Understanding Copa Airline baggage policy is the key to a seamless travel experience. We’ll explore the ins and outs of Copa Airlines baggage allowance, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your upcoming trip.
What has included in Copa Airlines carry on baggage policy?
As per Copa Airlines carry on baggage policy, each passenger is entitled to bring 1 carry-on bag. carry-on must fit easily in the overhead compartment.
Here are the key considerations –
| Requirement | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Each piece | Up to 46 linear inches (118 cm) |
| Dimensions | Max 22” high, 14” long, 10” wide |
| Weight Limit | Up to 10 Kg (22 lbs) |
The aforementioned Copa Airlines baggage policy applies to all passengers, including Star Alliance Gold members.
Personal item – In addition to your carry-on baggage, each passenger is allowed one personal item. Each personal item can measure up to 36 linear inches (90 cm). The following items are considered as personal items –
- Food for consumption on the aircraft
- A handbag/personal purse
- A portfolio
- A video game console
- Duty-free products purchased at the airports
- A backpack
- A laptop bag
What to know about Copa Airlines checked baggage policy?
As per Copa Airlines baggage policy, the size of the checked bag must not exceed 62 linear inches or 158 cm.
Copa Airlines baggage allowance is determined by the following factors –
- Flight date
- Origin and destination
- Fare class
- PreferMember status
Weight and pieces – As per Copa Airlines checked baggage policy, the baggage allowances both in terms of weight and pieces are offered per passenger.
Travel companions – The baggage allowances are non-transferable to other travelers.
Tax considerations – Keep in mind that extra or overweight baggage is also subject to taxes as per the destination country.
Size and shape constraints – For flights to and from Cuba, Ecuador, and El Salvador, please note that pieces or packages with irregular shapes and sizes are not permitted.
Restrictions for carry-on – If your carry-on doesn’t meet requirements, it will be checked and charged as additional baggage.
Copa Airlines baggage allowance according to your fare – Below is the overview of the Copa Airlines baggage fee according to the fare, and the weight may apply. This table highlights the fee for the domestic travel
| Category | Economy Basic | Economy Classic | Economy Full | Business Promo | Business Full |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st checked bag | 30 USD//23 kg (50 lbs) | Check // 23 kg (50 lbs) | Check // 23 kg (50 lbs) | Check // 32 kg (70 lbs) | Check // 32 kg (70 lbs) |
| 2nd checked bag | 50 USD//23 kg (50 lbs) | 50 USD//23 kg (50 lbs) | Check // 23 kg (50 lbs) | Check // 32 kg (70 lbs) | Check // 32 kg (70 lbs) |
How does Copa Airlines handle International baggage policy?
Below is the overview of the Copa Airlines baggage fees for flights to/from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
| Category | Economy Basic | Economy Classic | Economy Full | Business Promo | Business Full |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st checked bag | 50 USD 23 kg (50 lbs) | Free 23 kg (50 lbs) | Free 23 kg (50 lbs) | Free32 kg (70 lbs) | Free 32 kg (70 lbs) |
| 2nd checked bag | 70 USD 23 kg (50 lbs) | 70 USD 23 kg (50 lbs) | Free 23 kg (50 lbs) | Free32 kg (70 lbs) | Free32 kg (70 lbs) |
Below is the overview of the Copa Airlines baggage fees for all other international routes –
| Category | Economy Basic | Economy Classic | Economy Full | Business Promo | Business Full |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st checked bag | 40 USD 23 kg (50 lbs) | Free 23 kg (50 lbs) | Free 23 kg (50 lbs) | Free32 kg (70 lbs) | Free 32 kg (70 lbs) |
| 2nd checked bag | 55 USD 23 kg (50 lbs) | 55 USD 23 kg (50 lbs) | Free 23 kg (50 lbs) | Free32 kg (70 lbs) | Free32 kg (70 lbs) |
How does Copa Airlines regulate baggage for International flights?
As per Copa Airlines baggage policy, certain restrictions apply on additional baggage, overweight and oversized baggage for the following countries –
| Category | To Cuba | From JFK, Miami, Los Angeles, and Orlando to Guayaquil | From Washington Dulles to Santa Cruz, Lima | From New York to Quito | From New York to Manta |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st checked bag | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted |
| 2nd checked bag | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted |
| 3rd checked bag | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
| 4th checked bag onwards | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Boxes | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted |
| Overweight | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Oversize | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Irregular pieces | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Pet in cabin | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted |
| Sports luggage | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted |
| Musical instruments | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted |
| Perishable food | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted |
Additional restrictions – The other restriction under Copa Airlines baggage policy include –
- Special considerations for Cuba and Bahamas – For flights to/from the Bahamas and Cuba, remember that individual pieces over 70 lbs (32 kg) are not permitted. Items weighing more than 100 lbs (45 kg) should be sent as cargo.
