PTY Airport Live Departures
Checking in at Panama City Airport
Check-in counters are located at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Tocumen International Airport. While the majority of flights depart from Terminal 1, make sure you check airport signage or your airline’s details to ensure you’re at the correct terminal. You can also reference our handy live Panama City Departure tracker above.
When to arrive at Panama City Airport?
You can check directly with your airline for exact recommendations, but the general rule for PTY is 3 hours for international flights and 1.5 hours for domestic flights. If you’re traveling during a busier season, like the holidays, you can give yourself more time to be comfortable.
What’s next?
After check-in and dropping off your baggage at Panama City Airport, ensure you have your boarding pass handy to proceed through security and head towards the Departures area.
Here’s the official guide for what you can and cannot bring in hand luggage. Always place your liquids in clear plastic bags and separate your large electronics into the bins when you pass through security. This process typically takes around 15 minutes. Although during peak periods, it can be as long as an hour, so plan accordingly. There are a number of Fast Track service providers you can contact if you’re interested in a more streamlined experience. It’s worth noting that the airport itself does not provide this service.
*Always inform yourself of entry and immigration requirements and laws of your destination prior to arriving at the airport. Depending on what type of Passport you possess, you may need a Visa to enter your destination country.
What to do in Departures at Panama City Airport?
After check-in and security, you can enjoy Panama City Airport’s wide variety of amenities. This includes restaurants, duty-free shopping, and even VIP lounges. Both Terminal 1 and 2 have plenty of fun ways to pass the time or grab a last-minute item for your trip. For more information, check out our complete Panama City Airport Guide!
Panama City Airport is accessible from downtown via the Line 2 of the city’s metro system. You can catch the train from the city center (Estación Iglesia del Carmen) to PTY in around 40-60 minutes. You can also arrange a private transfer with a trusted provider like Welcome Pickups, which will have you safely downtown in 30 minutes.