Copa Airlines Adds Nonstop Service Between San Diego and Panama City

Updated: February 25, 2025, 3:16pm CST

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4x Weekly Flights Begin in Late June
How To Book
Final Thoughts

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Copa Airlines, Panama’s flag carrier, will start nonstop flights between San Diego (SAN) and Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) this summer.

Here’s what you need to know.

4x Weekly Flights Begin in Late June

Copa Airlines will start service between San Diego (SAN) and Panama City (PTY) on June 25, 2025.

Flights will be 4x weekly, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The airline will fly its Boeing 737 MAX 9 jet on the route.

Here’s a look at the schedule:

Depart Panama City at 1:16 p.m. and arrive in San Diego at 6:15 p.m.
Depart San Diego at 8:58 p.m. and arrive in Panama City at 5:20 a.m.

This will be the only nonstop flight between the 2 cities. Previously, customers would need to connect at a United hub, such as San Francisco (SFO) or Houston (IAH).

Copa says the new route is part of its plan to bolster service between Latin America, the Caribbean, and the U.S. San Diego will become Copa’s third destination in the Golden State, after Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco. All told, Copa will serve 17 destinations in the U.S., including Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), and Newark (EWR), among others.

Copa Airlines plane at gate PTY — Image Credit: Ryan Smith

How To Book

Tickets on the route are now available. Economy seats start at around $650 round-trip, but business class seats start at a whopping $2,400 round-trip.

With such high cash prices, we recommend using points and miles to book a seat on this new route. Copa is a member of the Star Alliance, so you can book flights using Copa Airlines ConnectMiles or through a program like United MileagePlus or Air Canada Aeroplan.

Of the 3 programs, Aeroplan is the best for this route. Award prices start at 22,500 points one-way in economy or 35,000 points in business. In comparison, business-class tickets booked through United will cost you 38,000 miles and 70,000 miles via ConnectMiles!

Aeroplan SAN to PTY redemption price — Aeroplan is the best way to book tickets to Panama on Copa Airlines for this route. Image Credit: Aeroplan

Luckily, Aeroplan points are incredibly easy to earn. The program is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy. Some programs, like Amex, occasionally offer limited-time bonuses on points transfers.

Hot Tip:

Read our guide to learn the best ways to earn lots of Air Canada Aeroplan points!

Final Thoughts

Travel to Central America from Southern California will soon be much easier. Copa has just announced new flights between Panama City and San Diego, beginning in late June. Cash prices aren’t the cheapest, so we recommend using points and miles for the best deals.