Tocumen International Airport is Panama’s main airport and one of the primary airports in Central America. Panama’s flagship carrier, Copa Airlines, operates out of this airport to all over the Americas. As a result the airport is very busy, and the inside is not nearly big enough to handle all of the people in my opinion. All parts of the airport were very crowded and there was not nearly enough seating for those waiting for flights. This coupled with the fact that there are not very many sit down restaurants/bars (only a food court) makes a lounge a good option, unless you like to shop. There is an abundance of shopping in the Panama airport!
I used Priority Pass to check out the Copa Club in Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport earlier this year. The Club Copa is located on the second level of the airport very close to the food court.
The Space. The Copa Club truly has a great space. After check in, the lounge opens up into a large area with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the runway. There are lots of comfy chairs arranged in sections, so your group can at least feel like it has some privacy. There are a decent number of outlets scattered through the main seating area. Wifi is complimentary and was very good. Next to the sitting area is a bar with even more seating. When were there mid-afternoon and the place was practically empty. That was nice. Later in the evening, it got really crowded and people were lined up for seats.
In addition to the main seating area, there is a luggage storage area, a computer work area, some small tables, bathrooms and a shower room to the right of the entry way (reservation needed for the shower).
The Food. The one downside to this lounge. The food, or lack thereof. Truly, there was NO food in the lounge aside from some stale cookies, chips and shrink wrapped apples..and you cannot bring food in. I tried because I was starving and was told that I had to eat it in the hall. While there is no food in the lounge, there is a food court not too far away, complete with a Margaritaville! I recommend eat there before entering the lounge. Again, there is no substantial food in this lounge. Maybe they put out something more during regular meal hours, but I was there in the late afternoon that bled into dinner time and nothing more was set out for patrons. Enjoy your stale chips and apples.
The Drinks. The drinks were much better than the food, with a complete and complimentary bar offering up the usual suspects. There was no craft beer, but the bar did serve the local Panamian beer in addition to red, white and sparkling wine and a wide range of liquor. Coffee, tea and water stands were set up near the entrance to the lounge.
We saw one or two waiters wandering around, but most people ordered directly from the bar and tipped a dollar per drink. The bar area is slightly separate from the general seating area and offered bar and high top table seating. Pretty nice.
Would I get to the airport early to visit this lounge? Absolutely not. But it was a welcomed respite from the general hecticness of the main terminal. If the lounge is full, stop by the Margaritaville in the food court.
STEAL OUR LOUNGE
Copa Club Tocumen International Airport, Panama City, Panama: Second level airside, very close to the food court. Complimentary access to Copa Airlines passengers traveling business class and ConnectMiles PreferMember Gold, Plaitnum and Presidential Plaitnum members, Star Alliance Gold passengers on international flights with Star Alliance member airlines, passengers traveling in business class of first class on international flights with Star Alliance member airlines, United Club members, Priority Pass cardholders, Club Acela cardholders, KLM and Air France passengers traveling in Business Class and/or who are flying Blue members with Flying Blue Platinum and Gold Elite Plus. You can also purchase a day pass directly from the lounge (cost is uncertain). Showers, bathrooms, WIFI, bar and very limited snacks.