Booking Your International Flight

You are responsible for booking your own round-trip international flight to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City.

When to Book

We recommend booking your flight at least 60–90 days in advance for the best prices.

We suggest using Google Flights to compare airlines, schedules, and prices. Most of our guests fly with Copa, United, Delta, or American Airlines.

Arrival Guidelines (Getting to Panama)

Please arrive at PTY by 11:00 PM on your tour check-in day (Friday).

• Airport shuttle service is available 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM
• You will need to take a taxi or Uber outside of these hours

✅ If you arrive before Friday, you may arrive at any time

Departure Guidelines (Leaving Panama)

Simple Rule (Works for Everyone)

Book your departure flight after 2:00 PM on your tour check-out day (Friday).

This ensures you have enough time to get from David (DAV) to Panama City (PTY). Refer to our tour itinerary if this is unclear.

Optional: Earlier Flights (Advanced Option)

In some cases, you may be able to take a flight earlier than 2:00 PM—but this depends on the flight schedule from David (DAV) → Panama City (PTY).

To check:

1. Search for DAV → PTY flights on Copa Airlines
2. Find the earliest available flight on your tour check-out day (Friday)
3. Take that arrival time and add 3 hours

👉 That is the earliest safe departure time for your international flight

Example:

• DAV → PTY arrives at 9:39 AM
• Add 3 hours → 12:39 PM
• Your international flight should be 12:39 PM or later

⚠️ Important:

• These early flights are not available every day
• If you're unsure, book your departure after 2:00 PM.

If No Suitable Flights Are Available

If you cannot find a flight that:

• Departs after 2:00 PM, or
• Meets the timing requirements using the Earlier Flights method above

👉 Then you should plan to fly out the following day

In this case, we recommend booking a hotel near Tocumen International Airport (PTY) for your final night.

Round-Trip Ticket Requirement

Panama requires proof of onward travel.

👉 You must have a round-trip (or onward) ticket to enter Panama

• US, Canadian, & EU citizens: Your return flight must be within 6 months of arrival
• Other nationalities: You may be granted less time. Contact us if you plan to stay in Panama for more than 30 days.
• Airlines will deny boarding without proof of onward travel

Planning to move to Panama on the same trip as your tour?

Some guests intend to come on the tour and stay in Panama for more than 6 months. If this applies to you, please let us know in advance so we can provide additional guidance.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure about your flight times or options, we can refer you to a travel agent who can book your flight. ($30 fee per person) Contact us for a referral.