Copa Airlines Baggage Allowance 2024 – Save Expenses

Passengers traveling with Copa Airlines have access to carry enough luggage, depending on the cabin class booked. Copa Airlines baggage allowance allows the passengers to bring one cabin bag and one personal item, such as a laptop bag, purse, etc., completely free. Also, the airlines strictly mentioned that personal items and carry-on luggage must follow the restricted limit at any cost. Otherwise, the excess luggage charges will be applicable.

Copa Airlines Carry On Size & Allowance

Copa Airlines baggage policy for carry on luggage allows passengers to keep their important stuff with them without hassle. For this, Copa Airlines released some guidelines and baggage weight and size restrictions to make it very clear for every passenger. 

The airline provides the facility to carry one personal item such as a purse, slim laptop bag, etc., and one standard cabin luggage without paying any additional amount. Also, all the passengers must follow the Copa Airlines carry-on dimensions to avoid losses.

Passengers cannot carry any personal item with a maximum size dimension of 43 x 25 x 22 cm (17 x 10 x 9 in). Also, the Copa Airlines carry-on luggage must be at most the overall dimensions of 56 x 36 x 26 cm (22 x 14 x 10 in) and 22 lbs (10 kg).

Copa Airlines Carry On Weight for Infants

Passengers traveling with infants can carry additional items of baggage for the infants without extra cost. Check the below points:

• Following the restricted maximum size limit, passengers can carry one extra luggage onboard, like a car seat, diaper bag, or collapsible stroller.
• Passengers may be eligible to check 1 item utterly free of cost.

Copa Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance

Travelers traveling with Copa Airlines have access to carry individual bags that must be under 158 cm (62 in). Copa Airlines operates Domestic and International flights with Economy Basic, Classic, Full, and Business classes. Checked baggage allowance for all these classes is mentioned below, followed by Domestic and International flights.

Copa Airlines Checked Baggage for Domestic Flights

Passengers on domestic flights can carry the checked luggage depending on the cabin class. Economy Basic cabin class passengers don’t have any checked baggage allowance, Economy Classic passengers can carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of not more than 50 lbs (23 kg), and Economy Full class passengers can have a maximum of 2 bags with not more than 50 lbs (23 kg). Copa Airlines Business class passengers can carry two checked bags with a maximum weight of at most 70 lbs (32 kg).

Copa Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance for International Flights

Passengers traveling internationally cannot carry checked luggage in the Economy Basic cabin class. Economy Promo or Classic passengers can carry one bag of at most 50 lbs (23 kg); Economy Full passengers can have a maximum of 2 bags that must be at most a maximum weight of 70 lbs (32 kg). Passengers traveling in Business class can carry up to 2 bags with a maximum weight of 70 lbs (32 kg).

Copa Airlines Baggage Fees for Extra Luggage

Passengers must check for the Copa Airlines baggage fees for additional luggage to avoid paying extra amounts. Check the table below to know all the charges applicable to each bag added:

Additional Baggage Fees for Domestic Flights

Different charges are applicable for passengers traveling domestically and internationally. Check the below-mentioned table to understand additional baggage fees for domestic flights: 

Extra Baggage Fees for International Flights

Passengers traveling on an International Flight will have to pay a higher amount as compared to domestic flights. Check the below-mentioned table for Copa Airlines baggage fee for extra luggage:

Copa Airlines Excess Baggage Fee

Passengers carrying excess luggage will have to pay an additional amount to carry the bags with them. This is because of the Copa Airlines baggage limit, restrictions, and size for every passenger in any class. Carrying luggage exceeding the restricted limit is unacceptable from the airline’s end, and will pay the extra charges. Check the table below for all the charges applicable for Copa Airlines baggage weight on domestic as well as international flights:

Apart from these prices and fees, there are a few points to remember while traveling with Copa Airlines: 

• Passengers can only carry the pieces that weigh up to 70 lbs (32 kg) on flights to/from the Bahamas and Cuba.
• Copa Airlines released some guidelines on the restrictions on overweight and oversized baggage for some specific dates.
• Passengers can refer to the Copa Airlines special luggage policies for sports equipment and musical instruments.

Copa Airlines Baggage Policy for PreferMembers

Passengers holding PreferMember Silver can easily carry an additional luggage of at most 50 lbs (23 kg) for Economy Basic and Classic Fare. Also, the PreferMember Gold/Platinum/Presidential membership passengers can carry an additional two bags with a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg) for Economy Basic and Classic cabin class. Check the table below for the complete member’s baggage allowance:

Copa Airlines Special Baggage Allowance

Even allowing a specific limit for all the luggage, a passenger can carry some special categories of items by purchasing the additional allowance or getting permission from the authority. This special item includes sports equipment, musical instruments, etc.

