Atlanta to Panama – MORE DIRECT FLIGHT OPTIONS
Most of our Atlanta-area visitors to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge – indeed, many of those from throughout the southeast – have understandably relied on Delta for their flight options when headed to/from Tocumen. Now there’s a new competitor to spice up that route, and hopefully create some price competition. Panama’s flagship carrier Copa will provide direct flights between the two cities on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sunday.
The timing is not ideal for our trips:
Depart Atlanta 4:03 p.m. — Arrive Panama City 8:16 p.m.
This arrival is not terrible, as we overnight in Panama City before heading to David and then out to the island very early the next morning. In the best case scenario, it means getting to the hotel around 10pm. If there are any delays, it could be problematic.
Depart Panama City 9:26 a.m. — Arrive Atlanta 1:37 p.m.
When we head home, we are usually on a flight from David to Tocumen at around 9:30. Accordingly, in case of any delays, we recommend that the international flight be after 1pm, so this doesn’t work unless you want to stay in Panama City an extra night.
Meanwhile, the Delta schedule is just about perfect for our needs:
Depart Atlanta 9:45 p.m. — Arrive Panama City 1:55 p.m.
Depart Panama City 3:20 a.m. — Arrive Atlanta 7:44 p.m.
That generally allows for delays on both ends, as well as connections getting to ATL and leaving ATL if you’re coming from elsewhere in the southeast. It also runs seven days a week.
Even though the Copa route is not perfectly suited to our timetable, it might be ok if you have a different agenda or itinerary. Also, it could change in the future. At the very least, more options typically create a better playing field for customers in terms of availability and possibly price – so unless you’re the most hardcore Delta flyer on the tarmac, you southeastern traveling anglers should join Copa’s ConnectMiles program and keep your eyes open about how it impacts your future fishing plans.
