa Club
- The Gate and Boarding Process
- On the Plane
- Clearing Passport Control and Customs at San Jose
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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Checking In and Security Line
When I arrived at Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport, I had already checked in on Copa’s iPhone App. The app instructed me to see an agent for a document check and to check my bag. In addition to checking my passport, I had to show that I had filled out the required COVID-19 form for entry into Costa Rica and also provide a copy of my return flight to the United States.
It took about five minutes to provide all of the necessary documents. The flight was full, and since I couldn’t change my seat, I was stuck in 27 C. Thankfully, United Airlines’ reservation system had been able to secure an aisle seat for me at booking.
The next step was to head to Panama’s Exit Passport Control. An immigration agent examined my passport, asked me if I had anything I needed to declare, and then wished me a safe journey. Following passport control were the security lines. In order to go through security, I had to remove my computer, camera, GoPro, and two battery power packs. It took a total of four plastic trays to get all of my carry-on items through security.
The Terminal at Panama City Tocumen International Airport
The International Terminal at Panama City’s Tocumen Airport had COVID testing available, but it was only available after security.
When arriving in Panama City, passengers enter the terminal and then head downstairs to passport control. I am guessing that this COVID-19 testing station is for inbound passengers as a negative COVID test is needed for entry to Panama.
There are plenty of shopping and dining options at Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport. I did spend a few minutes walking through the Duty-Free store but did not make any purchases.
It was quite the walk to get to my gate as the moving walkways were not in service due to COVID-19. I don’t know how this helped, as everyone was required to walk in the small spaces on either side of the walkways.
Copa Club
With over 90-minutes before my flight from Panama City to San Jose departed, I decided to launch my Priority Pass App and see what lounges were available. Priority Pass provides access to various airport lounges around the world. The section below has additional information on how to obtain a Priority Pass.
I had the choice between two lounges. I chose the Copa Club as it had much better reviews. To get to the Copa Lounge, I had to walk up a flight of stairs. The Check-in process was quick as the agent simply scanned the QR-Code from my phone, which allowed access into the club.
I was a little disappointed in the food options inside the Copa Club. Due to COVID-19, they were only serving pre-packaged snacks. These snacks included mixed nuts, chips, chocolate chip cookies, and cereal bars.
There was plenty of workspace inside the Copa Club. I spent about an hour working on my website and eating the various snacks.
The gates in Panama City are numbered, and my flight was departing from gate 107. Copa attempted to board by zone, but it seemed that people were boarding at their leisure. As I was waiting to board, the agent looked at me and waved me forward so I was able to board two zones ahead of when I should. Boarding early gave me a chance to get photographs of an empty plane and put my camera/computer bag in the overhead compartment.
The Gate and Boarding Process
The gates in Panama City are numbered and my flight was departing from gate 107. Copa attempted to board by zone but it seemed that people were boarding at their leisure. As I was waiting to board, the agent looked at me and waved me forward so I was able to board two zones ahead of when I should. Boarding early gave me a chance to get photographs of an empty plane and put my camera/computer bag in the overhead compartment.
On the Plane - Copa Airlines - Panama City to San Jose
My Copa flight from Panama City to San Jose was on a new Boeing 737-800. The seats were cloth instead of leather but did have 31 inches of pitch. Each seat had power, as well as a seat back entertainment system. My biggest complaint is that there was no WiFi offered on this flight.
For a standard economy seat, the seat I was assigned 27 C was fairly comfortable. The 31 inches of pitch allowed one additional inch of legroom when compared to most US carriers. Also, to make the flight more comfortable, I was able to lift the aisle armrest.
Throughout the short, 58 minutes flight, I was able to track our progress on the seatback monitor. As far as entertainment options were concerned, Copa had a variety of popular movies and TV shows available to watch.
The newest Boeing 737’s have ambient lighting, which is supposed to help the body’s circadian rhythm. It was pretty amusing to see the lighting process accelerate through the short, less than one-hour flight.
Copa Airlines Panama City to San Jose - Clearing Passport Control and Customs in San Jose
Passport control at San Jose was pretty straightforward. When called to the booth, I had to present my passport and a QR code for my COVID Declaration. As of July 30, 2020, all visitors to Costa Rica had to have health insurance that covered COVID-19. I was able to purchase this insurance for $10 per day through the Costa Rican company Sagicor. The QR code included my health insurance confirmation number, as well as my contact info and all of the hotels that I would be staying at. Once this document was verified, my passport was stamped, and I was granted access to Costa Rica. Despite typically being allowed 90 days of visa-free entry, I was only allowed eleven days as that was the number of days I’d purchased insurance for.
Customs was as simple as walking past the agents. No questions were asked, and no forms were needed. Following customs, arriving passengers walk right outside the terminal and are met by a bunch of people offering to help them get a cab or shuttle. If you take them up on their service, be sure to give them a tip.
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