Flights to Panama: Where to Find Them

The airport heat doesn't forgive

I get off the plane and the heat hits me first. You don't see that from above. From the air, Panama is a green mosaic with river scars and ships waiting at the canal entrance. But on the ground, the asphalt gives you back a warm breath. And if you're looking for flights to Panama, here's where to find them without getting plucked.

I've flown into Tocumen more times than I can count on my wing tips. I've connected in Mexico City, Bogota, Miami. I've arrived with clothes stuck to my body and run out to find a taxi. But before you get on the plane, you have to find the ticket. And that, my friend, is an endurance sport.

Where to search for flights to Panama without dying trying

First rule: don't marry a single airline. Copa Airlines has its hub in Tocumen and flies to almost all of the Americas. But it's not always the cheapest. Sometimes a combination of Avianca and Volaris works better. Or a low cost that leaves you in San Jose and then a bus. Depends on your patience and your budget.

I use Skyscanner and Google Flights. They've worked best for me. But watch out: prices change like jungle weather. What you see today at 10 am, by 3 pm it's up $80. So if you see something good, buy it. Don't overthink it. Regret flies faster than a plane.

There's also Kiwi.com, which sometimes builds weird but cheap routes. And if you're a planner, set price alerts. I have an alert for flights from Panama City to Madrid that hits my inbox every week. I've never used it, but I like knowing it exists.

The route nobody tells you about: leaving Panama

Wait. I just realized I'm talking about arriving in Panama, but you also have to leave. And that's where many crash. Because finding flights to Panama from Europe or the US is one thing. But finding flights from Panama to the rest of Central America or the Caribbean is another. And there, Copa is king. It flies to San Jose, San Salvador, Cartagena, Havana. But prices aren't a gift.

If you're doing a multi-destination trip, consider a Copa pass or combinations with Volaris Costa Rica. Sometimes it's cheaper to fly to San Jose and move overland. I did it once: landed in San Jose, took a bus to the Paso Canoas border, and entered Panama by land. It took 10 hours, but I saved $200. And I saw the landscape from below, which also counts.

Mistakes you shouldn't make

I've seen people cry at the Copa counter because they didn't read the fine print. Don't be that person. Here are the most common stumbles:

Not checking the visa: Panama requires visas for some countries. If you're from Venezuela, Cuba, or some African and Asian countries, check before buying. You don't want to lose the ticket.
Not verifying the layover: some flights stop in San Jose and don't tell you that you need a transit visa. Always ask.
Not carrying cash for the departure tax: some countries charge an exit fee in cash. In Panama it's included in the ticket, but elsewhere it's not. Carry $20-40 in dollars just in case.
Not checking baggage: low cost airlines charge even for a carry-on. Read carefully. I once paid $60 for a backpack that fit under the seat.

The best time to buy

There's no exact science. But from experience, flights to Panama are cheaper if you buy 2-3 months in advance. And if you travel in low season (May to November, the rainy season), prices drop. Of course, be ready for the downpour. The jungle turns green and rivers swell. But the heat doesn't let up.

I once bought a flight from Miami to Panama for $180 round trip. It was September. It rained the whole trip. But it was worth it. I saw the canal from the air, saw the ships waiting, saw the scar of the Chagres River. And I ate patacones in a fonda in Colon that I still remember.

What to do when you arrive at Tocumen

Tocumen airport is big, modern, and sometimes chaos. If you arrive at rush hour, get ready for the immigration line. It can take an hour. I've stood in line with my phone in hand, watching it move slowly. But once you're through, you're in Panama. And that's where the trip begins.

You can take an official taxi for $30-40 to downtown. Or an Uber, which is sometimes cheaper. Or a bus, if you're adventurous. I've done all three. The bus is cheap but slow. The taxi is fast but expensive. Uber is a middle ground. But watch out: sometimes taxi drivers get angry with Uber. So if you can, order a taxi through the app and walk a block before getting in.

What I'd bring next time

Motion sickness pills: not for the plane, but for the boats. Because if you go to San Blas or Coiba, the sea will move you.
An empty water bottle: to fill after immigration. Water at the airport is expensive.
A change of clothes in your carry-on: in case they lose your luggage. It happened to me once. I arrived in Panama without clothes. I had to buy a t-shirt in a Chinese store in Albrook Terminal.
Cash in dollars: Panama uses the dollar. You don't need to exchange currency. But carry small bills for taxis and fondas.

The final recommendation

If you're looking for flights to Panama, start with Skyscanner or Google Flights. Compare. Set alerts. Buy in advance. And don't forget to check entry requirements. Once you have the ticket, the rest is a piece of cake. Or rather, patacones with cheese.

See you at the next tide. Or at the next layover.