Free stopover in
Panama City
Skyline of glass towers beside a 500-year-old Spanish colonial old town.
Copa AirlinesAccepting bookingsVerified 17d ago
Panama Stopover
4.0(198 reviews)
Eligibility
Duration:24h - 360h layover (15 days max)
Classes:
EconomyBusiness
Routes:All connecting Copa flights via PTY
Full terms▾
- Stay in Panama for up to 15 days at no extra airfare on connecting Copa flights (extended from 7 to 15 days April 11, 2026). ⚠️ LEGAL T&Cs CAVEAT: Copa's own stopover terms state that beyond 7 days the free-stopover program 'no longer applies' — the reservation becomes a regular multi-city trip and the fare quoted by the system will apply
- In practice, the marketed '15-day' period may incur fare differences for the 8-15 day range
- Stopover MUST be added at original ticket issuance; post-issuance additions incur change fees
- Second stopover available at +$250 USD plus taxes, must be requested before ticketing
- Approximately $50 USD entry/exit taxes (FZ, AH, F3) paid by passenger
- Discounts (not free): 15-30% off at ~32 partner lodging + ~33 partner restaurants (aggregated as '80+ offers')
- Tours (Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, Biomuseo) are PAID at discounted rates through the Panama Stopover partner portal — NOT complimentary
- Eligibility is fare-type based (public/net/vacation/group/codeshare/interline) — BLOCK FARES and CORPORATE FARES are excluded
- Panama grants visa-free entry for most tourists (US, EU, etc.) up to 90 days; some nationalities need a visa
How it Works
- 1
Book an eligible Copa Airlines itinerary
Your trip must route through PTY (Panama City) with a 24–360 hour layover. Eligible classes: Economy, Business.
- 2
Request the stopover
Add stopover during booking on copaair.com or at panama-stopover.com. Must be requested BEFORE ticketing.
- 3
Receive your voucher
The airline confirms your hotel and any included tours via email, usually within a few business days.
- 4
Enjoy Panama City
Make your own way to the hotel (most cities have cheap metro/airport taxis). Take any included tours, then continue your journey.
Things to do in Panama City
Miraflores Locks
Watch container ships transit the Panama Canal.
Casco Viejo
Colonial old town with rooftop bars and plazas.
Ancon Hill
30-minute hike for jungle wildlife and skyline views.
Traveler Reviews
4.0/5.0
198 reviews aggregated
weighted composite
76% positive10% negative
Based on reviews fromBlog (2)TripAdvisor (2)
Rating Breakdown
Perks Value25%
4.2/5How much is all the free stuff actually worth?
Ease of Claiming20%
4.4/5Will the airline actually respond to my email?
Destination Appeal15%
3.9/5Is this city worth visiting for 1-2 days?
Top Quotes
“The whole experience was completely seamless.”— Blog
“Panama is way more than a transit country.”— Blog
“On time, good leg space, free stopover in Panama.”— TripAdvisor ↗
“The website for stopover booking NEVER works.”— TripAdvisor ↗
Pro Tips
- -Visit the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks
- -Stay in Casco Viejo for the best experience
- -January-April is the dry season
- -Take a day trip to San Blas Islands if you have 3+ days
Recent Reviews
TravelPlayBookProBlog
Positive(95%)The whole experience was completely seamless. Stayed at the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, perched at the edge of the Pacific with sweeping views of Panama City's skyline.
seamlessCasco Viejo
Traveled: Jun 2024
Dr. Rochelle Knight, Adventures from ElleBlog
Positive(90%)Panama is way more than a transit country, and with Copa Airlines' stopover program, they're well on their way to becoming a full-fledged destination.
two destinationsCasco Viejo
Traveled: Sep 2024
TripAdvisor Copa reviewerTripAdvisor ↗
Positive(85%)On time, good leg space, free stopover in Panama. Vegetarian food options were provided, food provided constantly during flights and free movies.
punctuallegroomfood
Traveled: Aug 2018
TripAdvisor Copa reviewerTripAdvisor ↗
Negative(25%)Frustrating layover in Panama City. The website for stopover booking NEVER works — had tried months earlier with the same issue, and contacted the airline with no response.
booking bugs
Traveled: Oct 2019
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Copa Airlines stopover program really free?
Copa Airlines offers discounted stopover packages in Panama City. Free perks are limited — most travelers pay a reduced rate for hotels and tours.
Who is eligible for the Panama Stopover?
Passengers flying Copa Airlines with a qualifying layover in PTY between 24 and 360 hours. Eligible booking classes: Economy, Business. Stay in Panama for up to 15 days at no extra airfare on connecting Copa flights (extended from 7 to 15 days April 11, 2026). ⚠️ LEGAL T&Cs CAVEAT: Copa's own stopover terms state that beyond 7 days the free-stopover program 'no longer applies' — the reservation becomes a regular multi-city trip and the fare quoted by the system will apply. In practice, the marketed '15-day' period may incur fare differences for the 8-15 day range. Stopover MUST be added at original ticket issuance; post-issuance additions incur change fees. Second stopover available at +$250 USD plus taxes, must be requested before ticketing. Approximately $50 USD entry/exit taxes (FZ, AH, F3) paid by passenger. Discounts (not free): 15-30% off at ~32 partner lodging + ~33 partner restaurants (aggregated as '80+ offers'). Tours (Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, Biomuseo) are PAID at discounted rates through the Panama Stopover partner portal — NOT complimentary. Eligibility is fare-type based (public/net/vacation/group/codeshare/interline) — BLOCK FARES and CORPORATE FARES are excluded. Panama grants visa-free entry for most tourists (US, EU, etc.) up to 90 days; some nationalities need a visa.
How do I claim the stopover in Panama City?
Add stopover during booking on copaair.com or at panama-stopover.com. Must be requested BEFORE ticketing.
What is the maximum stopover length?
Up to 15 days. You can extend your layover without paying additional airfare, as long as it fits within the program's rules.
Do I need a visa to leave the airport in Panama City?
Visa requirements depend on your passport. Many travelers qualify for visa-free transit, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa options. Select your nationality on this page to see the specific requirement for Panama.
Quick Info
- Hub Airport
- PTY
- Layover window
- 24h – 360h
- Booking classes
- Economy, Business
- Official page
- View →
Visa Info for Panama City
Choose your passport to see if you can leave the airport.
Hotels in Panama City
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Copa Airlines
Stopover in Panama City