SkyTeam members Air France & KLM brings us today a deal in premium economy from Italy to Panama starting at just €750. This fare doesn’t include checked luggage, but you are allowed to bring two carry-ons and one personal item. If you need more luggage, you can add 2 x 23 kg checked luggage for around €180 for the return trip. Departures are available from May to June.
These are some of the airports where you can take advantage of this deal:
Our availability calendar highlights all possible flight dates at the lowest price for trips up to 28 days. It will forward you to KLM or Skyscanner with your selected flight dates.
Depending on your dates, you will either fly Air France or KLM. First, you will take your feeder flight to Amsterdam or Paris. Air France and KLM flights are operated with Boeing 787s with a 2-3-2 premium economy configuration, but if the price is similar, we recommend booking with KLM since they offer a better product in premium economy, making it worthwhile to spend some extra money.
Search & Book
This deal will expire on March 31, 2024. A minimum stay of seven days, and a maximum stay of three months applies. Available dates are between May and June.
You can find suitable dates using our calendar above or with the help of Google Flights. We recommend booking directly on Air France’s website or KLM’s website, but you can find cheaper prices with Skyscanner. However, booking on OTAs has its downsides.
Why is booking with an airline better than with an online travel agency?
More often than not, online travel agencies offer lower fares than airlines do. We still recommend booking with the airlines directly. There are two main reasons for that:
Better Customer Service
In case any problems like delays, cancellations or missed connections arise, you can communicate directly with the airline. The airline has to take care of you because you have a contract with them.
If a travel agency issues your ticket, you may have to reach out to them first. You also depend on your OTA to forward information like flight changes instead of receiving them directly from the airline. In many cases, you may get a prime exhibition of responsibility shifting rather than problem-solving.
This especially applies to premium tickets. You don’t want to spend more than €1,000 to wind up with some budget OTA’s telephone hotline in case anything goes wrong.
Baggage and Other Fees
Economy fares not including hold luggage are industry standard by now. In most cases, travel agencies charge much higher baggage fees than the airlines themselves. If bags are not included in your fare, airlines are often the cheaper alternative.
This also applies to other things like food services, insurances or priority treatment. In almost all cases, you pay less for additional amenities when booking on the airlines’ website.
Mileage
This ticket is issued in booking class Y for the feeder flight and booking class A for the premium economy leg of the trip. Here are the miles and points you can earn from this deal from Bologna to Panama:
- 17,964 RDM + 2,984 MQD on Delta SkyMiles
- 13,276 Miles on MEA Cedar Miles
- 13,276 Miles on GOL Aéreos Smiles
- 12,952 Miles on Aeromexico Club Premier
- 12,452 Miles on CSA OK Plus
- 12,180 Miles on Aerolíneas Argentinas AerolíneasPlus
- 12,180 Miles on Saudia Alfursan
- 12,180 Miles on Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles
- 12,180 Miles on Korean Air Skypass
- 12,180 Miles on Garuda Indonesia GarudaMiles
- 12,180 Miles on Air Europa Suma
- 12,180 Award Miles on Etihad Guest
- 12,180 Award Miles on Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
- 12,180 Miles on ITA Volare
- 11,566 Award Miles + 120 Tier Points on Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- 6,704 Points on Malaysia Airlines Enrich
Destination
Information & Tips for Panama
Panama is the safest and most developed country in Central America. Thanks to the construction of the Panama Canal, the country experienced a strong economic boom and is now considered an important trade destination. Tourists also get their money’s worth thanks to the numerous natural sights and the capital Panama City.
Best Time to Visit
Winter between December and March is the best time for a trip to Panama. This is the dry season where temperatures are moderate and humidity relatively low. However, you should be aware that prices are significantly higher at this time of year. On the Caribbean (East) coast the weather is always a bit rainy and warmer than on the Pacific (West) coast of the country. From May to November there can be strong tropical storms with high wind speeds and massive amounts of precipitation.
Immigration & Visa Requirements
Most EU citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 180 days and can enter with a passport. Please note that in some cases a return flight ticket or a certificate of onward travel is required on entry. Consult with your country’s state department or ministry of foreign affairs for the exact regulations.
Currency
The national currency of Panama is the Balboa (PAB). It is anchored 1:1 to the US Dollar exchange rate (USD), i.e. one Balboa is always equal to one US Dollar. Many credit cards may charge a foreign currency fee of up to 2% for payment in Balboa or Dollars. Credit cards are accepted relatively widely, and the US Dollar is virtually as widespread as the Balboa.
→ All Dealz for Panama
Cover Picture: Photo by Aljoscha Laschgari on Unsplash