{ "response": { "Key": "HOU-PTY", "orig": { "code": "HOU", "type": "airport", "city": "Houston", "fullCity": "Houston, Texas", "airport": "William P Hobby Airport" }, "dest": { "code": "PTY", "type": "airport", "city": "Panama City", "fullCity": "Panama City, Panama", "airport": "Tocumen Intl Airport" }, "faq": { "q0": { "question": "What is the typical flight duration from Houston to Panama City?", "answer": "Houston Hobby to Panama City requires a connection, as no nonstop flights operate on this route. The journey is about 1,750 miles, and with a typical layover the total travel time is approximately 5 to 7 hours.", "methodology": "Flight times and distances come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time across all carriers on the route, computed the same way in both directions so the difference reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in method. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two airports, so the actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer.", "toolsUsed": [ "flight_schedule" ] }, "q3": { "question": "What are the ground transportation options in Panama City?", "answer": "From Tocumen International Airport (PTY), the most-used and fastest ground transportation to downtown Panama City is a taxi or ride-share, typically taking 25–40 minutes on the Corredor Sur toll road. Uber and other ride-hailing apps operate from the airport, and official airport taxis are available at fixed rates. Mass transit exists via the Metrobus system, though it is slower and requires a transfer to reach the center. Car rentals are available from major agencies at PTY. There is no direct metro line from the airport to the city center.", "toolsUsed": [ "article_lookup" ], "references": [ { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tocumen_International_Airport", "title": "Tocumen International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-09-14T19:59:16Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tocumen%20International%20Airport", "title": "Tocumen International Airport", "time_published": "2026-04-29T21:47:15Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_in_Panama", "title": "Transport in Panama", "time_published": "2026-07-19T03:39:59Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tocumen", "title": "Tocumen", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-01-31T23:38:38Z" } ] }, "q6": { "question": "Are overnight (red‑eye) flights available from Houston to Panama City?", "answer": "No nonstop red‑eye flights operate from Houston (HOU) to Panama City (PTY), but connecting red‑eye itineraries are available. The overnight leg is United's IAH to Bogotá (BOG), departing at 11:59 PM and arriving at 4:54 AM — that arrival is in the early hours. From Bogotá you connect onward on Copa Airlines (1h 16m layover) or Avianca (2h 36m layover) to Panama City.", "methodology": "Red-eye flights are identified from scheduled local departure and arrival times in our flight-schedule database — built from published airline timetables and official schedule data, including U.S. Department of Transportation records for domestic routes — flagging services that depart late at night and arrive the following morning; for connecting itineraries the red-eye is based on the timing of the overnight long-haul leg.", "toolsUsed": [ "redeye_flights" ] }, "q7": { "question": "Which airlines usually operate this route from Houston to Panama City?", "answer": "No airline offers nonstop flights from Houston Hobby (HOU) to Panama City (PTY). The most common one-stop routings are on United via San José, Costa Rica (SJO), Guatemala City (GUA), or San Salvador (SAL), each with around 7–10 daily departures, typically connecting to Copa Airlines or Avianca. United also operates a few daily flights via Bogotá or Medellín, while American offers a less frequent option via Miami. Copa Airlines has limited one-stop service via Guatemala City or Mexico City, but United is the dominant carrier on this route.", "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a typical fare is shown for a carrier, it is the median of the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.", "toolsUsed": [ "route_airlines" ] }, "q8": { "question": "If I need a connection, what are common layover cities between Houston and Panama City?", "answer": "Common layover cities between Houston and Panama City include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Mexico City. Miami offers the most frequent connections and competitive travel times. Fort Lauderdale is a hub for low-cost carriers with efficient transfers. Mexico City provides broad connectivity and visa-free transit for many nationalities." }, "q10": { "question": "Which months have the best weather for traveling to Panama City?", "answer": "January to April offers dry, sunny days with low humidity and fewer tourists." }, "q11": { "question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Houston to Panama City?", "answer": "Bring a passport valid for at least three months, proof of onward or return travel, and a payment method for baggage. U.S. citizens currently do not need a visa for stays under 180 days. