Compania Panamena de Aviacion, S.A popularly known as Copa Airlines is the flag carrier for Panama with a headquarter at Panama City. The airline operates from its main hub at Tocumen International Airport. One of the focus cities of Copa is San Jose de Costa Rica-Juan Santamaria. Copa Airline currently operates on 82 destinations with 97 aircrafts in its fleet.
Copa was founded in 1947 and began its domestic operations to three of its major cities in Panama. However, the airline discontinued its domestic flights in 1980 and continued its flights to international routes only.
Cabin Classification
The airline offers two cabin configurations to passengers that includes Economy class (Main Cabin) and Business Class. The cabins are available on all the aircrafts. The airline ensures to offer a distinct experience to the travellers.
Business Class
Passengers travelling in Business class can experience comfort and luxury while travelling in the premium class. Copa Air offers business class on the Latin American routes that flies over more than two dozen cities across North, Central and South America. That’s why the airline has launched its new, modified business class called Dreams. The product Dreams is the newest addition in business class travel in Latin America that comes with a flatbed seat on exclusive new fuel efficient 737 MAX 9 jets. Passengers travelling in the Copa Airlines business class can experience priority boarding, exclusive lounge access, ample baggage allowance, premium quality of seats and along with that they can experience delectable gastronomic delicacies. Copa Airline flight business class also offers a utility amenity kit to ensure that customers have refreshing Copa Airlines flights.
Economy Class
The airline offers multiple fare levels in Economy class that are : Basic, Classic and Full. The basic economy is the least expensive cabin in Copa but it also has minimal perks. Classic fare comes with a complimentary seat selection, one checked baggage, flight change facility at the cost of change fee, increased award and mileage earning. The Full fare comes with complimentary seat selection, premium seats near the front of the plane, more legroom space, two checked baggage, free flight changes, and increased award and mileage status on every flight. This fare has the added benefit of being full-refundable.
Copa Airlines Check-in Policy
Copa offers flexible check-in facilities to customers however, it also has strict deadlines as well to ensure timely service delivery.
- You can check-in with the help of web check-in available at the official website of the airline. The check-in starts from 24 hours to 60 minutes before the departure.
- Passengers travelling with baggage should reach the check-in desk at least 90 minutes before departure.
- Passengers should reach the boarding gate at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure for international flight.
- Also, passengers are advised to reach the boarding gate at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure for domestic flight.
Copa Online Check-in Method
There are several Copa Airlines check-in methods that offer customers the flexibility to check-in at their convenience. You can either opt for Copa Air check-in or mobile check-in. If you are not tech-savvy then you can check-in at the airport counter as well where the Copa staff will assist you through the check-in.
Online Web/ Mobile Check-in
For online check-in, you can opt for web check-in through the official website of the airlines. For both domestic and international flights, the check-in starts 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the flight and closes 60 minutes before the flight is airborne.
Airport Counter Check-in
Those who wish to check-in at the airport must arrive at least 2-3 hours before the scheduled departure of the flight as per Copa Airlines flight.
- For International flights, reach the airport at least 2 hours before the departure and check-in at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure of the flight. Also, make sure to reach the boarding gates no less than 45 minutes before the boarding begins.
- For flights departing from the US, reach the check-in counter at least 3 hours before departure.
- For domestic flights from Panama or Columbia, arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure and reach at least 90 minutes before the scheduled departure of the flight.
- For flights departing from Venezuela, reach the check-in counter at least 4 hours before departure because the Copa Airlines check-in counter at the airport closes 2 hours before scheduled departure.
How to Check-in for Copa Airlines
Copa Airlines Online Check-in
The online check-in starts 24 hours before the scheduled departure. The check-in also closes 60 minutes before the flight takes off.
- Go to the official website of the Copa Airlines to check-in for the flight.
- Select the “Check-in” Tab on the home screen.
- Enter your reservation number, flight number, along with last name to retrieve your booking.
- Choose the flight you want to check-in for.
- Choose your desired seat from the flight seat map and request an inflight meal if necessary.
- Lastly, confirm the Copa check-in and receive a Copa boarding pass via SMS and email.
- Ensure to print your boarding pass alongside other documents.
Exceptions to Online Check-in
The Airlines has certain restrictions when it comes to web check-in.
- Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to check-in online and must complete check-in at the airport.
- Passengers with outstanding payment and unconfirmed booking are also not allowed to check-in online.
- Those who are travelling with pets are not allowed to check in via website or through mobile app.
- Group booking consisting of more than 10 passengers will have to check-in at the airport counter.
Copa Airlines Airport Check-in
Passengers can request for Copa flight check-in at the airport counter or through the self-service Kiosk available at the airport.
- Arrive before the scheduled flight so that you have plenty of time to complete the formalities like check-in, baggage drop, security clearance and boarding,
- Ask the staff present at the Copa Check-in counter to complete your check-in.
- Provide the representative with your reference number, flight number and last name.
