Do you have to clear customs in PTY?

[Mollycram]

Myself and a couple of friends had booked a status run that had us overnighting in Panama. American Airlines however have changed their schedule and have now got us departing on one flight before we actually arrive on the previous. The only easy way of getting our status run back on track is to overnight in Miami and get a morning flight to Panama. The problem though is that the flight we would have going down to Panama is using the same aircraft that we were due to fly back to Miami on....1 hr 20 mins after we arrive. I know this would not be long enough to clear customs etc, but was wondering whether it would be possible to stay airside and once we land, just head to transfer desk to pick up boarding pass for return flight. Is this possible?

 

[Grooba]

I completed a MR down to PTY last week but did stay overnight (will certainly go back and spend a bit more time there, awesome place).
PTY is completely international so once you arrive on one airline you deplane and wait for the next, no need to go to any transit desk.

FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - airside international transfers in the U.S.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Mollycram, overnighting in MIA might not be possible due to fare restrictions. Most of those fares have a strict time limit on transits.
Not sure what happens if AA changes the schedule though?

 

[Mollycram]

The overnighting shouldn't be a problem (i hope!) as it is one of the flight pairs that AA offer as a way to get from DFW - PTY.

But still not sure whether we would be allowed to fly in and then fly straight out back to where we just came from without ever officially entering the country. I know this is allowable on normal transits, but just not sure if it is the ticketed destination. Does anyone happen to know?

 

[Grooba]

As long as you have your return ticket (PTY-MIA) in hand before you land in PTY you shouldn't have a problem. There are confirmed reports of this on FT, have a look around there.

 

[Mollycram]

As long as you have your return ticket (PTY-MIA) in hand before you land in PTY you shouldn't have a problem. There are confirmed reports of this on FT, have a look around there.

Thanks....