Sports Equipment

Passengers can carry sports equipment as their carry on or checked luggage, depending on the size of the sports equipment. 

Small Sports Equipment:  If you plan to bring small equipment as a carry-on item, the size must be 118 cm (46 in) in linear dimension or 56 x 36 x 26 cm (22 x 14 x 10 in). Additionally, the weight of the baggage must not exceed 10 kg.

If you pack your sports equipment as checked luggage, the weight must not exceed 100 lbs (45 kg) and a maximum linear dimension of 294 cm (115 in). Here is a list of small sports equipment: 

• Camping Equipment
• Archery
• Bowling
• Golf
• Paintball
• Parachute
• Fishing
• Tennis, etc.

Large Sports Equipment: If the equipment is large, you cannot keep it inside the cabin as it’s not allowed. Pack it as your checked luggage, whose maximum weight must be under 100 lbs (45 kg) and maximum linear size dimensions under 294 cm (115 in). 

If you are a regular passenger and ConnectMiles Member, you have to pay a fee of $150. ConnectMiles Prefer Members & Star Alliance Gold Members will not have to pay any amount to carry the sports equipment. Also, domestic flight passengers will have to pay $50 as a charge to carry surfboards. ConnectMiles Prefer Members and Star Alliance Gold Passengers will have to pay a fee of $150 if they exceed the allowed baggage allowance limit.

Here is a list of Large Sports Equipment that a passenger can carry as their checked luggage:

• Bicycle
• Diving Equipment
• Skis
• Kayaks
• Kitesurfing
• Paddle
• Pole Vault
• Surfboards
• Windsurfing

Sporting Firearms and Ammunition

You’ve already heard that Copa Airlines restricted the firearms and ammunition to carry while traveling. But, there are some special restrictions applicable to this category as well. The airline clearly stated that if you are carrying firearms under special baggage allowance, these guns, rifles, etc., must be packed appropriately without any miss. Follow the below-mentioned points to avoid any hassle:

• You can place a maximum of 2 rifles in a single case with a maximum of 11 lbs (5 kg) of live ammunition, other tools, and silencers.
• Only two pistols with cases and up to 11 lbs (5 kg) of ammunition are allowed.
• You can carry up to 5 small pistols in a single case with a silencer, tools, and a maximum of 11 lbs (5 kg) of ammunition.
• For the utmost safety, the ammunition must be packed inside the metal, wood, or fiber packaging or in the original packaging received from the manufacturer.

Musical Instruments

Are you a music enthusiast and carry your musical instruments everywhere you go? Then, Copa Airlines proposed this policy for the passengers like you only. Depending on the size, you can bring your musical instruments as a personal item, carry-on, or checked luggage. The airline will also charge an excess fee if the maximum allowed limit exceeds. If the baggage allowance exceeds the musical instrument as carry-on luggage, you can purchase a separate seat for it by paying an extra amount for the seat.

Instrument as a Personal Item: You can carry a personal item such as a laptop, purse, etc., or replace it with your musical instrument. Pack every instrument you carry in its case that must not exceed 90 cm (36 in) of linear dimensions. Your musical instrument, such as a flute, ukelele, clarinet, etc., must be small. Only then can it fulfill the above requirements. The airline will consider checked baggage if it exceeds the allowed size limits. Additionally, excess baggage fees will be charged if applicable.

Instrument as a Carry-on Luggage: Copa Airlines allows you to carry musical instruments and personal items as your carry-on luggage. The instrument must not exceed an overall size dimension of 118 cm (46 in) and must fit inside the overhead bin. If you are not following the guidelines, the airline will transport it as checked luggage, and excess fees will apply. These instruments include Guitar, Violin, Viola, Bass Guitar, Saxophone, Trumpet, etc. If these instruments exceed those restrictions but fit inside the overhead bin, the airline will allow them on board.

Instruments as a Checked Luggage: Pack your instrument in a rigid container to avoid damage or loss. 158 cm (62 in) must be the maximum allowed size dimension with a weight of up to 23 kg. Copa Airlines consider these instruments as giant musical instrument. You must purchase an additional seat to carry it on board. Large musical instruments include Trombone, Keyboard, Drum Set Cymbals, French Horn, etc.

Oversized Musical Instruments: Most of the time, passengers bring musical instruments that exceed the size dimensions. Copa Airlines offers an oversized musical instrument allowance if this is the case. The instrument must be under 294 cm (115 in) and weigh up to 45 kg. Passengers can purchase the oversized musical instrument allowance by paying a fee of up to 150 USD. Also, you can buy an additional seat if you want to take your instrument on board. The large instrument includes a Cello, Double Bass, Tuba, Bass Drum, etc.

