Copa Airlines Check In: Everything You Must Know Before You Fly

Check in for Copa Airlines

By Flying Rules Editorial Team Updated on 08 Jan 2026, 12:35 PM

Have you ever wondered what you need to do to get relief from the long queues for Copa flights? Yes, you heard absolutely right, you can skip the long queues for check-in and catch your flight at ease. Many passengers may now be worried about when or how to check in for their Copa Airlines flight. 

Worry not, Copa Airlines check in policy guides when check-in opens, how late passengers can check in, and whether you can do it online or offline. In this guide, you will understand everything about Copa Airlines check-in and related terms in simple words, so you know exactly what and when to do it. Think of this as your last-minute check before you fly. Stay informed, follow the rules, and complete the check in Copa Airlines flights confidently.

What Is Copa Airlines Check-In Policy? 

Nowadays, travelling has been made much easier with the implementation of the Copa Airlines check in policy. Check-in means you are notifying the airline that you will travel with them as scheduled. Once you check in, you will receive the boarding pass allotted to the seat number where you will sit. 

Now, questions come to mind about how I can check in and get my seat choice. You can do Copa Airlines check in online or offline as per your comfort. Online check-in can be done on the website or in the app. Whereas for offline check-in, you will have to visit the airport counter or use a kiosk. 

When Can I Check In Copa Online? 

Copa Air check in online option allows travelers to check in from 24 hours before up to 1 hour before the scheduled departure without going anywhere. It will also save time spent waiting in long airport queues. Copa Air online check in options offer you a few advantages, such as selecting seats, adding baggage, and printing or saving your boarding pass. 

If you can’t complete the online check-in, you can check in at the airport counter or kiosk when you arrive. However, this can be useful for travelers seeking special assistance or traveling with pets.  

Note: If you are travelling with a bag and have completed the Copa Airlines online check in process, you need to reach the airport at least 90 minutes before departure. 

Restrictions For Copa Airlines Check In Online/Web

The following are the scenarios where you can’t avail the Copa online check in option. Hence, in such situations, check-in can be made at the airport. 

  • If travelling with your pets, you can’t check in online.
  • If you have Paper tickets, you can’t check in online.
  • Online/ web check in Copa Air can not be done for flights or itineraries with connections involving airlines other than Copa Airlines or Copa Airlines Colombia.
  • If your reservation has changed and you have outstanding balances, you cannot use the online check-in option.
  • Online check-in isn’t available if your reservation doesn’t include the required airport taxes. 
  • The option of check in Copa online becomes unavailable for passengers who are travelling with infants.
  • If the reservation includes 10 or more travellers or a group booking, the online check-in option can’t be used.

How Do I Check In For My Copa Airlines Flight?

You can complete Copa Airlines check-in using various options. Copa Airlines allows you to check in online via the website or mobile app, and offline at the airport counter or kiosk. To avoid complications, while checking in, we have outlined all the processes in simple terms, but you must follow them thoroughly: 

Copa Airlines Web Check In

The following steps are outlined below for Copa Airlines online check in through the website: 

  • Visit www.copaair.com check in Website.
  • Tap the “Copa Airlines web check in” button. 
  • Next, you need to enter the necessary credentials, such as: 
    • Reservation code or E-Ticket number.
    • Last name as it appears on your reservation.
  • Once you have entered all the required credentials correctly, click on the “Find Your Reservation” button.
  • Follow the further instructions and proceed.
  • Afterwards, select or confirm your seat, if available. 
  • Print or save your boarding pass on your device.
  • Once the Copa Air web check in process is complete, the airline sends a confirmation email.

Note: Using the Copa Airlines official website, you can also make a name correction on Copa ticket

Copa Mobile Check In

Travelers can make a Copa online check in using their mobile. Follow the steps outlined below to check in via the mobile app:

  • First, install the Copa App on your smartphone. If it is already installed, then jump to the next step. 
  • Now, open the Copa Airlines app on your smartphone.
  • Next, you need to log in to your account using the required credentials.
  • After that, find your reservation by entering the booking reference code and last name in the provided fields.
  • On the next screen, confirm your flight and traveler details to proceed.
  • Proceed by selecting or confirming your seat, if available.
  • Lastly, you will get your boarding pass directly on your phone. 

Note: Mobile Check-in is available for all destinations where Copa operates. If the airport doesn't accept mobile boarding passes, passengers can go to the web check in Copa Airlines line to have their boarding pass printed.

Airport Counter Check-In

In some scenarios, passengers are not allowed to use the Copa Air check in online option; therefore, in such scenarios, they have to proceed with offline check-in. For offline check-in, passengers need to visit the airport counter and provide their booking details to the representative present there. Once the representative finishes the process, they will provide you with the boarding pass. 

Visit : https://www.copaair.com/en-us/discover-copa-airlines/digital-experience/web-checkin/ for more detailed official information.

