Copa Airlines
4.4
Hub direct à PTY. Vols MAD → PTY quotidiens, CDG en saison haute.
Pros
- Hub PTY
- Boeing 737 MAX
- ConnectMiles LATAM
Cons
- Bagages parfois rigides
- Site web pas toujours fluide
- Monthly fee
- —
- Transfer fee
- ~850 USD A/R LATAM
Comparisons
Airlines to PTY: 4 compared (2026)
Which carrier to land at Tocumen without drama? Side-by-side of the 4 major airlines on Europe / USA → PTY routes.
Updated : May 2026
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Comparison table
| Service | Score | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
Copa AirlinesWinnerHub direct à PTY. Vols MAD → PTY quotidiens, CDG en saison haute. | 4.4 | 850 USD | See offer ↗ |
Air FranceCDG → PTY direct (saisonnier). Service à bord supérieur, accepte chien cabine < 8 kg. | 4.2 | 1100 USD | See offer ↗ |
American AirlinesConnexions quotidiennes via MIA / DFW. Programme AAdvantage, flotte mixte. | 4.0 | 920 USD | See offer ↗ |
United AirlinesVia IAH / EWR. Programme MileagePlus, qualité sièges premium variable. | 3.8 | 940 USD | See offer ↗ |
Detailed cards
Air France
4.2
CDG → PTY direct (saisonnier). Service à bord supérieur, accepte chien cabine < 8 kg.
Pros
- Direct CDG–PTY
- Service à bord
- Chien cabine OK
Cons
- Saisonnier
- Plus cher
- Hub CDG congestionné
- Monthly fee
- —
- Transfer fee
- ~1 100 € A/R
American Airlines
4.0
Connexions quotidiennes via MIA / DFW. Programme AAdvantage, flotte mixte.
Pros
- Fréquences quotidiennes
- AAdvantage
- MIA hub fluide
Cons
- ESTA obligatoire
- Service inégal
- Monthly fee
- —
- Transfer fee
- ~920 USD A/R
United Airlines
3.8
Via IAH / EWR. Programme MileagePlus, qualité sièges premium variable.
Pros
- MileagePlus solide
- Hub IAH bon pour LATAM
Cons
- ESTA
- Standard éco économique
- Connexion EWR pénible
- Monthly fee
- —
- Transfer fee
- ~940 USD A/R
Our pick
Copa Airlines
Panama's flag carrier. PTY hub, recent 737 MAX fleet, efficient ConnectMiles program across LATAM.
- Hub direct PTY
- Flotte récente
- ConnectMiles LATAM
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct flight Paris to Panama?
Yes, Air France offers a direct CDG-PTY flight 5x/week in high season (December-March + July-August), 2-3x/week in low season. 11h duration. Economy fare: €950-1,400 roundtrip. For 2026, the spring Boeing 787-9 deployment stabilizes frequencies.
What's the cheapest way to Panama from France?
Iberia via Madrid (usually €700-900 roundtrip) is typically the cheapest. KLM via Amsterdam and Lufthansa via Frankfurt follow. Direct Air France CDG-PTY is pricier but faster. For low-cost LATAM/Avianca via Bogotá: €850-1,100 but long connection.
How long is the Paris-Panama flight?
Direct CDG-PTY (Air France): 11h outbound, 10h return (tailwinds). With Madrid connection: 14-16h total. With Miami or Atlanta connection: 14-18h total. France-Panama time difference: 6-7h depending on season (Panama stays on GMT-5 year-round, no DST).
Do you need a visa to enter Panama as a tourist?
No, French, Belgian, Swiss, Canadian and American nationals only need a passport (>3 months validity) for tourist stays up to 90 days. No prior visa application. Stamp issued on arrival at Tocumen.
Which airline for traveling with a dog to Panama?
Air France accepts dogs in cabin if <8 kg (cage included) — industry standard. KLM and Lufthansa similar. Iberia more restrictive. Copa Airlines accepts cabin and hold. Dog fare: €200-400 depending on airline. Direct flight strongly recommended for pet welfare.
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