- Lastly, provide the seat preference to the staff and other requests before finishing the check-in.
- Passengers can check their Copa Airlines flight status to know the exact flight timing.
Copa Airlines Baggage Policy
The maximum baggage weight depends on the fare type purchased and the status of ConnectMiles members. The members of ConnectMiles are entitled for additional baggage allowance benefits. Copa passengers travelling in Economy Classic fare can carry one checked baggage while Full fare are entitled to carry two checked baggage. Passengers in Business Class can carry two checked baggage at all times.
| Status | Basic Fare | Classic Fare | Full Fare (Economy) | Promo Fare(Business) | Full Fare (Business) |
| Regular | No applicable | 23 kg | 23 kg | 32 kg | 32 kg |
| Members | 23 kg | 23 kg | 23 kg | 32 kg | 32 kg |
Copa Airlines Baggage Allowance
- The maximum weight of checked baggage is 50 pounds or 23 kg.
- The total dimension of checked baggage is 158cm or 62 inches.
- Beyond second checked baggage, passengers will have to pay additional charges up to $175. For economy passengers travelling on Copa flights, beyond first checked baggage, they will have to pay $45 as Copa Airlines baggage fees.
Copa Airlines Cancellation and Refund Policy
The airlines offer a flexible and easy to understand cancellation policy that allows passengers to cancel their flight without any hard time. However, customers must follow the guidelines to get an appropriate refund.
- To obtain a refund, passengers must use the same method to cancel the flight through which they booked it.
- Copa Airlines offers a 24 hours cancellation policy which allows passengers to cancel their flight within 24 hours to receive full refund.
- Basic Economy fare is not eligible for any cancellation as per Copa cancellation policy.
- Passengers can receive a full refund if they are cancelling it due to health issues given that they present an authorised letter from a health professional.
Copa Airlines Refund Policy
The airline offers a flexible and comprehensive refund policy that ensures that passengers receive an adequate amount or refund with respect to their issues in no time.
- The refund is based on the restrictions of the purchased ticket, partly utilised tickets are also eligible for refund either monetary or travel credit.
- The airlines only credit refunds on the original payment method.
- If a passenger has booked the flight through an online or mobile app, they can submit a refund request form.
- Copa Airlines usually takes 7 to 10 days to credit refunds.
- If passengers have any issues with a refund then they can call Copa Airlines phone number to resolve the issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Copa Airlines have a 24 hour cancellation Policy?
Yes, Copa Airlines offers a 24 hours cancellation policy that allows passengers to cancel their flight within 24 hours of booking the reservation to receive a full refund. As per Copa Airlines reviews, passengers can get a full refund without any charges.
Can I get a Copa Airlines cancellation refund?
The refund policy offers passengers an appropriate refund against the cancelled reservation. As per refund policy, refundable tickets are eligible for complete refund after cancellation. Non-refundable tickets are eligible for travel credit and refund in selective cases.
How early can I check-in my baggage in Copa Airlines?
Passengers can typically check-in 4 hours before the scheduled domestic flight and 6 hours before any international flight.
What is Copa Airlines baggage allowance?
According to baggage allowance, passengers in Economy class can carry checked baggage of 23 kg for classic and full fare. Business class passengers can carry checked baggage of 32 kg. For carry-on baggage allowance, passengers can carry 10 kg.
Does Copa Airlines give free baggage allowance?
Copa Airlines checked baggage policy varies depending on factors such as destinations, fare types, cabin class, frequent flyer status. The airline advises its passengers to check the baggage allowance.
Can I cancel my Copa Airlines flight without any charges?
The cancellation fee depends on your Copa ticket price. Passengers can cancel your ticket (except Basic and Classic economy). For Basic economy, passengers will have to pay certain charges depending on fare type, cabin class and destination. Classic Economy passengers are eligible to change their flight with an applicable change fee.
How long does it take Copa Airlines to get a credit refund?
It usually takes 7 to 10 business days to get a credit refund. The airline only credit refunds to the original method of payment that was used to purchase the ticket. In case of any refund issues, passengers can call the Copa Airlines customer service to resolve the queries.
How early can I check-in for my Copa Airlines Flight?
For International flights, reach the airport at least 2 hours before the departure and check-in at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure of the flight. Also, make sure to reach the boarding gates no less than 45 minutes before the boarding begins. For flights departing from the US, reach the Copa Airlines check in counter at least 3 hours before departure.
Can I unaccompanied minor check-in online for the flight?
No, as per check-in policy, unaccompanied minors are not allowed to check-in online. They must check-in at the airport counter and to ensure timely check-in, they should reach the airport at least 2-3 hours before the flight.
How to get a Copa Airlines Boarding pass?
Customers can receive boarding passes via both website and mobile app. Just complete the check-in through the online method and receive a boarding pass by email. Another way to obtain a boarding pass is to collect it from the airport counter or self-service kiosk.