Note: Even if you purchased an extra seat, you can’t place the musical instrument in front of any other passenger’s seat, window, or behind the screen. Also, ensure the instrument does not hide the smoking, safety belt, or emergency exit signs.

Restricted Baggage Allowance

Keeping safety and security on top, Copa Airlines restricted many commonly used items that may harm the passengers and crew traveling. That is because many things can catch fire, generate toxic gases, and even spill even after being appropriately packed due to the change in temperature and pressure during take-off, flying, and landing. If passengers try to carry restricted items, the TSA will seize everything. If it’s necessary to have prohibited items, you must inform the airline beforehand. Here is a list of some restricted items either as carry-on or checked luggage or can carry for both after getting permission:

• Bladed Weapons, Firearms, and Ammunition
• Heat Producing Items
• Batteries
• Printer or Cartridges with more than 450 g of weight (16 oz)
• Electronic Cigarettes
• Gas Cylinders
• Electronic Devices
• Drones and Quadcopters
• Matches, Lighters, Insulated Packaging items, etc.

Baggage Allowance for Pets

The airline states passengers can only carry small dogs and cats with crates or containers. Also, the pet’s container will then replace the carry-on baggage. Passengers can bring their pets on all the available flights from Monday to Sunday, excluding the flights to/from Armenia, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa. These mentioned flights only allow pets from Monday to Friday. Additionally, passengers traveling with pets are not eligible to travel in Business Class. 

Booking for the Pet: Passengers must ensure they check in their pet at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight departure. Additionally, they can also check in their pets at the time of making a reservation. Transportation of pets will depend on the availability if the traveler visits the airport without reservation. The airline released some guidelines to make everything clear for the passengers. 

• Copa Airlines doesn’t allow pets that are less than 16 weeks old. 
• The airline only accepts three pets in the cabin per flight.
• One passenger can only travel with one pet.
• Unaccompanied travelers under 11 years of age cannot travel with a pet. 
• Also, Copa Airlines doesn’t allow passengers to carry rabbits, and these conditions only apply to cats and dogs. 

Cost of Traveling with Pets: Passengers traveling on a domestic flight will have to pay 25 USD or 29-33 CAD, excluding the applicable taxes for the country. For International flights, passengers must pay 125 USD or 147-166 CAD, excluding the applicable taxes per country. 

For all the connecting domestic and international flights, the airline will charge an amount of 125 USD or 147-166 CAD plus the applicable taxes for the specific country. 

Note: All the transportation charges will be applicable for one-way transport, non-refundable and transferable.

Details about the Pet Containers: The combined weight of the container and pet must not exceed 20 lbs (10 kg). Also, passengers can accommodate only one pet per container. The airline doesn’t allow stiff, rigid material containers for passenger and pet safety. The container must be soft and convenient for the pet. Check the below points for better clarification:

• Carry a large container for your pet so that the pet can turn around and lie down without any problem.
• The container must have safety latches and can’t open without any specific tool.
• Proper ventilation for the pet is needed.
• Ensure that no pet part must be let out of the container.
• The maximum dimensions must not exceed 45.7 x 28 x 28 cm.
• Ensure that the proper documents are available, such as proof of vaccination and health certificate.
• All the T&Cs forms must be filled and handed over at the airport before departure.

Traveling with Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals: Copa Airlines allows passengers to carry their service dogs and emotional support animals inside the cabin. But, there are some conditions that a passenger has to follow to do the same. These services can travel on all the routes of Copa Airlines. Check the below-mentioned key points to travel with emotional support animals:

• The airline doesn’t allow animals to sit on the flight seats. 
• Passengers should keep their pets with them all the time.
• If the pets are small, like infants, passengers can carry them on their lap.
• Passengers must ensure that there is no foul smell behavior problem such as attacking, growling, barking, etc.
• The airline may refuse to transport the pet if the required documents are unavailable.

Passengers traveling with Copa Airlines can carry a maximum of 1 cabin baggage and one personal item such as a purse, slim laptop bag, suitcase, etc., completely free of cost as carry on luggage. Also, Copa Airlines baggage allowance allows you to carry baggage under the size dimension of not more than 56 x 36 x 26 cm (22 x 14 x 10 in) and must not exceed the weight of 22 lbs (10 kg). Also, the personal item size must be at most an overall size of 43 x 25 x 22 cm (17 x 10 x 9 in).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)