Panama · Panama City
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) Online Check-in
Panama's main airport and Latin America's busiest connecting hub. Two terminals serve heavy Copa Airlines hub-and-spoke traffic between North America, the Caribbean, and South America. 'Hub of the Americas'.
Now at Tocumen International Airport
- Security wait (today, avg) 18 min
- Disruption No reported disruption
- Weather impact Clear, 14 °C
Quick information
Airlines we cover at Tocumen International Airport
Tocumen International Airport hosts about 30 airlines in total. We have terminal-specific check-in pages for the 1 listed below. Pick yours to see counters, bag-drop, and online check-in details.
How to check in for a flight from Tocumen International Airport
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Check in online before you leave home
Most airlines open online check-in 24–48 hours before departure. It saves time at the airport and avoids airport-counter fees on low-cost carriers.
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Arrive at the right terminal
PTY has 2 terminal(s). Check your airline's terminal in the table above before you set off.
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Drop off checked baggage
Counters typically open 2 hours before departure and close 40 minutes before. Use self-service bag-drop kiosks to save time.
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Pass security
Liquids must be in a single transparent bag, max 100 ml each. Laptops and large electronics out of bags. Submit your security wait time below to help others.
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Reach your gate on time
Most airlines close the gate 20 minutes before departure. Allow 5–15 minutes to walk from security to the gate.
Tips for Tocumen International Airport
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Hub-and-spoke = short connections
PTY is built for connections — Copa offers 60-min minimum connection times. Terminal 2 (Copa) is designed with all gates same-floor for easy walking.
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Visa-free for many travelers
Panama allows visa-free transit for most nationalities. EU, US, UK, Canada, AU passport holders enter free up to 90 days. Return ticket required.
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Connecting? Don't leave the airport
Taxis from PTY to Panama City are 25 min via highway. If your connection is under 4 hours, stay airside — Terminal 2 has good food/shops/lounges.
Popular destinations from Tocumen International Airport
Frequently asked questions
How early should I arrive at Tocumen Airport?
2 hours for Latin American flights, 3 hours for North American or European. PTY immigration can queue 30+ min on peak afternoons.
Which terminal does Copa Airlines use?
Copa operates from Terminal 2 (opened 2022). Codeshare partners (Star Alliance) typically also use Terminal 2 for Copa connection. Other airlines use Terminal 1.
Is the Panama Metro at Tocumen yet?
Not yet — Metro Line 3 (Albrook to Aeropuerto Internacional) is under construction with 2027 target. Currently bus or taxi only from city.
Official sources
The check-in details on this page are sourced from each airline's website. For terminal layout, opening hours, and ground-side services, see the Tocumen International Airport official site below.
- Wikipedia: Tocumen International Airport — Editorial overview, history, statistics.
- FlightRadar24: PTY live data — Live flight arrivals, departures, and delays.
- gov.uk travel advice — Up-to-date entry requirements and security guidance for Panama.