- Special considerations for Venezuela – Passengers traveling to/from Venezuela can carry 1 checked bag up to 23 kg for free.
What are prepaid baggage Terms and Conditions by Copa?
The prepaid service is available during the Copa Airlines web check in process. Here’s what you need to know –
- The prepaid baggage service is accessible from 24 to 3 hours before your flight’s departure.
- Passengers can pay up to 5 baggage pieces per passenger.
- Prepaid Baggage Service isn’t applicable to infants traveling in the lap of an adult.
- Prepaid Baggage Service doesn’t extend to overweight, oversized pieces, or special items like large sports equipment or musical instruments.
- In case of Volaris Airlines flight change or events that are beyond the airline’s control, prepaid baggage service can potentially be transferred to other flights.
- The service does not apply to Copa Airlines pet travel service.
- Prepaid baggage service is not available for bookings involving interline or codeshare flights.
- The service is not available for Copa Airlines unaccompanied minor passengers.
Can you buy extra baggage allowance on Copa Airlines?
As per Copa Airlines baggage policy, you can carry up to 5 pieces of checked baggage other than what is included in the fare. An additional fee may apply. The fee varies with domestic and international travel.
For Domestic travel – Below is the overview of the Copa Airlines extra baggage fee according to your fare for flights within Panama
| Category | Economy Basic | Economy Classic | Economy Full | Business Promo | Business Full |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additional checked bag (maximum 5 bags per person) | 50 USD 23 kg (50 lbs) | 50 USD 23 kg (50 lbs | 50 USD 23 kg (50 lbs | 50 USD 23 kg (50 lbs | 50 USD 23 kg (50 lbs |
Please Note: The aforementioned is charged for each additional baggage.
For International travel – Below is the overview of the Copa Airlines extra baggage fee according to your fare for flights to/from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and all other international routes
| Category | Economy Basic | Economy Classic | Economy Full | Business Promo | Business Full |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additional checked bag (maximum 5 bags per person) | 180 USD 23 kg (50 lbs) | 180 USD 23 kg (50 lbs) | 180 USD 23 kg (50 lbs) | 180 USD 23 kg (50 lbs) | 180 USD 23 kg (50 lbs) |
Overweight – Passengers can carry overweight baggage of up to 100 lbs; Copa Airlines extra baggage fee may be applicable
| Category | Between 24 kg and 32 kg (51 lbs – 70 lbs) | Between 33 kg and 45 kg (71 lbs – 100 lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Overweight Fee | $100 USD | $200 USD |
| Overweight Fee for Canada | 132-150 CAD | 265-301 CAD |
Please Note: The aforementioned Copa Airlines baggage fee is in addition to the per piece allowance.
Oversized – Consider the following Copa Airlines checked baggage dimension for the oversize baggage –
| Situation | Linear Measurement Range | Acceptance Status |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Piece | Up to 62 inches (158 cm) | Accepted as baggage |
| Excess Baggage | 63 – 107 inches (159 – 272 cm) | Accepted with extra Copa Airlines baggage fees |
| Pieces exceeding limit | > 115 inches (> 294 cm) | Not accepted, cargo only |
Please Note: The aforementioned Copa Airlines baggage fee is in addition to the per piece allowance.
What is Copa Airlines Sports Equipment policy?
Passengers flying with Copa Airlines can carry small or large sports equipment either as checked or carry-on baggage. The following items are included in this category –
| Sports Activity | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Camping | Tent, backpack, sleeping bag, vinyl/cotton/plastic items Fabrics, items with metal/aluminum frames, straps, belts |
| Archery | Box of bows with bows, box for arrows with arrows |
| Bowling | Bowling bag, bowling ball, pair of bowling shoes |
| Golf | Golf bag, 14 golf clubs, 12 golf balls, pair of golf shoes |
| Paintball | Paintball marker (case without safety lock), paintballs |
| Parachute | A Parachute bag |
| Fishing | Two fishing rods, one reel, one landing net, pair of waders |
| Tennis | Bag with 2 rackets, 6 tennis balls |
The dimensions and weight limit of the aforementioned items are mentioned in this table –
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sports items as carry-on luggage | Must not exceed 10 kg in weight. Each sports equipment must be within 46 inches (118 cm). |
| Sports items as checked luggage | The maximum weight allowed is 45 kg (100 lb) The maximum dimension of a sports item must be within 115 linear inches (294 linear cm). |
Large sports equipment on Copa Airlines
The maximum weight allowed is 45 kg (100 lb). The maximum dimension of a sports item must be within 115 linear inches (294 linear cm).
