First, the most important thing you need to know about flights from Panama City to the US is that THEY WILL TAKE YOUR EMPTY WATER BOTTLE AT A SECOND SECURITY CHECK AT THE GATE, AND HOLD YOU IN A SMALL AREA WITH NO WATER, NO BATHROOM AND FAR TOO FEW SEATS UNTIL YOUR PLANE LEAVES. This starts about an hour before your flight is supposed to leave.  If you chug your water, like I did, to keep your bottle, you will really really need to pee when you get on the plane.  There was a line to use the bathrooms as soon as they started letting us on the plane, and I was bummed because I lost my favorite travel water bottle.

 

What else you need to know:

Lines to check-in are long. If at all possible check-in online and only use carry-on.

The first security check is like in the US.  Take off your shoes, no liquids bigger than 3oz, one small bag of toiletries, laptop out of the bag, etc.

The second security check (for flights to the US) is the same but with any empty water bottles confiscated as well as noted above.

There is free (slow) wifi available but it is 30 minutes in one day (timed immediately from logon). Some people report not being able to connect to it as well, so don’t rely on it.

 

Finally, with respect to Uber use in the country:

It is considerably cheaper than taxis, and in my experience more comfortable.  But one thing to keep in mind is that cars in Panama do not have front license plates, so you have to go around the back of the car to confirm if you have the right car.  But please do this for safety’s sake.

 

Happy Travels!