Copa Airlines is Panama's flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, operating from its Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City — one of the best-positioned transit hubs in the Western Hemisphere. Copa's geographic advantage at the center of the Americas means short connections from U.S. cities to virtually all of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. ConnectMiles, Copa's loyalty program, earns on United and other Star Alliance partners. FaresMatch compares Copa fares with all available options to find the best routing for your Latin American trip.
Trending Copa Airlines fares
One-way starting prices on popular Copa routes. Search above for live availability.
Panama CityShoulder seasonMIA → PTYMiami – Panama City- Flight time
- 2h 30m nonstop
- Airlines
- Copa
$159
BogotáSpring travelMIA → BOGMiami – Bogotá via PTY- Flight time
- 5h 30m 1-stop
- Airlines
- Copa
$199
LimaBook earlyJFK → LIMNew York – Lima via PTY- Flight time
- 7h 30m 1-stop
- Airlines
- Copa
$280
Buenos AiresFall travelMIA → EZEMiami – Buenos Aires via PTY- Flight time
- 9h 1-stop
- Airlines
- Copa
$380
Costa RicaMidweek dealPTY → SJOPanama City – San José CR- Flight time
- 1h 10m nonstop
- Airlines
- Copa
$79
GuayaquilWinter escapeMIA → GYEMiami – Guayaquil via PTY- Flight time
- 6h 30m 1-stop
- Airlines
- Copa
$260
Popular Copa Airlines routes
Panama to Caribbean
MIA/JFK/IAH → PTY U.S. to Panama City
Copa connects multiple U.S. cities to its Hub of the Americas at Tocumen — gateway to all of Latin America.
PTY → BOG/LIM/SCL Panama to South America
Copa's short Panama City connections make South American destinations more accessible than routing via Miami.
PTY → SJO/GUA/SAL Panama to Central America
Copa dominates Central American connections, with nonstops to San José, Guatemala City, San Salvador, and more.
PTY → HAV/SDQ Panama to Caribbean
Copa connects Panama City to Cuba, Dominican Republic, and other Caribbean islands with frequent services.
Tips for booking Copa Airlines flights
Copa's Hub of the Americas offers legally guaranteed minimum connections as short as 2 hours. Panama's single-terminal airport makes short transits genuinely achievable, and on-time performance at PTY is among the best in Latin America.
Copa is a Star Alliance member — ConnectMiles earns on United MileagePlus flights. If you have United status, Copa connections to Latin America are a natural complement to your U.S. domestic United itinerary.
For routes to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, or Bolivia, comparing Copa via Panama against American via Miami or United via Houston often surfaces savings of $50–$150 per ticket.
Frequently asked questions
Is Copa Airlines part of an alliance?
Yes — Copa is a Star Alliance member. ConnectMiles (Copa's frequent flyer program) earns and redeems on United Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore, and other Star Alliance partners.
What is the Hub of the Americas?
The Hub of the Americas is Copa's brand name for its Tocumen International Airport (PTY) hub. Panama City's central location — equidistant from North and South America — makes it one of the most efficient transit points in the Western Hemisphere for connecting flights.
Do I need a visa to transit Panama on Copa?
Most nationals do not need a visa for transit through Panama. U.S., EU, Canadian, and many other passport holders can transit without a visa. However, you should verify current requirements for your nationality before booking.
Book your Copa Airlines flight today
A FaresMatch advisor will compare Copa fares with American, United, and all available options to find the best deal for your Latin America trip.