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Guide to VIP Lounges at Tocumen Airport
VIP lounges are conceived as an oasis of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of an airport. At Tocumen, they offer an escape from the noise and crowds, but the experience they provide is a topic of intense debate among travelers. This guide, based on the analysis of hundreds of reviews, offers you an honest look at what you can expect, especially regarding the most criticized aspect: the food.
Frequently Asked Questions about VIP Lounges
Is it worth paying for access to a VIP lounge at Tocumen?
It depends on your priority. If you're looking for a comfortable seat, a quiet place to work, and unlimited drinks, the answer is yes. If your main motivation is to enjoy a good meal, the answer is a resounding no. The food offering is the universal weak point of all the lounges.
Is the food as bad as the reviews say?
Yes. It is the most consistent and vehement complaint. Travelers describe the food as extremely basic, low-quality, and repetitive, often limited to bread, cheese, noodles, bland soups, and some snacks. Don't expect a varied buffet or elaborate hot dishes.
How can I get access if I'm not flying Business Class?
The most common way is through memberships like Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Diners Club, which often come with premium credit cards. It is also possible to pay for entry directly at the door in most lounges.
Are there options if I have a layover in the middle of the night?
Yes, but they are limited. The Lounge locations usually operate 24 hours, which is a great advantage. However, the major Copa Club lounges have restricted hours and close at night, leaving many passengers with overnight layovers without their main option.
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Pros and Cons: The Overall VIP Lounge Experience
✅ The Positives:
- ✔️ A Refuge from the Chaos: They offer a significantly quieter and more comfortable space than the crowded boarding areas of the terminal.
- ✔️ Unlimited Drinks: You have access to an open bar with soft drinks, juices, coffee, and alcoholic beverages, which can offset the entry cost if you planned on having several drinks.
- ✔️ Access to Showers: The ability to take a shower during a long connection is, for many, the greatest benefit and a decisive factor.
❌ The Negatives:
- ⚠️ The Culinary Disappointment: The food offering is consistently rated as terrible, an "embarrassment" for an international hub.
- ⚠️ Possible Overcrowding: Due to widespread access through memberships, the lounges can fill up quickly, losing some of their exclusivity and tranquility.
- ⚠️ Inconsistent Maintenance: Issues with restroom cleanliness, worn-out furniture (especially in T1), and non-functioning equipment are reported.
- ⚠️ Limited Hours (Copa Club): The early closing of the main airline's lounges at the hub is a major inconvenience.
Lounges in Terminal 1 (T1)
Copa Club
Location: Second floor, above gates 130 and 133.
Access: Memberships (Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Diners Club, United Club, etc.), Copa business class passengers, and Star Alliance Gold members.
Hours: 5:30 am - 9:00 pm.
Services: Rest area, showers, Wi-Fi, beverages, children's area.
User Experience: It is considered a large but outdated lounge. The harshest criticism is directed at the food, described as "non-existent" or limited to very low-quality bread, cheese, and cold snacks. The furniture is perceived as old, and the restrooms often need better maintenance. The service can be indifferent. It's a place to sit comfortably, but not to eat.
The Lounge Panama by Global Lounge Network
Location: Boarding area, opposite gates 101-115.
Access: Memberships (Priority Pass, etc.), online booking, or payment at the door (approx. USD 38.00).
Hours: 24 hours.
Services: Showers, premium drinks, Wi-Fi, TV.
User Experience: Its biggest advantage is that it operates 24/7. The food is considered slightly better than at the Copa Club, but still very basic. Complaints focus on the staff, who can be noisy, and on the lack of maintenance, with reports of a broken air conditioner and a strong smell of chemical cleaning products.
Tocumen Royal Saloon
Location: Before security (landside), third level.
Access: Memberships (Priority Pass, etc.), payment at the door (from USD 35.00 for 4 hours).
Hours: 6:00 am - 9:00 pm.
Services: Rest area, Wi-Fi, snacks, optional immigration assistance service.
User Experience: It's a small and convenient lounge because it's located before security. The food offering is extremely poor, sometimes limited to toast. It's functional for a short wait, but doesn't compare to the post-security lounges.
Lounges in Terminal 2 (T2)
Copa Club
Location: Near gate 208, up to the third floor.
Access: Memberships (Priority Pass, etc.), Copa business class passengers, and Star Alliance Gold members.
Hours: 5:30 am - 9:00 pm.
Services: Family room, rest area, Wi-Fi, showers, workstations.
User Experience: This is the flagship lounge and, although its design is modern, spacious, and has excellent views, the experience is a huge disappointment. The food is described as a "joke" and an "embarrassment," limited to carbs, watery soups, and extremely low-quality snacks. The early closing time and overcrowding are other serious criticisms for the main airline's lounge at the "Hub of the Americas."
The Lounge
Location: Near gate 204, third floor.
Access: Memberships (Priority Pass, etc.).
Hours: 24 hours.
Services: Rest area, showers, premium drinks.
User Experience: The reviews are overwhelmingly negative. It is described as a small, neglected, and dirty place. The service is rated as terrible, with grumpy staff. The food is very limited (sometimes restricted to "one slice of pizza per person"), and there are reports of a lack of hygiene in the restrooms and showers with broken locks.