CM · Panama · Full-service
Copa Airlines Baggage Policy
Cabin Bag, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Copa Airlines, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.
Quick answer
- Carry-on: up to 22 x 14 x 10", max 10 kg, free
- Personal item: up to 17 x 10 x 9", free on every fare
- Checked bag: $30 first, $50 second (domestic economy)
- Basic economy: Economy Basic allows a carry-on
Carry-on baggage
- Max dimensions (in)
- 22 x 14 x 10"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 56 x 36 x 26 cm
- Weight limit
- 10 kg (22 lb)
- Fee
- Free
- Gate-check risk
- Low
One cabin bag plus one personal item included on all fares.
Copa Airlines cabin bag dimensions and bag size
The maximum Copa Airlines carry-on size is 22 x 14 x 10 inches, which works out to 56 x 36 x 26 cm. Those measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on Copa Airlines match the published limits closely, so a bag listed as "22 inch" by a luggage brand can fail if its wheels push the total past 22 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.
Copa Airlines cabin bag weight limit
Copa Airlines limits carry-on bags to 10 kg (22 lb). Most domestic check-in counters do not weigh carry-ons, but gate agents can pull bags that look heavy. If your bag is over the limit, expect to be asked to check it, sometimes at the higher gate-check fee.
Does Copa Airlines charge for cabin bag bags?
No. Copa Airlines includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only. Check your specific fare rules before you book.
Copa Airlines carry-on by fare class
| Fare | Carry-on | Personal item | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Basic | Included | Included | Cabin bag included, checked bag extra. |
| Economy Classic | Included | Included | 1 checked bag at 23 kg included. |
| Economy Full | Included | Included | 2 checked bags at 23 kg included. |
| Business Promo | Included | Included | 2 checked bags at 32 kg. |
| Business Full | Included | Included | 2 checked bags at 32 kg, full flex. |
Copa Airlines overhead bin size by aircraft
All-Boeing fleet of 737-700, 737-800 and 737 MAX 9 aircraft. Standard US narrowbody overhead space, the 22x14x10 in carry-on fits comfortably.
Avoiding gate-check on Copa Airlines
Business and PreferMember elites board first. On full PTY banks the overhead bins fill quickly, try to board in the first two economy zones if you have a roller bag.
What counts as a personal item on Copa Airlines
Allowed
- Backpack
- Laptop bag
- Purse
- Small tote
Counts as a second carry-on
- Second roller bag
- Large duffel
Common Copa Airlines carry-on mistakes
- Mistaking Economy Basic for a standard economy fare and being surprised by the checked bag fee.
- Booking a pet in cabin while expecting to also bring a standard carry-on, the pet replaces the carry-on.
- Overlooking the 10 kg cabin bag weight limit, which Copa does enforce more than most US carriers.
What happens if your bag does not fit on Copa Airlines
Gate checks happen on full flights out of PTY, mostly for oversized rollers. Tagged at the gate, claimed at baggage belt on arrival.
Copa Airlines vs Avianca carry-on
Copa and Avianca are Latin America's two biggest connector hubs, with Copa out of PTY and Avianca out of BOG. Copa's carry-on is 10 kg and 22x14x10 in versus Avianca's slightly tighter 10 kg at 55x35x25 cm. Copa's Economy Basic charges 30 USD for the first checked bag, while Avianca's equivalent Basic fare often charges 40 USD or more on US routes. Copa is Star Alliance and Avianca is Star Alliance as well, so status benefits mostly wash out. For PTY connections Copa wins on bank reliability, for South American depth Avianca's BOG hub is deeper.
See Avianca baggage policyPersonal item
- Max dimensions (in)
- 17 x 10 x 9"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 43 x 25 x 22 cm
- Included
- Yes, free on every fare
Must fit under the seat in front of you.
