Air Panama’s baggage allowance depends on your fare type. Premier passengers get 2 checked bags at 18 kg each, while Plus and Classic fares include 1 bag at 18 kg. Basic fare passengers pay for checked baggage. Carry-on baggage is limited to 6 kg, with specific size restrictions for cabin bags. Knowing these limits before your flight can help you avoid extra baggage fees and delays at the airport. 

What Is Air Panama’s Baggage Allowance by Fare Type?

Air Panama’s baggage allowance is determined by the fare you purchase. Premier fare passengers receive the most generous allowance two checked bags at 18 kg each while Basic fare passengers receive no free checked baggage. All fares include one carry-on item of up to 6 kg.

Here’s a quick comparison of what’s included across all four Air Panama fare types:

All fares include one carry-on piece of up to 6 kg, with the exception of web check-in availability (Basic fare passengers cannot check in online). Note that all fees are subject to ITBMS, Panama’s value-added tax.

Practical example: If you’re on a Classic fare and want to check two bags, you’ll pay $35 for the second one. If you’re on Basic and need two bags, that’s $25 + $35 = $60 in total baggage fees before you even board.

What Are Air Panama’s Checked Baggage Rules and Size Limits?

Air Panama’s checked baggage size limit is 158 linear centimeters (62 linear inches) per bag, with a maximum weight of 18 kg (39.6 lbs). Bags that exceed these dimensions or the weight limit may be subject to surcharges or, in some cases, held and shipped on the next available flight.

Air Panama Checked Baggage Size and Weight

• Maximum dimensions: 158 cm / 62 linear inches (length + width + height combined)
• Maximum weight per bag: 18 kg (39.6 lbs)
• Overweight cap: Bags can weigh up to 25 kg, but any weight above 18 kg incurs a $5/kg surcharge
• Hard maximum: No individual bag may exceed 25 kg anything heavier will not be accepted as checked baggage

Overweight fee example: A bag weighing 22 kg is 4 kg over the 18 kg limit. At $5/kg, the overweight charge is $20 on top of any applicable checked bag fee.

excess baggage is only accepted subject to aircraft space availability. If the aircraft is full, your overweight or additional bag will be transported on the next available flight not necessarily the same day. If timing matters, pack within the limits.

What Are Air Panama’s Carry-On Baggage Rules?

Air Panama allows one carry-on bag weighing up to 6 kg, with maximum dimensions of 17″ × 13.5″ × 6.5″. The most important and frequently overlooked rule: wheeled carry-on bags (roller bags and wheeled suitcases) are not permitted in the cabin and must be checked at the counter.

Air Panama Carry-On Allowance: What’s Allowed

Permitted carry-on items include:

• Handbags
• Small backpacks (without wheels)
• Briefcases
• Laptop bags or computer briefcases
• Walking canes and crutches

What Is Prohibited in Air Panama’s Carry-On?

The following categories are explicitly prohibited from carry-on bags:

• Sharp objects: Pocket knives, nail clippers, mirrors, scissors
• Flammable items: Lighters, matches, body spray, aerosols
• Blunt objects: Helmets, sports racquets, baseball bats, large umbrellas, tools

What Are Air Panama’s Baggage Fees and Extra Baggage Charges?

Air Panama charges $35 per additional checked bag for most fare types, and $5 per kilogram for bags exceeding the 18 kg weight limit (up to a maximum of 25 kg). Basic fare passengers pay $25 for their first checked bag and $35 for a second.

Air Panama Baggage Fees Summary

All fees are subject to ITBMS (Panama’s sales tax). Prices are sourced from Air Panama’s official baggage policy page and are current as of 2026.

What Are Air Panama’s Rules for Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, and Cameras?

Air Panama classifies sports equipment, musical instruments, and large cameras as special items that are not included in standard baggage allowances. Each category carries its own fee structure, separate from regular checked baggage fees.

