Lois Larson
Spending the night at an airport can be challenging, and Panama City Airport (PTY) is no exception. With connecting flights from almost anywhere in the Americas, it is a busy airport, also known as the Hub of the Americas. While the airport offers various restaurants, coffee shops, and vending machines, eating and drinking can be expensive. The airport also provides free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes, after which travellers need to purchase a day pass for extended access. For those seeking a more comfortable sleeping arrangement, nearby hotels like Crowne Plaza Panama Airport and Riande Aeropuerto offer free airport shuttles. However, if you choose to stay at the airport, staying alert and taking precautions for your safety and the security of your valuables is essential.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping areas | No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones |
| Seating | Equipped with armrests, not comfortable for sleeping |
| Food and drink | Drinking water fountains, restaurants, coffee shops and vending machines available. Food is pricey |
| Facilities | Showers available in the Copa Club |
| Safety | A certain level of risk when sleeping in any airport, especially when alone |
| Nearby hotels | Offer free shuttle service |
| WiFi | Free but limited to 30 minutes |
| Power outlets | Available, compatible with US plugs |
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What You'll Learn
- Seating isn't comfortable for sleeping, so a sleeping bag and floor are best
- Nearby hotels offer free shuttle services for uninterrupted sleep
- Eateries and shops are plentiful but expensive, and none are open 24 hours
- Free WiFi is limited to 30 minutes, but a day pass can be purchased
- There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones
Seating isn't comfortable for sleeping, so a sleeping bag and floor are best
While it is possible to sleep in Panama City Airport, the seating throughout the airport has armrests, which are not comfortable for sleeping. The airport does not have dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. As such, bringing a sleeping bag and sleeping on the floor is your best option. An extra sweater or blanket can help combat the cold air conditioning.
If you want a more comfortable sleeping arrangement, you can consider staying at one of the nearby hotels that offer free shuttle services. These include the Crowne Plaza Panama Airport, an IHG Hotel, and The Santa Maria, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City.
If you choose to sleep in the airport, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Panama City Airport offers free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes, drinking water fountains, restaurants, coffee shops, and vending machines. There are also ATMs, banking services, currency exchange offices, duty-free shopping, and a left luggage office after you exit the customs area. Mobile charging is available, with power outlets compatible with US plugs, and showers are available in the Copa Club.
Sleeping in any airport can be uncomfortable and include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, it is best to stay alert and awake. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight.
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Nearby hotels offer free shuttle services for uninterrupted sleep
While it is possible to sleep at the Panama City Airport, the seating is equipped with armrests and is not very comfortable for sleeping. The airport is also open 24 hours and does not have dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. For a more comfortable sleeping option, you can consider staying at one of the nearby hotels that offer free shuttle services.
One option is the Riande Aeropuerto Hotel & Casino, which offers a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a bar/lounge. Guests can also enjoy free perks like self-parking and WiFi in public areas. Another option is the Crowne Plaza Panama Airport, an IHG Hotel, which has received positive reviews from travellers. La Cresta Inn is another hotel in Panama City that offers airport pick-up and drop-off services. The staff at this hotel are patient and friendly, and they speak both English and Spanish.
Other hotels in Panama City that offer shuttle services include the Veracruz Hotel, which is conveniently located near the Loteria Metro Station, and the Ramada Plaza By Wyndham Panama Punta Pacífica. These hotels can provide a more comfortable and uninterrupted sleep compared to staying at the airport.
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Eateries and shops are plentiful but expensive, and none are open 24 hours
Eateries and shops are plentiful at Panama City Airport (PTY), but they are expensive, and none are open 24 hours a day. The airport offers a variety of 19 restaurants and coffee shops, but according to the airport website, these close by 10 pm. However, some operate 24 hours a day during the high season.
The restaurants offer a range of cuisines, including Panamanian, Italian, Japanese, and American. There are also sandwich shops, bakeries, and coffee shops. Some notable eateries include Air Margaritaville, Barú Bar & Grill, Bistró Market, Bruttito, Toños Cafe Bakery, Tierra Firme, and Avocat Organic Deli. There is also a 24-hour Subway.
