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Copa Airlines Baggage Fees and Policy (And Tips To Cover the Expenses)

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Erin Miller

Erin Miller

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An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publicat...
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With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...

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Copa Airlines has clear-cut fees for additional baggage and excess charges, which must be paid at the airport.

Checked luggage is included with all fares (except Economy Basic) on Copa Airlines and 2 checked bags are permitted for Economy Full and all business class tickets.

Copa Airlines Carry-on Allowance

1 personal item: FREE
1 standard carry-on bag: FREE

Size and Weight Restrictions

  • Personal: No weight limit disclosed and 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm)
  • Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 10 inches (56 x 36 x 26 cm) and 22 pounds (10 kg)

Lap Infant Carry-on Policy

  • 1 additional item can be carried onboard, such as a diaper bag, car seat, or collapsible stroller, provided they adhere to the maximum size restrictions

Stroller Check Policy

  • Passengers may check 1 item free of charge, such as a stroller or car seat

Copa Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance

Individual bags must not exceed 62 inches (158 cm).

Domestic Flights

  • Economy Basic: No checked bag
  • Economy Classic: 1 x 50-pound (23 kg) bag
  • Economy Full: 2 x 50-pound (23 kg) bags
  • Business: 2 x 70-pound (32 kg) bags

International Flights

  • Economy Basic: No checked bag
  • Economy Promo/Classic: 1 x 50-pound (23 kg) bag
  • Economy Full (Y, B, M): 2 x 50-pound (23 kg) bags
  • Business: 2 x 70-pound (32 kg) bags

Additional Baggage Fees

Domestic Flights

Fare TypeFirst BagSecond Bag3+ bags
Economy Basic$30$50$50 each
Economy ClassicIncluded$50$50 each
Business Promo/FullIncludedIncluded$50 each (50 pounds/23 kg maximum)

International Flights

Fare TypeFirst BagSecond Bag3+ Bags
Economy Basic$40$55$180 each
Economy ClassicIncluded$55$180 each
Business Promo/FullIncludedIncluded$180 each (50 pounds/23 kg maximum)

Excess Baggage Fees

Flight TypeOverweightOversize
51 to 70 pounds (24 to 32 kg)71 to 100 pounds (33 to 45 kg)Linear Dimension: 63 to 115 inches (159 to 294 cm)
Domestic Flights$100$200$150 each
International Flights

Individual pieces over 70 pounds (32 kg) are not allowed on flights to/from the Bahamas and Cuba. 

Copa Airlines has restrictions on oversized and overweight luggage for certain dates.

For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.) please refer to Copa Airlines’ policy.

Exclusions and Waivers

  • PreferMember Silver:
    • 1 x 50-pound (23 kg) additional bag for Economy Basic and Classic fare
  • PreferMember Gold/Platinum/Presidential:
    • 2 x 50-pound (23 kg) additional bags for Economy Basic and Classic fare
    • 1 x 50-pound (23 kg) additional bag for Economy Full fare
    • 1 x 70-pound (32 kg) additional bags  for Business Promo and Full fare
  • Star Alliance Gold: 1 x 70-pound (32 kg) additional bag

Can I Prepay for Baggage?

Copa Airlines allows passengers to prepay for luggage during web check-in from 24 hours to 3 hours before departure at discounted rates. For more information refer to Copa’s prepaid baggage policy.

Credit Cards That Reimburse You for Checked Bag Fees

If you will be paying fees for checked bags or overweight or oversized bags for your Copa Airlines flight, use one of the Capital One cards below to be reimbursed for the cost. Each recommended card allows you to redeem miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit against travel purchases made in the previous 90 days.

TOP PICK
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$395
21.99% - 28.99% Variable
Credit ranges are only a recommendation and a variation of FICO© Score. Issuers may use many types of credit scores when considering an application.
Excellent (740-840)

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros

  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
  • Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • 10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
  • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
  • Add authorized users for no additional annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees

 

Cons

  • $395 annual fee
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

 

  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more – you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$95
20.99% - 28.99% Variable
Credit ranges are only a recommendation and a variation of FICO© Score. Issuers may use many types of credit scores when considering an application.
Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

As a frequent traveler with excellent credit, you’re always on the lookout for a credit card that comes with all the bells and whistles. And the easier it is to understand, the better!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great sign-up bonus, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Pros

  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • 2 complimentary visits to a Capital One Lounge or Plaza Premium Lounges each year
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Access to Capital One transfer partners

