Summary

  • Raleigh-Durham airport now has direct flights to Panama, offering travelers 70 new connecting destinations in 30 countries.
  • Amenities like online check-in and smooth boarding make COPA’s new route an easy and convenient option for Triangle residents.
  • Comfortable seating, quality meals, and in-flight entertainment enhance the experience on the flight to Panama City.

The flag carrier of Panama has inaugurated a new route from Panama City to the capital of North Carolina. Star Alliance member COPA Airlines debuted the new route on Friday. It connects Raleigh Durham International Airport with the “Hub of the Americas,” from which the airline can connect passengers to over 80 destinations across North, Central, and South America.

Linking North Carolina to the world

While Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is well connected to destinations in the Caribbean, this marks the first time the airport has direct flights to Panama. Simple Flying first revealed the news in February, with the flights finally arriving this week. The connection provides Research Triangle and North Carolina residents with one-stop connections to 70 previously unavailable destinations across 30 countries.

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Connecting North & South With Copa’s Hub Of The Americas

The Flag Carrier of Panama uses its unique position in Panama City to link more than 80 destinations across North, South, and Central America.

Nearly 2,200 travelers fly to and from destinations outside the US daily from RDU, with more than 200 of them going to Central and South America. According to Michael Landguth, President and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, the region’s Latin American community “overwhelmingly supported” the new route during the recruitment process, and they were far from the only ones:

“The business and higher education sectors also rallied around the Panama City service, recognizing its potential to connect local companies with customers, students with educational opportunities, and most importantly, triangle residents with family, friends, and vacation destinations.”

A Boeing 737-800 of Copa Airlines with Star Alliance livery parked on an airport apron.

Photo: Matheus Obst | Shutterstock

COPA is far from the only international airline to arrive at RDU in recent months. Earlier this month, German flag carrier Lufthansa launched nonstop service to Frankfurt, the airport’s fourth European destination after Iceland, London, and Paris. Next month, Aeromexico will begin flights to Mexico City, one of the airport’s largest underserved markets.

A breezy departure

I arrived at RDU airport just over three hours before my flight. The check-in desks were already set up and organized with areas for those who had checked in online to drop baggage, in addition to the standard main cabin and premium check-in desks. There were plenty of agents and no wait time to drop off my bags and proceed to security.

RDU COPA Check in

Photo: Jonathan Hendry | Simple Flying

The inbound flight from Panama City arrived ahead of schedule to a warm welcome from the assembled press and airport staff, along with an iconic water cannon salute from the airport fire department.

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Raleigh-Durham International: North Carolina’s Second-Busiest Airport

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is not only vital for North Carolina but the United States’ Mid-Atlantic region too.

Arriving on the flight was David DeFossey, Regional Commercial Manager, North America for Copa Airlines, who noted how significant this new route is as departing passengers on the first flight mingled around a table of homemade cookies, soft drinks, cupholders, sunglasses:

“Today, we take a giant leap forward in enhancing our presence in the United States by connecting the vibrant Raleigh Durham Region, renowned for its academic brilliance, rich cultural scene, and cutting-edge innovation, to our dynamic COPA Airlines hub in Panama City, Panama.

“This new service bridges the Research Triangle and Latin America like never before. Offering travelers an easy seamless connection without customs or baggage transfers. Remember that if you transfer in Panama, one gate to the other. That’s it.”

The snacks at RDU for the first COPA flight

Photo: Jonathan Hendry | Simple Flying

Shortly thereafter, boarding began for the first flight to Panama from North Carolina.

Off we go…

The gate was located at the end of the concourse, making it easy to find. It was next to the other international flights departing that day, with Montreal, Frankfurt, and Paris all leaving around the same time, giving the airport a truly global feel. Boarding was swift and organized by group numbers, and before long, we were onboard.

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I made my way to my designated seat in the exit row, which offered spacious legroom and a view over the wing. I immediately noticed that the seats were made of quality dark blue leather with the airline name embroidered on the cushion. The headrest was textured with embroidered motifs echoing the aircraft design and was fully raisable and adjustable for comfortable napping.

Once comfortably settled, we departed on time for Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport (PTY)

Flying high and eating well

The flight departed to smooth skies and was shortly passing over Wilmington and North Carolina’s Atlantic coast for the four-hour and 20-minute journey to Panama City. Around an hour and a half into the trip, the cabin crew came around with the dinner service. The options were chicken with rice and beef with mashed potato options. I chose the latter.

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The meal was tastefully presented on a blue tray with matching cutlery and salt/pepper packets adorned with the airline logo. The meatloaf was tasty, and the marbled brownie was a nice touch. Shortly after, a drinks cart containing soft drinks, juices, tea, and coffee came around. It returned later in the flight for a final beverage service before landing.

COPA Airlines inflight meal

Photo: Jonathan Hendry

The inflight entertainment system was crisp and included a selection of films, music, television shows, and children’s activities. Beneath the monitor were a USB-A type power outlet and a standard headphone jack. The crew came around shortly after everyone got settled, offering headphones and informing people they could use their own. This was a welcome relief compared to the two-prong headphone jacks that require special headphones on many airlines. These were still handed out to those who asked, and an adaptor was included in the package.

Following a stunning sunset over the Caribbean, we landed in Panama City 15 minutes ahead of schedule. Deplaning was painless, the customs and immigration line was minimal, and we were through within a matter of minutes.

Overall, it was a pleasant flight lasting just under four hours, with the opportunity to seamlessly connect (without customs) to a range of destinations across the region or as a terminus to enjoy the city’s rich history and visit the famous Panama Canal and other local attractions.

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