The following items are included in this category, and they need to be checked as per Copa Airlines checked baggage policy.
| Sports activity | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Bicycle | One bicycle is transported per passenger. The airline only accepts non-motorized bicycles. All accessories and components must be packed in a plastic bag. |
| Diving | Permitted are a weighted strap, knife, diving suit, mask with a breathing tube, harpoon, regulator, and an empty tank. |
| Ski | Snow/water skis, boots, stakes, and a ski board are allowed. |
| Inflatable kayaks | The kayas must be deflated and packed appropriately. |
| Kitesurfing | kite, steering bar, harness, board, and strings.are accepted |
| Paddle | 1 paddle board is accepted per passenger. Must be properly packed. Reservation must be made 48 hours before the scheduled departure. The copa airlines baggage restrictions may apply. |
| Pole vault | One pole is accepted per passenger as checked baggage. |
| Surf | 3 surfboards or bodyboards are accepted per passenger. Reservation must be made 48 hours before. The aircraft restrictions may apply |
| Windsurfing | windsurf board (max 115 inches), mast, sail, and assembly kit are accepted |
Please Note: ConnectMiles Prefer Members and Star Alliance Gold Passengers will pay 150 USD as baggage fee if they exceed the Copa Airlines baggage allowance included in the fare.
What is Copa Airlines musical instrument policy?
Here’s all you need to know about traveling with musical instruments on Copa Airlines flights –
Instruments as carry-on –
- As per Copa Airlines baggage policy, instruments should be within 46 combined linear inches (118 cm) and fit in the overhead bin.
- Guitars, violins, bass guitars, and saxophones are accepted as carry-on baggage.
- Passengers also have the option to purchase an extra seat for carriage.
Instruments as checked baggage –
- Each musical instrument should be packed in its case. The dimension of the musical instrument must be within 62 combined linear inches (158 cm) and up to 23 kg.
- Instruments like trombones, keyboards, and drum set cymbals are accepted as checked luggage.
- Copa baggage fee may apply.
Oversized musical instruments –
- Each instrument should be packed within 115 combined linear inches. The weight must not exceed 45 kg.
- Instruments like cellos, double basses, and tubas have special dimensions and are considered under Copa Airlines extra baggage guidelines.
- A fee of USD 150.00 applies for oversized instruments.
- Passengers also have the option to purchase an extra seat for carriage.
What is Copa Airlines baggage allowance for Infants?
In addition to the adult’s carry-on baggage, passengers are allowed to carry one of the following 3 items for the infant –
- An infant seat – If your infant has a purchased seat, you can bring one infant seat for use.
- A small folding stroller for infants – One stroller is permitted for free as carry-on baggage.
- Large infant cars
- A diaper bag – You’re allowed to bring one diaper bag for your infant.
What items are considered perishable by Copa Airlines?
As per Copa Airlines, the following items are classified as perishable –
- Seafood and fish
- Fresh meat
- Frozen meat
- Fruits and vegetables
- Flowers and plants
- Cheese (up to 11 lb for personal consumption; for larger quantities, kindly contact Copa Courier)
- Candy and pastries
- Medicines
Entry restrictions – Certain countries prohibit the entry of perishable products due to potential plant and animal pests and diseases. Products subject to these restrictions include Seeds, flowers, fruits, aromatic herbs, vegetables, meat products, biopesticides, and plants with or without dirt, as well as animal and plant byproducts.
Dry ice – Items packed in dry ice must the following conditions –
- Perishable items packed with dry ice should not exceed 2 kg (4.4 lb) per carry-on luggage.
- Containers used for packing should be sturdy, vented, and made of plastic.
- Containers made of polystyrene foam or styrofoam are not permitted for transporting dry ice.
What is considered as restricted items by Copa Airlines?