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • Limited elite benefits
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from our Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 20.99% - 28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
20,000 miles
$360
$0
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Credit ranges are only a recommendation and a variation of FICO© Score. Issuers may use many types of credit scores when considering an application.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, the no-annual-fee version of the more popular Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Ability to use transfer partners
  • Access to Capital One Dining

Cons

  • Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
  • No luxury travel or elite benefits
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Copa Airlines has the following baggage allowance:

Domestic Flights

  • Economy Basic: No checked bag
  • Economy Classic: 1 x 50-pound (23 kg) bag
  • Economy Full: 2 x 50-pound (23 kg) bags
  • Business: 2 x 70-pound (32 kg) bags

International Flights

  • Economy Basic: No checked bag
  • Economy Promo/Classic: 1 x 50-pound (23 kg) bag
  • Economy Full (Y, B, M): 2 x 50-pound (23 kg) bags
  • Business: 2 x 70-pound (32 kg) bags

Copa Airlines allows passengers to check luggage 4 hours in advance of an international flight and 6 hours of a domestic flight.

Copa Airlines charges $30 (domestic) and $40 (international) for the first bag on Economy Basic fare, $50 (domestic) and $55 (international) for the second bag on Economy Basic/Classic fare, and $50 (domestic) and $180 (international) for subsequent bags on all fares.

1 personal item: FREE
1 standard carry-on bag: FREE

Size and Weight Restrictions

  • Personal: No weight limit disclosed and 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 22 cm)
  • Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 10 inches (56 x 36 x 26 cm) and 22 pounds (10 kg)

About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

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47 comments

alan jones

April 26, 2020

Does Copa still not allow you to prepay for luggage?

Jarrod West

April 30, 2020

Hi Alan,

Yes, it seems Copa is still not allowing passengers to prepay for their luggage.

Mr. Matthew Andrew

February 19, 2021

Could I bring a personal item, carry on and checked luggage on United and Copa airlines flights?

Jarrod West

February 20, 2021

Hi Matthew,

On Copa Airlines the answer is yes. With United, it will depend on the route you’re flying whether or not you can bring a checked bag. If you’re flying basic economy with United then you also will have to pay to bring a carry on bag.

Harald Werber

December 16, 2022

is departure tax from Nicaragua included in ticket price? I’m flying to Panama an on to Europe on a star alliance ticket.

randy harman

February 19, 2021

From Panama to the United States, when are the embargo periods for oversize or overweight luggage?

Jarrod West

February 20, 2021

Hi Randy,

Copa does not publish any information regarding embargo time periods on their website, so you would need to contact them directly to find the answer to that.

maria fernandez

March 19, 2021

Is the first bag 50lb free of charge or do I have to pay for it? I’m traveling to Colombia.

Jarrod West

March 22, 2021

Hi Maria,

The first 50-pound bag should be free of charge.

Kelly

June 22, 2021

Do active duty personnel pay to check their baggage or is it free like other airlines?

Jarrod West

June 22, 2021

Hi Kelly,

US Military should be able to get their bag fees waived if they are traveling on official orders. Otherwise, you likely will need to pay.

Muhammad Mustafa

August 13, 2021

So if I have 4 bags and each has 23kg,
The first one is free
The second one is $40
So the third bag is $175?
And the fourth one is $175?

Jarrod West

August 17, 2021

Hi Muhammad,

Yes, that should be correct. Safe travels!

Luciano D'Errico

August 26, 2021

Are the first 2 bags $40 each? Or is just the first one $40?

Jarrod West

August 27, 2021

Hi Luciano,

If you are flying internationally your first checked bag should be free, and the second one should be $40. Safe travels!

Diana

September 02, 2021

If I purchased an economy ticket (A) which only includes carry-on and not checked bags, how much does the checked bag cost? It is an international flight.

Thanks!

Jarrod West

September 03, 2021

Hi Diana,

If your ticket does not include a checked bag, then the cost to add one should be $40. Safe travels!

Luis

September 07, 2021

I am bringing 5 bags weighing 23 kg to Uruguay. Are these prices correct?
Bag 1: Free
Bag 2: $40
Bag 3-5: $175 each

Jarrod West

September 07, 2021

Hi Luis,

Yes, those prices are correct. Safe travles!

Riya

September 21, 2021

I’m traveling from Mexico to Kingston. Will you please tell me the exact baggage allowance policy?

Jarrod West

September 21, 2021

Hi Riya,

You should be able to bring 1 personal item, 1 carry-on bag, and 1 checked bag weighing up to 50 pounds. Safe travels!