For those looking for duty-free shopping, there are options available, including La Riviera Duty Free, which is a 24-hour international bookstore and press. Other duty-free shops include Attenza Duty Free, Chocoland, Chocolatier, and The Panama Store. The airport also has a wide variety of shops selling clothing, accessories, cosmetics, jewellery, electronics, liquor, tobacco, and delicatessen items. These shops generally operate between 5:30 am and 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm, with some remaining open 24 hours during the high season.
While the airport offers a good selection of eateries and shops, it is important to plan ahead if you intend to stay overnight, as none of these options are available around the clock. Additionally, the seating at the airport is not very comfortable for sleeping, and there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones.
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Free WiFi is limited to 30 minutes, but a day pass can be purchased
If you're planning to stay at Panama City Airport (PTY) for a layover, overnight sleepover, or just a quick pass-through, there are a few things you should know about the airport's WiFi services. While the airport does offer free WiFi, it is limited to only 30 minutes. This limited free WiFi goes by the network name "PTY_FREE_WIFI", but please note that this SSID is subject to change, so it's a good idea to check for updates when you arrive at the airport.
After your 30 minutes of free WiFi are up, you will have to purchase a day pass for continued WiFi access. The airport staff are reportedly tolerant of daytime nappers and overnight campers, but getting a good night's sleep may be difficult due to the cold temperature and the armrests on the seating. If you plan to stay overnight, it is recommended that you bring a sleeping bag and an extra layer to keep warm.
If you don't want to spend the night at the airport, there are a few nearby hotels that offer free airport shuttles, such as the Crowne Plaza Panama Airport and the Riande Aeropuerto. These hotels can provide a more comfortable sleeping environment and may be worth considering if you have a long layover or prefer more privacy.
Additionally, airport lounges can be a great option to pass the time, relax, or catch up on work. For a single fee, you can access food, drinks, WiFi, TV, and a quieter environment. The Lounge Panama by Global Lounge Network, located near Gate 115, offers showers and can be accessed through a day pass or lounge membership program.
Lastly, when using the airport's WiFi, it is important to stay vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas, to prevent theft or loss of your devices. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can also help protect your personal information when connecting to public WiFi networks.
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There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones
While it is possible to sleep in Tocumen Airport in Panama, there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. The airport is open 24 hours, but finding a comfortable place to sleep can be challenging. The seating throughout the airport has armrests, which are not ideal for sleeping on, so you may find that the floor is your best option. If you do choose to sleep on the floor, a sleeping bag, and an extra sweater or blanket to combat the cold air conditioning, are recommended.
If you want to leave the airport, nearby hotels offer free shuttle services, which may be preferable if you want uninterrupted sleep. However, if you do choose to stay in the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, eating and drinking at the airport can be expensive, so be prepared for high costs. There are a variety of restaurants and coffee shops, but none are open 24 hours, so plan ahead if you're staying overnight. Free WiFi is available, but it is limited to 30 minutes. If you need longer access, you can buy a day pass.
There are a few other amenities available in the airport that may be useful during a long layover. These include drinking water fountains, vending machines, mobile charging points, and showers in the Copa Club. ATMs and currency exchange services are also available, and it is recommended to notify your bank of your travel plans if you plan to use your card abroad.
Finally, remember that sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. Stay alert and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables.
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Frequently asked questions
While there are no restrictions on sleeping in the airport, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone.
Panama City Airport offers a variety of restaurants and coffee shops, with 19 in total. The airport website states that restaurants close by 10:00 PM, but some operate 24 hours during the high season. There are also drinking water fountains, vending machines, mobile charging points, and free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes.
Yes, there are hotels near Panama City Airport that provide free airport shuttles, such as Crowne Plaza Panama Airport and Riande Aeropuerto. Alternatively, if you have a long layover, you could leave the airport and explore Panama City.
