Book Flights on Copa Airlines

Copa Airlines is based in Panama and operates most of its flights from Tocumen International Airport located close to Panama City. The airline was founded in 1947 as the country’s national airline and has moved on from a network of just three domestic destinations to over 64 destinations in 29 countries.

Copa Airlines’ frequent flyer program is known as MileagePlus, which is a part of the Star Alliance network, and the airline became a member of the Star Alliance network in 2012. Alliance and codeshare partners include Cubana, United Airways, AeroMexico, and KLM, among others.

The airline has won several awards for its punctuality, workplace environment, and airport lounges. In 2011, Copa Airlines was given the World Travel Award for being the Leader Airline in Mexico and Central America. The airline also has a Skytrax 3-star rating.

Copa Airlines’ aircraft have blue wing tips and the airline’s blue and white logo painted on the tail. The airline’s name is printed across the airplane’s sides.

Copa Airlines Ticketing and Check-in Information

Copa Airlines offers four easy options for check-in:

Airport Counter Check-in: Use Copa Airlines’ airport counters to check in if you have a connecting flight on a partner airline, are travelling with infants under the age of two years, have a pet accompanying you on the flight, or are part of a group of 10 or more passengers. Passengers who have not paid airport taxes when booking their tickets as well as those with paper tickets (not e-tickets) will also need to check in at the airport counter.

Online Check-in: This service can be used between 24 hours and one hour prior to departure for flights to and from the US. For all other flights, online check-in services are available between 36 hours and one hour before your flight is scheduled to leave. For international flights, passengers should report to the security gates at least an hour before departure and at least 30 minutes in advance for domestic departures.

Designated counters at the airport are available for passengers who have checked in online and need to drop off checked luggage. You can find more information on travelling with special needs or dropping off unaccompanied minors on the airline’s website.

Copa Airlines Baggage Information & Restrictions

Checked Luggage Restrictions for Copa Airlines

The checked baggage allowance on Copa Airlines flights varies depending on your flight route. On most routes, Economy Class passengers are allowed to check in up to 32 kg of luggage, with each item weighing no more than 23 kg. The total weight limit increases to 46 kg on flights between Mexico and destinations in Canada, USA, and Brazil, and to 64 kg for flights between Brazil and the USA.

On most flight routes, Business Class passengers and those holding MileagePlus Premier Silver Cards have a checked luggage limit of 64 kg, with each bag weighing no more than 32 kg. MileagePlus Premier Gold, Platinum, and 1K card holders are allowed 96 kg of checked luggage, with a limit of 32 kg on each bag.

You can find more detailed information on excess baggage fees and checked luggage policies on the Copa Airlines website.

Carry-On Baggage Restrictions for Copa Airlines

Economy as well as Business Class passengers can carry one piece of carry-on luggage measuring no more than 115 cm (L + W + H) and weighing up to 10 kg. In addition, one personal item is also allowed on board and can include items such as handbags, diaper bags, cameras, laptops, and umbrellas.

Special items such as crutches, walkers, wheelchairs or orthopedic devices are also allowed on board in addition to the free carry-on allowance, but might need to be stowed separately depending on the availability of storage space.

Copa Airlines Special Luggage Requirements

For Copa Airlines flights within Colombia, special luggage items such as sports equipment or musical instruments can contribute toward a passenger’s free luggage allowance. However, on all other flights these items are charged as excess luggage and the associated fees vary depending on the size, weight, and nature of the items you are transporting.

Copa Airlines’ website provides an extensive list of special luggage items that can be transported as well as their restrictions and related fees.

Copa Airlines Seating Options

Economy Class seats have a pitch of approximately 81.28 cm and are configured in a 3-3 formation on Copa Airlines’ Boeing aircraft while its Embraer planes have two seats on either side of a central aisle.

The seat pitch in Business Class is about 111.76 cm and the airline’s Boeing aircraft are configured with two seats on either side of the main aisle. Embraer planes have a single row of four seats lining one side of the aircraft and a double row with a total of six seats across the aisle.

The airline’s Boeing aircraft have between 12 and 16 Business Class seats and between 112 and 144 Economy Class seats. Its Embraer planes have 10 Business Class seats and 84 Economy seats.

Travelling with Pets on Copa Airlines

Don’t forget Molly!

Small pets such as dogs, cats, and rabbits can be transported on most Copa Airlines flights. Birds are only allowed on flights that operate within Colombia. In addition, animals can be transported free of charge on flights within Colombia as long as they fit the requirements for the free luggage allowance. On all other flights, additional fees apply.

Since there is a limit on the total number of animals that can be carried on board, passengers should notify the airline about travelling with a pet as early as possible, and at least 48 hours prior to departure. Animals being transported as cabin luggage should be placed in kennels no larger than 33 cm x 43 cm x 25 cm. The animal and crate together can weigh up to 10 kg. Pets which cannot be transported within these restrictions will be classified as checked luggage or cargo.

Passengers should note that some dog breeds such as bull terriers and pitbulls are not allowed on any Copa Airlines flights. You can find a detailed list of rules and regulations for travelling with your pet on the airline’s website.

Copa Airlines In-flight Service, Beverages, and Meals

The in-flight meal and entertainment options on Copa Airlines flights vary depending on the route and duration of your trip. Economy Class passengers are offered complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks on short-haul flights and a full meal service on longer routes.

On short and long-haul flights, Business Class passengers enjoy gourmet meals, and beverages include a large wine and rum selection. A travel amenity kit, hot towels, bottled water, and blankets are offered to passengers on long-distance international flights.

Passengers in both seat classes can request special meals such as fruit plates, kosher meals, kids’ meals, and vegetarian food.

In-flight entertainment options in both seat classes are limited to shared video screens, audio programs, newspapers, and magazines. Passengers should note that in-flight movies are only offered on a few routes so carrying your own book, laptop, or music device is advisable.

Copa Airlines Fleet

Copa Airlines’ fleet consists of 59 aircraft including Boeing 737-700s, 737-800s, and Embraer 190ARs.

Copa Airlines Lounge

Copa Airlines operates Copa Club lounges in partnership with United Airlines at airports in Panama City, Santo Domingo and Guatemala City. Business Class Passengers as well as Gold, Platinum, and IK members of the airline’s MileagePlus frequent flyer program can access these lounges, as well as those operated by United Airlines and other Star Alliance members.

Lounge facilities vary by airport and can include a children's play area, television, newspapers, magazines, the internet, and telephones. Complimentary snacks and beverages are also available at most Copa Airlines lounges.