Tips For Airport Counter Check-In

  • If you need special assistance or traveling with pets, it is recommended that you check in at the airport. 
  • International flight passengers must arrive at the Copa Airlines check in counter at least two hours prior to the scheduled departure. 
  • Passengers flying domestically in Colombia and Panama should arrive at the airport 1 hour before the scheduled departure. During peak times or for special needs, they must reach the airport one and a half hours prior to departure.
  • You must arrive at the airport early so you have enough time to complete security screening, check bags, and meet international flight requirements.
  • If you are travelling to/from the United States or Venezuela, the immigration and security screening procedure takes longer than usual. Therefore, you must be at the check-in counter on time.
    • If your flight departs from the United States, you must arrive at the airport 3 hours before the scheduled time of departure.
    • If your flight departs from Venezuela, you will need to arrive at the airport 4 hours before departure. 
  • The airport check-in counter closes 1 hour before the scheduled departure time.
    • For flights departing from Venezuela, the check-in process closes 2 hours prior to departure.

Kiosk Check-In

At Copa Airlines, passengers are provided with multiple options for check-in, and one of those is the Self-service Kiosk, which is also an ideal option. The Copa Airlines check in web option is not only for skipping the long queues. Now, with the availability of a Kiosk device, you can check in at your own pace without waiting in line. Hence, follow the steps below for kiosk check-in:

  • Visit the airport and locate the self-service kiosk device.
  • Now, you need to enter the reservation credentials to retrieve your booking.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to continue with the check-in procedure.
  • Next, you will need to select and confirm the seat of your choice.
  • Print your boarding pass, and the process will be completed. 
Places You Can Find Kiosk Device
Country City Airport
Panama Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Canada Montreal Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Canada Toronto Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Chile Santiago de Chile Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
Colombia Bogota El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
Costa Rica San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Dominican Republic Punta Cana Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
Ecuador Guayaquil José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE)
Ecuador Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
Mexico Cancun Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Peru Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
United States Austin Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
United States Los Angeles Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
United States Miami Miami International Airport (MIA)
United States New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
United States Orlando Orlando International Airport (MCO)
United States Raleigh Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
United States San Diego San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Uruguay Montevideo Carrasco International Airport (MVD)

Copa Airlines Check-In Baggage Guidelines

  • If you are travelling with bags and have already completed the Copa Airlines check in web/online procedure, you must arrive at the check-in desk 90 minutes before departure. This is compulsory for checking your baggage.
  • If flying internationally without bags and have already done the Copa check in online, be at the boarding gate 45 minutes before departure. Whereas, for domestic flights, you must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure. 
  • If your flight departs from Costa Rica, you must first visit the Copa Airlines counter to fill out the immigration form before proceeding to the boarding gate.
  • As per the check in Copa Airlines baggage policy, you can prepay for your checked baggage. This service does not cover overweight or oversized suitcases and special items. Discounts are generally available for prepaid luggage at web check-in.
Standard Weight Price
Overweight 24 kg - 32 kg (51 lbs - 70 lbs) $100 USD
33 kg -45 kg (71 lbs - 100 lbs) $200 USD
Domestic Overweight 24 kg - 32 kg (51 lbs - 70 lbs) $30 USD
33 kg -45 kg (71 lbs - 100 lbs) $60 USD

* Charges will be incurred for each extra piece

Winding Up!

Copa Airlines offers flexible check-in options to all its passengers. You can check in online Copa Airlines to avoid the long queues and waiting time. Or if you need special assistance, are traveling with pets, or are checking bags, you must visit the airport counter. For a smooth travel experience, you should meet check-in deadlines, have proper documents, and allow time for baggage and security. For more information, get in touch with the customer service team at 1 786 840 2672. Or dial +1-800-506-7805 OTA to receive real-time assistance from a travel expert. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When does Copa Airlines check-in open?

You can check in online Copa Airlines within 24 hours up to 1 hour before departure.

Q2. What documents do I need for Copa Airlines check-in?

For Copa Airlines check-in, you need to provide your government-issued ID, like a passport, and your flight booking.

Q3. Can I select or change my seat during check-in?

Yes, you can select or change your seat during check-in

Q4. Is mobile check-in available on Copa Airlines?

Yes, Copa Airlines offers the flexibility of mobile check-in for all its passengers.

Q5. How early should I arrive at the airport after checking in online?

After check in web Copa Airlines, you must arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure if travelling with bags. However, if travelling without a bag, you must arrive 45 minutes prior to departure for international flights and 30 minutes prior for domestic flights.

Q6. Does Copa Airlines charge for airport check-in?

You do not need to pay any extra fees for airport check-in.

Q7. What happens if I miss the check-in deadline?

According to the Copa Airlines check in policy, you can’t board the flight until you complete the check-in procedure. You must instantly get in touch with the airline support. For the online approach, visit copa.com check in website, or you can contact them or visit the airport for offline assistance.

Q8. Can I check in at a Copa Airlines kiosk?

Yes, you can check in at the Copa Airlines self-service kiosk at your own leisure without standing in long queues.

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