Jay

October 25, 2021

I’m flying from MVD to Mexico via Panama in a few weeks time. What is the current Copa bag policy as of today for carry on and checked ones?

Jarrod West

October 29, 2021

Hi Jay,

You can bring 1 personal item, 1 carry-on bag, and 1 checked bag weighing up to 23 kg.

Lia

October 27, 2021

Hello!

If I was interested in carrying a 43 inch TV complying with the measurements for Copa as a second checked bag, would that be allowed? Would it also cost 40$?

Jarrod West

October 29, 2021

Hi Lia,

Copa does not specify whether TVs are able to be billed as the standard checked baggage price. So I recommend you contact their customer service team directly to clarify. Safe travels!

carlos luna

November 01, 2021

I bought a ticket in economy (T). Is the second baggage still 40 dollars and the third 175 dollars?

Jarrod West

November 02, 2021

Hi Carlos,

Yes, those should still be the charges. Safe travels!

Matt

November 28, 2021

I will not have a credit card on me at the airport. Can I pay the baggage fees in cash?

Jarrod West

November 29, 2021

Hi Matt,

No, the airline will not accept cash, you’d either need a credit card or debit card.

Jeanne Pauline T. Abitong

December 10, 2021

Hi, I’m travelling with my 16-month old daughter from Kingston to Manila via Panama and Amsterdam. It’s a long journey for us. Can you let me know the checked-in baggage allowance I should carry with us? Actually, she’s going to sit on my lap. Does she have a checked-in baggage allowance too?

Jarrod West

December 13, 2021

Hi Jeanne,

According to the Copa website, a lap child ticket cannot bring any checked luggage.

Eliza

February 22, 2022

I purchased an economy ticket (A) for an international flight (Colombia to Europe) which only includes a carry-on, and not a checked bag. How much does the checked bag (23kg) cost when adding it at the airport? Also, can I pay the fee with cash?

Jarrod West

February 22, 2022

Hi Eliza,

The charge should be $40, but you likely would need to use either a credit card or debit card to complete the payment.

Eliza

February 23, 2022

Thank you for your response!

T Fields

February 24, 2022

If I upgrade to business class in one leg of my trip (Miami-Panama, then Panama-Rio), would I get a business class baggage allowance through the whole trip? Including the way back too?

Jarrod West

March 01, 2022

Hi T,

You would not, as you’ll have to re-check your luggage in Panama and thus will no longer have the additional allowance.

Frank S

March 11, 2022

I am flying from ORD to Quito in Business Class. Can I pay for up to five additional checked bags at $175 each?

Jarrod West

March 11, 2022

Hi Frank,

Yes, you should be able to do that without issue. Safe travels!

Iyoki

March 28, 2022

I am traveling classic economy to Jamaica from Panama what can I carry?

Is this correct?
1 personal bag
1 carry on
1 checked bag
And pay 40 for the second checked bag

Jarrod West

March 30, 2022

Hi Lyoki,

Yes, that is correct. Safe travels!

Novia

April 10, 2022

Copa lost both my mom and my luggage while traveling out of the country, and seems to have no record of my luggage. I’ve filed a claim through the airline the day we arrived, and have a claim number and all. The reps seem to not understand anything. It’s day 5 and I’m in a different country with no luggage and these people refuse to help. Literally the worst airline ever! Just hired an attorney. It’s ridiculous!

Disgusted

August 22, 2022

Hey Jarrod West,
I guess no comment.

Christine Krzyszton

August 22, 2022

Hi Disgusted. Please understand that we are not Copa Airlines nor are we affiliated with the airline. We are Upgraded Points, a blog specializing in credit card rewards and travel resources.

Alejandro

June 01, 2022

Hi. I am traveling from Nevada to Cuba with a middle stop in Panama. I can’t get my luggage under 50 pounds. If my luggage is 58 pounds do I just pay $40 and that is all? My bag will weigh less when I travel back.

Katie Seemann

June 06, 2022

Hi Alejandro,
If your bag weighs 58 lbs you’ll have to pay an overweight bag fee of $100. It would actually be cheaper to have 2 bags that are each under 50 lbs. You can check a 2nd bag for only $40.

Thomas

May 17, 2023

I am thinking about a Copa non-stop flight from GRU (Sao Paolo, Brazil) to MIA (Miami, FL, about 9 hours long). Do they serve free food, or do I need to buy or bring onboard?

Chris Hassan

May 26, 2023

Hi Thomas,

Copa does not fly non-stop from GRU to MIA, there will be a connection in Panama. On the GRU-PTY leg, you will receive a hot meal.

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