✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
Copa Airlines (IATA: CM, hub Panama City PTY) prices checked baggage by fare bundle, so what you pay depends entirely on which Economy tier you booked. Every passenger gets one free personal item and one free carry-on; the difference is whether a checked bag is bundled or charged separately. The cheapest Economy Basic fare includes no checked bag at all — you buy it as an add-on. Economy Classic/Flex and above bundle at least one. Below are the current 2026 allowances, weights, dimensions and fees, verified against Copa’s published policy.
Quick facts
| Personal item | Free — fits under the seat, approx 43 x 25 x 22 cm (17 x 10 x 9 in) |
| Carry-on | Free — 56 x 36 x 26 cm (22 x 14 x 10 in), max 10 kg (22 lb) |
| Checked bag weight | 23 kg (50 lb) economy; 32 kg (70 lb) Business |
| Checked size limit | 158 cm (62 in) linear (length + width + height) |
| Economy Basic | No checked bag included — first bag approx $38 international / $30 domestic |
| Economy Classic/Flex | 1 checked bag included; 2nd bag approx $55 intl |
| Economy Full | 2 checked bags included |
| Business | 2 checked bags included (32 kg each) |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | approx 43 x 25 x 22 cm (17 x 10 x 9 in). One free personal item (purse, laptop bag, small backpack) that fits under the seat in front. No published weight limit. Allowed on all fares. |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | 56 x 36 x 26 cm (22 x 14 x 10 in) · 10 kg (22 lb) Free on all fares including Economy Basic |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | 0 bags on Economy Basic; 1 on Classic/Flex; 2 on Economy Full and Business |
| Weight limit | 23 kg (50 lb) per bag in economy; 32 kg (70 lb) in Business |
| Typical fee | Economy Basic first bag approx $38 international / $30 domestic; second bag approx $53–55 intl. Fees vary by route and are cheaper when prepaid online (24–3 hours before departure). |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Basic | 1 personal item | 1 carry-on 10 kg | None included — buy from approx $30 (domestic) / $38 (intl) for the first bag |
| Economy Classic / Flex | 1 personal item | 1 carry-on 10 kg | 1 bag included (23 kg / 50 lb) |
| Economy Full | 1 personal item | 1 carry-on 10 kg | 2 bags included (23 kg / 50 lb each) |
| Business | 1 personal item | 1 carry-on 10 kg | 2 bags included (32 kg / 70 lb each) |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
What you actually get at deal prices: aifly flags cheap Copa fares as Economy Basic — these include your free 10 kg carry-on and personal item, but no checked bag. If you need to check luggage, budget for it on top of the headline price: roughly $38 for the first international checked bag (less if you prepay online). For carry-on-only trips, a deal-priced Copa Basic fare is genuinely cheap; for anyone packing a suitcase, add the bag fee before comparing against full-service carriers that bundle one in.
Oversize, sports & special items
Overweight and oversize (per bag, per direction):
- Overweight 51–70 lb (23–32 kg): approx $100 on international routes ($30 domestic).
- Overweight 71–100 lb (32–45 kg): approx $200 international ($60 domestic). Bags over 45 kg are not accepted as checked baggage.
- Oversize (over 158 cm / 62 in linear, up to about 115 in): approx $150 per bag.
- Bags over 70 lb are not permitted on Bahamas and Cuba routes.
Sports equipment & instruments: Items such as golf clubs, skis, bicycles and surfboards are accepted within the standard checked allowance if within weight/size limits, otherwise excess/oversize fees apply. Small musical instruments may go in the cabin if they fit the carry-on dimensions; larger instruments must be checked or, in some cases, occupy a purchased extra seat. Confirm specific item rules with Copa before travel.
Tip: Prepaying baggage during online check-in (24 to 3 hours before departure) is cheaper than paying at the airport.
Frequently asked questions
Does Copa Airlines include a checked bag in the cheapest fare?
No. The Economy Basic fare — Copa's cheapest tier and what most deal prices reflect — does not include any checked bag. You get a free carry-on (10 kg) and a personal item, but a checked bag must be purchased separately, from roughly $30 domestic or $38 international for the first bag.
What is Copa Airlines' carry-on size and weight limit?
One carry-on bag up to 56 x 36 x 26 cm (22 x 14 x 10 in) and a maximum of 10 kg (22 lb), free on every fare including Economy Basic. You may also bring one free personal item that fits under the seat, about 43 x 25 x 22 cm.
How much does a checked bag cost on Copa Airlines?
On Economy Basic, the first checked bag is roughly $30 on domestic routes and $38 on international routes, with the second bag around $50–55. Fees vary by route and are cheaper when prepaid online (24 to 3 hours before departure) rather than at the airport.
What is the checked baggage weight limit on Copa Airlines?
Standard economy checked bags may weigh up to 23 kg (50 lb). Business Class allows up to 32 kg (70 lb) per bag. Each bag must stay within 158 cm (62 in) total linear dimensions (length + width + height).
How many checked bags are included in each Copa fare?
Economy Basic includes none, Economy Classic/Flex includes one, and Economy Full and Business each include two checked bags. Business Class bags also have a higher 32 kg per-bag weight allowance.
What are Copa's overweight and oversize baggage fees?
On international routes, a bag weighing 23–32 kg costs about $100 extra and 32–45 kg about $200; bags over 45 kg are not accepted. Oversize bags over 158 cm linear cost about $150 each. Bags over 70 lb are not allowed on Bahamas and Cuba routes.
Can I bring a personal item plus a carry-on on Copa Airlines?
Yes. Every Copa passenger, including Economy Basic, may bring one free personal item (under-seat size) plus one free carry-on bag up to 10 kg. Only the checked bag differs by fare class.
Are sports equipment and musical instruments allowed on Copa?
Yes, within limits. Sports gear like skis, golf clubs and bicycles travels within the standard checked allowance if within weight and size limits, otherwise excess or oversize fees apply. Small instruments may go in the cabin if they meet carry-on dimensions; larger ones must be checked or occupy a purchased seat.