Does your bag count?
| Bag type | Typical size | Fit |
|---|---|---|
Standard backpack Everyday daypack, laptop backpack | 18 x 13 x 8" | Too big |
Tote bag Canvas or leather tote | 15 x 14 x 5" | Too big |
Laptop bag Messenger or slim briefcase | 16 x 12 x 4" | Too big |
Small duffel Gym or weekender | 18 x 11 x 11" | Too big |
Purse Handbag or crossbody | 12 x 10 x 5" | Fits |
Under-seat roller Mini wheeled bag | 16 x 14 x 8" | Too big |
Checked baggage fees
Compare fees across airlines →Economy Basic pays for the first checked bag. Classic includes 1 bag. Full includes 2 bags. Business includes 2 bags at 32 kg each. Standard piece limit 23 kg and 158 cm linear.
Ways to skip the Copa Airlines checked bag fee
- Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Copa Airlines carry-on size.
- Use a Copa Airlines co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
- Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
- Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.
Special items & sports equipment
- Ski / snowboard
- Not published
- Golf clubs
- Not published
- Bicycle
- Not published
- Pet in cabin
- $125
- Pet as cargo
- Not published
Musical instruments: Small instruments count as the carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked subject to oversize fees, or you can buy an extra seat for in-cabin transport.
Pet in cabin 125 USD international, 25 USD domestic Panama. Combined pet plus carrier max 10 kg, max 3 pets in cabin per flight, replaces the carry-on.
Basic economy restrictions
- Carry-on allowed
- Yes
- Personal item allowed
- Yes
- Checked bag surcharge
- $30
- No free checked baggage
- No advance seat assignment without a fee
- Lowest ConnectMiles earning rate
- Non-refundable
Frequently asked questions
What is the Copa Airlines carry-on size limit?
Copa Airlines allows a carry-on bag up to 22 x 14 x 10" (56 x 36 x 26 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 10 kg (22 lb).
What is the Copa Airlines personal item size?
The personal item on Copa Airlines must fit within 17 x 10 x 9" (43 x 25 x 22 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Must fit under the seat in front of you.
Does Copa Airlines charge for carry-on bags?
No. Copa Airlines includes one free carry-on bag plus one personal item on most fares. Basic Economy fares on some routes are limited to a personal item only, so check your fare rules.
What is the Copa Airlines carry-on weight limit?
Copa Airlines limits carry-on bags to 10 kg (22 lb). Overweight carry-ons are typically asked to be checked at the gate.
How much does a checked bag cost on Copa Airlines?
The first checked bag on Copa Airlines costs $30 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs $50. Economy Basic pays for the first checked bag. Classic includes 1 bag. Full includes 2 bags. Business includes 2 bags at 32 kg each. Standard piece limit 23 kg and 158 cm linear.
What are the Copa Airlines overweight and oversize bag fees?
Bags weighing 51 to 70 lb incur an overweight fee of $30. Bags 71 to 100 lb are charged $60. Oversize bags between 63 and 80 linear inches are $150. Fees are charged in addition to the standard checked bag fee.
Can I bring a carry-on on Copa Airlines Economy Basic?
Yes. Copa Airlines Economy Basic passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item. A checked bag on Economy Basic costs around $30.
How can I avoid Copa Airlines checked bag fees?
Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Copa Airlines carry-on size of 22 x 14 x 10"); (2) hold a Copa Airlines co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.
Will my bag be gate-checked on Copa Airlines?
Copa Airlines currently has a low gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Overhead bin space is usually sufficient on full flights.
Pack for your Copa Airlines flight
Build a packing list that fits within the Copa Airlines carry-on and personal-item limits.
Copa Airlines hubs & focus cities
Major US airports where Copa Airlines operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.
Compare other airlines
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Sources & verification
- Carry-on and personal item: https://help.copaair.com/hc/en-us/articles/31677431132695-What-is-Copa-Airlines-baggage-policy verified 2026-04-15
- Checked baggage: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/copa-airlines-baggage-fees/ verified 2026-04-15
- Special items: https://www.copaair.com/en-us/travel-information/special-assistance/traveling-with-pets/ verified 2026-04-15
- Basic economy fare: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/copa-airlines-baggage-fees/ verified 2026-04-15
Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with Copa Airlines before flying.