Getting to Panama: Copa Direct vs. Avianca's Bogotá Hop
A Seasoned Traveler's Take
As a well-seasoned traveler and self-proclaimed airline critic (yes, I own my travel snob status), I've hopped around Latin America enough to set realistic expectations for regional carriers.
So when it comes to choosing between Copa's direct route to Panama City or saving some cash with Avianca's connection through Bogotá, Colombia during high season, let me break it down for you.
Part 1: Copa Airlines - Better The Friend You've Tested
If you're flying to Panama City, Copa Airlines is essentially your default choice. What you might not know is that Copa is a United partner and Star Alliance member, which means your United status gets recognized.
Got Global Services or Premier 1K?
You can leverage that for upgrades and all the usual perks. They're codeshare partners, so it's essentially the same metal with different paint.
But here's where my Copa pet peeves begin: their website is absolutely janky.
I said it - janky.
It looks like someone's first airline website built on Wix, and their mobile app is equally weak.
Why they couldn't leverage United's infrastructure is beyond me, but the site is no bueno. The app is equally frustrating, so if you find yourself wanting to throw your phone, it's not just you.
Case in point: I purchased a flight with my Copa ConnectMiles member number already in the system, yet I still have to manually search for the flight and add it to my dashboard just to view basic details.
Logic, anyone?
And don't get me started on the fare tease game - you'll see a great price, click on it, and poof... gone!
Like, why you gotta play with my emotions, Copa?
Another Copa reality check: they're sticklers about carry-on luggage size, which is becoming increasingly common with LATAM carriers.
But being forced to jam your bag into that comically small luggage size tester just amps up your pre-flight anxiety.
I've been told to check my backpack full of laptops on an outbound flight from Panama City because it appeared "too large," but after compressing it down, I was able to prove it actually did fit the sizer - avoiding the checked bag fee.
So fair warning: don't bring that massive, honking Texas-sized carry-on. Check their size requirements and pack strategically, or risk a stressful gate conversation where you're frantically reorganizing your luggage in front of everyone.
Copa's aircraft fleet consists primarily of Boeing 737-800s, 737-700s, and the newer Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 models. They're generally as comfortable as other airlines in the region.
Depending on which aircraft you get, the business-class cabin may have lie-flat configuration; otherwise, it's standard business-class seating.
Economy and basic economy are fine - just don't expect WiFi or seatback entertainment, so load up your devices with movies and games, or you'll find yourself staring at the back of a seat for hours.
Food is standard LATAM carrier fare in both economy and first… think chicken pasta, beef over rice, or something similarly predictable.
My wife
calls it “lukewarm protein with sauce served over starch”. But hey, at least they feed you as part of the ticket price - yes, everyone, whether economy or business class - unlike certain other carriers I'll mention shortly.The new terminal at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is modern and impressive, and Copa, being the flagship carrier, has a massive lounge for outbound flights. You might step off the plane into the old terminal, and after a solid 12-minute trek, you'll find yourself in the new terminal for Immigration, Baggage Claim, and Customs checks.
Part 2: Avianca - The Bogotá Detour Adventure
Now, let's discuss the alternative: Avianca's flight from Orlando (MCO) to Bogotá (BOG), then a hop to Panama City. We decided to try this route because it was more cost-effective for the entire family during high season.
The Avianca flight was your typical economy cattle car, but surprisingly comfortable with Recaro seats (which I'm actually a fan of). The flight to Bogotá was uneventful, and the flight attendants were genuinely warm and smiley.
But keep in mind: ANY drink costs money, including water and soda. There's nothing free in the back of the bus, and they only accept credit cards, so come prepared.
Most passengers brought their food and snacks (as did we), but we splurged a couple of bucks for a Coca-Cola with real sugar because, priorities.
In a first for my airline experience, they also offered to sell us a cup of noodles - yes, instant ramen at 35,000 feet.
One pleasant surprise: the aircraft was incredibly quiet. Normally, airline engine noise is a constant loud drone that only decent noise-canceling headphones can overcome, but Avianca's Airbus A320neo fleet is noticeably quieter than older A320 models and definitely quieter than any Copa aircraft I've flown.
The transfer between terminals in Bogotá was a bit hairy but less intense than I'd feared. We ended up in a long security line, scrambling to pull out laptops and iPads, expecting full scrutiny, but we xessentially sailed through.
Bogotá's airport is relatively modern and straightforward to navigate. The lounges appear small and dated (that's material for another post), but the staff are very friendly, and we found the available food quite good and very reasonably priced.
Then came the fun part: we took an escalator down to our gate where it became obvious we'd be taking a bus to the plane. Ugh. After a long flight and with the late hour, the last thing you want is to hop on a bus for a journey across the tarmac.
Boarding was chaotic with overlapping announcements from adjacent gates, so we jumped up and caught the first bus to crowd in and high-tail it across the tarmac to the aircraft.
Fingers crossed that it was the correct aircraft.
After walking out the sliding doors at the lower terminal and picking a bus from the lineup, no one actually checked our boarding passes again to confirm we'd chosen the right bus.
And the right aircraft, to the right destination.
It's always a treat lugging your carry-on up metal stairs that go straight up to the plane while engines roar and passengers literally run to board like it's the last flight leaving for Mars.
With a family in tow, it's like corralling angry cats up a scaffold.
Once settled and having claimed our row, the second leg to Panama was short and uneventful. We managed a brief nap and woke up to see Panama City's beautifully lit skyline coming into view upon descent.
The Bottom Line
We needed to get to Panama, Copa's prices were sky-high during high season for our budget, so we tried Avianca's route via Bogotá.
Would we do it again? Only if we really had to.
Yes, it was more cost-effective, but the layover, terminal changes, mediocre airport lounges, and that bus-to-plane experience made it more effort than expected - especially with a kid in tow.
Sometimes the devil you know (mostly in reference to Copa’s janky website) is better than the devil you don't, even if it means paying premium prices during peak season.
Your time and sanity have value too.
This post is free, but if you enjoyed it and would like to support our writing, please do:
💛 Like our post
📝 Reply with a comment
🔁 Restack this post (+ add a note!)
🎟️ Become a paid subscriber
And your support helps more people considering this journey discover our experience.
xo We left the USA for Panama🇺🇸🇵🇦 and Real Talk Panama | Expat Life