With the fuel crisis in full swing here in North America, it pays to spend a little extra effort to find a reasonably-priced fare to PTY (Panama City, Panama).
Recently, AA.com has offered some great fares from MIA (MIami) but they don't allow much advance planning. Search the American Airlines site for sales on Latin American and Caribbean fare sales and give it a try.
You will need to get to Miami from your starting point. Alternate airlines may have lower fares. If you are travelling light, you can even fly to FLL (Ft. Lauderdale) on a discount carrier like Southwest Airlines, take a taxi to the Tri-Rail station and take the commuter train to MIA. (Recommended for the hearty, budget-traveller, slighly crazy types)
Another amazing fare may be found with Spirit Airlines. Join their discount fare club (be prepared for you credit card getting auto-billed later at a higher amount - read fine print), then watch for fare sales via your email. The "Red Light Specials" have offered fares as low as US$9.00 each way from FLL to PTY. Taxes and fees are about US$76 and they also offer travel insurance. Why so low? Look at the flight times. You arrive and depart in the middle of the night. You will need to get to Ft. Lauderdale, FL, which is served by discount carriers. If you can doze anywhere, this may be just the ticket!
In all cases, check out baggage restrictions, check in times etc.
If you have ever been able to take advantage of either of these travel options, please feel free to comment and add any advice you might be willing to pass on. Thank you.