As per Copa Airlines baggage policy, the following items are considered as restricted and prohibited to carry as checked baggage or carry-on baggage or both –
| Items | Carry-on baggage | Checked Baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Division 2.2 sprays | Not allowed | Permitted (Must be within the permissible limits i.e 16 oz per container. 64 oz maximum per passenger) |
| Foods | Permitted | Permitted |
| Knives, sharps, and blunt objects | Not allowed | Permitted |
| Firearms | Not allowed | Permitted |
| Pepper spray | Not allowed | Permitted |
| Ammunition | Not allowed | Permitted |
| Underwater flashlights (diving lamps) and underwater soldering elements | Permitted | Permitted |
| Spare lithium batteries | Permitted | Not allowed |
| Wet batteries | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Printer or toner cartridges weighing more than 450 gm | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| E-cigarettes | Permitted | Not allowed |
| Non-flammable, non-toxic gas cylinders such as propane, butane, and other portable fire extinguishers. | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Flammable or non-flammable compressed gasses | Permitted | Permitted |
| Non-flammable gas cylinders | Permitted | Permitted |
| Hoverboards or other recreational mobility devices | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Watches, cameras, cell phones, cell phone chargers, laptops, tablets | Permitted | Permitted |
| Drones | Permitted | Permitted. The battery must be removed. |
| Inflatable elements | Permitted | Permitted |
| Liquid nitrogen | Permitted | Permitted |
| Lighters and matches | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Dry Ice | Permitted | Permitted |
| Camping stoves and fuel containers | Permitted | Permitted |
| Liquor bottles | Permitted | Permitted |
| Liquids, gels and aerosols | Permitted | Permitted |
| Non-radioactive medicinal or toiletries including aerosols | Not allowed | Permitted |
| Medicines | Permitted | Permitted |
| Powder medicines | Powdered prescription medicines 12 oz or larger are permitted. Must be sealed in a container | Permitted |
| Barometer or a mercury thermometer | Permitted | Not allowed |
| Refrigerated liquid nitrogen | Permitted | Permitted |
| Fragile and glass objects | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Toxic or corrosive products | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Knee protectors | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Paints, industrial aerosols, solvents, concentrates, mercury, fuels and other chemicals and adhesives | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Uncremated human remains | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Cremated human remains | Permitted | Permitted. Must be sent in funeral urns |
Please Note: Here is the comprehensive list of restricted items on Copa Airlines.
How to handle lost baggage with Copa Airlines?
Here’s all you need to know about reporting missing items with Copa Airlines –
Reporting missing items – If you notice missing items from your baggage, please report it immediately to the Copa Airlines baggage lost team upon arrival or submit a written report within 7 days after flight arrival.
For inquiries regarding missing items, reach out to the baggage office as mentioned below
| Copa Airlines lost baggage phone number – 1 786 840 COPA (2672) Timings – 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Monday to Sunday |
Items not covered by Copa Airlines – Copa Airlines is not liable for the disappearance or loss of certain items, including –
- Liquor
- Money, jewelry, silverware, negotiable documents
- Personal/business documents, business equipment
- Art supplies, electronic components/equipment
- Leather goods, books/manuscripts, artifacts
- Collectibles, keys, publications
- Music player equipment sound, precious metals/stones
- Architectural plans, photographs, family keepsakes
- Paintings/works of art, audio/video motion picture equipment
- Computer hardware/software, securities
Is there compensation for lost baggage on Copa Airlines?
For international trips under the Warsaw Convention, Copa Airlines lost baggage compensation is capped at 250 Swiss francs per kilogram and 5,000 Swiss francs per customer for undocumented baggage.
- For international travel under the Montreal Convention (including domestic segments of international travel), the liability is limited to 1,288 SDRs (Special Drawing Rights) per customer for checked and unchecked baggage.
By the time you finish our comprehensive guide, you have clarity on what you can bring, Copa Airlines Baggage fees involved, and how certain items are handled. So whether you’re planning international travel, traveling with special items, or accompanied by an infant, you’ll have the information you need to travel hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Yes, Copa Airlines offers a free checked baggage allowance based on your fare class, travel route, and PreferMember status.
Yes. Copa Airlines baggage fees may apply depending on the travel routes. For certain fares the baggage is included in the fare.
The Copa baggage fees range from 30 USD up to 100 USD dispensing on the fare class and travel routes. Visit the related section for the same in this article.
The airline typically allows two checked bags for free. An additional fee for extra baggage may be charged.
You can purchase extra baggage during the booking process on the Copa Airlines website, through the reservation center, or at the airport check-in counter.
The extra baggage fee is 180 USD for each additional piece. The maximum baggage allowed is up to 5.