Sports Equipment Fees

Small Sports Equipment – $25 per unit:

• Tennis equipment (max 2 rackets and 6 balls)
• Bowling equipment (ball, shoes, and case)
• Diving equipment (fins, BCD vest, regulator, mask, snorkel, wetsuit)
• Paintball, archery, skating equipment
• Body boards, helmets, baseball equipment (up to 2 pieces)
• Bicycles up to 16 inches (wheel diameter)
• Camping gear (up to 4 people)

Large Sports Equipment – $50 per unit:

• Non-motorized bicycles (reserve space at booking max 5 per flight)
• Wakeboards, windsurfboards, paddleboards
• Golf bags
• Inflatable kayaks, parachutes
• Fishing equipment
• Baseball equipment (up to 6 pieces)
• Bicycles larger than 16 inches

Surfboards follow their own pricing:

• First board: $25 (max 7 feet / 10 kg)
• Each additional board: $15 (max 2 surfboards total, packed in the same cover with fins removed)

Surfboard transport is space-dependent notify Air Panama at reservaciones@airpanama.com or call (507) 316-9000 when booking.

Musical Instrument Fees

Medium instruments include guitars, violins, trumpets, saxophones, and small keyboards. Oversized instruments include cellos, double basses, congos, and large drums. All instruments must travel in hard cases Air Panama accepts no liability for instruments transported in soft cases.

Camera and Drone Fees

• Small camera/drone (in cabin): Max 20 linear inches or 5 kg  $25
• Large camera/drone (in hold): Over 20 linear inches or 5 kg  $50

Lithium batteries for cameras must comply with Air Panama’s battery policy: max 160 watt-hours for lithium-ion and 100 watt-hours for lithium metal per battery.

What Are Air Panama’s Rules for Traveling with Pets?

Air Panama permits only dogs and cats on domestic flights; pets are not accepted on international routes. Only one pet per passenger is allowed, and fees are calculated based on the combined weight of the animal and its carrier.

Air Panama Pet Transport Fees (Domestic Flights Only)

Cabin travel: Up to 3 pets are permitted in the cabin per flight. The maximum combined weight of pet and carrier is 9 kg (20 lbs). Carriers must be soft-sided. If the pet soils or damages the aircraft, a $200 cleaning fee applies.

Cabin exceptions: Only emotional support dogs and service dogs may travel in the cabin. Both require official documentation a mental health professional’s certificate (no older than one year) for emotional support dogs, or a specialist’s medical certificate for service dogs.

Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs and cats) are not permitted in the cargo hold due to respiratory risk. Plan accordingly.

Prohibited breeds in cabin and hold: Doberman, Pit Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Belgian Shepherd Malinois, Anatolian Shepherd, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Tosa Inu, and Akita Inu.

Required documentation for all pets:

• Valid vaccination records
• Veterinary health certificate (for both origin city and destination)
• Rabies vaccination certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian
• Completed Live Animal Release Form (available from Air Panama)

What Are Air Panama’s Infant and Child Baggage Rules?

Infants (0 to 23 months) traveling in arms receive no standard baggage allowance on Air Panama flights. However, the accompanying adult may carry one infant-specific item as carry-on, provided it meets carry-on weight and dimension requirements.

Permitted infant carry-on items include:

• A diaper bag (within standard carry-on dimensions and 6 kg)
• A compact foldable umbrella stroller (max 7 kg)
• An infant airplane safety seat (only if a seat has been purchased for the infant)

Any additional infant items must be checked. If the adult’s baggage allowance is already used, additional infant pieces cost $25 per piece.

For international flights, infants in arms are charged 10% of the published adult fare. If an adult travels with two infants, the second infant requires a full child-rate seat purchase.

Does Air Panama Have a Frequent Flyer Baggage Benefit?

Air Panama does not currently operate a frequent flyer program. There are no loyalty tiers, mileage accounts, or status-based baggage benefits available. All passengers, regardless of how frequently they fly with Air Panama, are subject to the same baggage rules based on their purchased fare type.

This is worth knowing before you book. If baggage allowance is a priority, the best way to maximize it on Air Panama is to upgrade to the Premier fare, which includes two 18 kg checked bags the most generous allowance the airline offers.

How Can You Avoid Extra Baggage Fees on Air Panama?

Paying unexpected baggage fees is avoidable with the right approach. Here are practical, proven strategies:

• Book the right fare upfront. If you know you’ll need two bags, compare the cost of upgrading to Premier fare against paying $35 for an additional bag on a lower fare.
• Weigh your bags at home. The 18 kg limit is strict. A digital luggage scale costs under $15 and pays for itself on the first trip.
• Respect the carry-on dimensions. The 17″ × 13.5″ × 6.5″ limit is smaller than most international standards. Measure before you travel.
• Leave wheeled bags at home (or check them early). Roller carry-ons must go in the hold regardless of size factor this into your planning.
• Notify Air Panama about special items at booking. Sports equipment, surfboards, and non-motorized bicycles require advance notice, and some have limited space per flight.
• Pack infant gear strategically. Use your one permitted infant carry-on item (stroller or diaper bag) to free up space in the main checked bag.

Final Checklist Before You Fly Air Panama

Understanding Air Panama’s baggage policy in advance saves money and eliminates stress at check-in. Here’s a quick recap of the most important rules:

• Carry-on: Max 6 kg, 17″ × 13.5″ × 6.5″, no wheeled bags in the cabin
• Checked baggage: Max 18 kg per bag, 158 linear cm
• Overweight fee: $5/kg above 18 kg (max 25 kg per bag)
• Additional bag: 25–35 depending on fare type
• Pets: Domestic flights only, fees from $20 to $50
• Sports equipment: $25 (small) or $50 (large), not included in baggage allowance
• No frequent flyer program exists

For policy clarifications or special requests, contact Air Panama’s Reservations Department at (507) 316-9000 or email reservaciones@airpanama.com. For lost luggage, contact customer service at (507) 316-9070 or servicio.al.cliente@airpanama.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a wheeled suitcase as carry-on on Air Panama?
No. Air Panama explicitly prohibits wheeled carry-on bags from the cabin. All roller bags and wheeled suitcases must be checked at the counter, regardless of their size or weight. There is no fee specifically for this, but standard checked baggage fees apply based on your fare.

How much does overweight baggage cost on Air Panama?
Air Panama charges $5 per kilogram for any bag weighing between 18 kg and 25 kg. A bag weighing 23 kg would incur a $25 overweight fee (5 kg × $5). Bags exceeding 25 kg are not accepted as checked baggage under any circumstances.

Does Air Panama allow pets in the cabin?
Only emotional support dogs and service dogs may travel in the cabin, with proper documentation. Other pets travel in the cargo hold. In-cabin pet transport is limited to 3 animals per flight, and the combined weight of the pet and its carrier cannot exceed 9 kg.

What happens if my bag exceeds 25 kg on Air Panama?
Air Panama will not accept any individual bag weighing more than 25 kg as checked baggage. If your bag exceeds this limit, you will need to redistribute the weight into another bag or remove items. The airline does not offer a workaround for bags over 25 kg.

Can I bring a surfboard on Air Panama?
Yes. The first surfboard costs $25 and the second costs $15. A maximum of 2 surfboards per passenger is accepted, and they must be packed in the same protective cover with the fins removed. You must notify Air Panama at the time of booking by emailing reservaciones@airpanama.com.

Are drones allowed on Air Panama flights?
Yes, but they’re classified as special items with extra fees. A small drone (under 20 linear inches or 5 kg) costs $25 to bring on board as cabin baggage. A larger drone costs $50 and travels in the hold. Spare lithium batteries must comply with Air Panama’s battery policy (max 160 Wh for lithium-ion).

What do I do if Air Panama loses my luggage?
Complete the Baggage Claim Form (available from Air Panama) and send it to servicio.al.cliente@airpanama.com with your full name, flight number, travel date, item description, and contact details. You can also call (507) 316-9070 to follow up on a lost luggage case.

Can I bring a firearm on Air Panama?
On domestic flights only. One firearm is permitted per passenger at no charge; a second firearm incurs a $25 fee. Ammunition must not exceed 5 kg. Weapons must be declared at check-in, unloaded, and stored in a hard-sided locked case. Firearms and ammunition are not permitted on international Air Panama flights.

How much does it cost to bring a guitar or other musical instrument on Air Panama?
Medium-sized instruments, such as guitars, violins, and trumpets, cost $25 and must weigh no more than 18 kg and measure under 110 linear inches. Oversized instruments, such as cellos and double basses, cost $75. All instruments must be in hard cases. Musical instruments are not included in the standard baggage allowance.

Does Air Panama have a frequent flyer program that gives extra baggage?
No. Air Panama does not offer a frequent flyer or loyalty program of any kind. There are no status tiers, mileage accrual, or baggage perks based on travel history. The only way to increase your baggage allowance is to purchase the Premier fare (2 bags included) or pay for additional checked bags.