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country with transmission risk, which does not apply directly from Houston, but confirm current health entry rules before travel." }, "q12": { "question": "Which airport should I use in Panama City?", "answer": "Panama City has one main airport, Tocumen International, which serves all international and domestic flights. It is about 24 km east of downtown and the Panama Canal." }, "q13": { "question": "How do I get to William P Hobby Airport from the city center?", "answer": "From downtown Houston, the fastest and most direct public option to William P. Hobby Airport is METRO Bus 500, which runs nonstop from the George R. Brown Convention Center every 30 minutes for $4.50 one way, seven days a week. METRO Bus 40 offers a cheaper local alternative with more stops along the way. Taxis, ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, and shuttle buses are also available from Curb Zones 3 and 4, with ride-share generally the most popular choice for speed and convenience. Driving and parking on-site is straightforward with advance booking discounts of up to 50%, though it is typically the most expensive option.", "toolsUsed": [ "article_lookup" ], "references": [ { "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/ground-transportation/", "title": "HOU Ground Transportation | Airport Shuttle, Taxi, Uber, Lyft & Rent Car Houston" }, { "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/", "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby" }, { "url": "https://fly2houston.com/hou/ground-transportation/shuttles", "title": "Hobby Airport Ground Transportation" }, { "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/airlines/", "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby", "time_published": "2026-06-09T19:32:46Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_P._Hobby_Airport", "title": "William P. Hobby Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-09-09T04:33:26Z" } ] }, "q14": { "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at Panama City airport?", "answer": "Panama City Tocumen Airport has no hotel inside or directly connected to the terminal, but several hotels nearby provide free shuttle service: the Crowne Plaza Panama Airport (0.3 miles), Riande Aeropuerto Hotel & Casino (1.1 miles), and B&B Lodgings (3.8 miles). Overnight stays are possible since the airport is open 24 hours, though seating has armrests and there are no dedicated sleeping areas.", "toolsUsed": [ "article_lookup" ], "references": [ { "url": "https://sleepinginairports.net/guides/panama-city-airport-guide.htm", "title": "Panama City Airport Guide (PTY) - Sleeping in Airports", "favicon": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/nitropack_static/oBWrHkPujHTPIaVWqdDSDhClXUyrYhhb/assets/images/optimized/rev-b853180/www.sleepinginairports.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-sia-logo-180x180.png", "time_published": "2018-10-02T00:00:41Z" }, { "url": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/casa/panamacity.htm", "title": "Panama City Airport Guide (PTY) - Sleeping in Airports", "time_published": "2026-05-13T20:27:32Z" }, { "url": "https://ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/gb/en/panama/pcyap/hoteldetail/directions", "title": "Crowne Plaza Panama Airport Map & Driving Directions", "favicon": "https://digital.ihg.com/is/image/ihg/app-web-chiclet-crowneplaza?fmt=png-alpha" } ] }, "q15": { "question": "Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at Tocumen Intl Airport?", "answer": "Tocumen International Airport (PTY) provides free Wi‑Fi throughout the terminal, and currency exchange offices are available in the arrivals and departures areas. Prayer rooms or chapels are not specifically mentioned in available airport information, so that amenity cannot be confirmed. The main passenger terminal houses most services, though exact locations for exchange offices may vary by level.", "toolsUsed": [ "article_lookup" ], "references": [ { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tocumen%20International%20Airport", "title": "Tocumen International Airport", "time_published": "2026-04-29T21:47:15Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tocumen_International_Airport", "title": "Tocumen International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-09-14T19:59:16Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeropuerto_metro_station", "title": "Aeropuerto metro station", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-08-22T23:22:31Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tocumen", "title": "Tocumen", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-01-31T23:38:38Z" } ] }, "q16": { "question": "Are there accessible services or children's facilities at the Houston and Panama City airports?", "answer": "At Houston Hobby (HOU), accessible services include wheelchair-accessible restrooms, companion care restrooms, TSA Cares for security screening assistance (contact at least 72 hours ahead), Aira for blind/low-vision travelers, and a Sunflower Lanyard program; children's facilities include a Central Play Area and private nursing rooms. At Panama City Tocumen (PTY), specific accessibility or children's play area details are not published in the available reference material, so travelers should contact the airport directly to arrange assistance in advance.", "toolsUsed": [ "article_lookup" ], "references": [ { "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/accessibility/", "title": "HOU Accessibility Services | ADA Accessible Travel at Hobby Airport" }, { "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/visitor-information/services/", "title": "Hobby Airport Visitor Services | Airport Visitor Services HOU" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_P._Hobby_Airport", "title": "William P. Hobby Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-09-09T04:33:26Z" }, { "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/", "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby" }, { "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/airlines/", "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby", "time_published": "2026-06-09T19:32:46Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tocumen_International_Airport", "title": "Tocumen International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-09-14T19:59:16Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tocumen", "title": "Tocumen", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-01-31T23:38:38Z" } ] }, "q17": { "question": "What aircraft are typically used on flights from Houston to Panama City?", "answer": "United Airlines operates nonstop flights from Houston to Panama City using Boeing 737 MAX 9 and Boeing 737-900 aircraft. United also offers one-stop connections via San José, San Salvador, Bogotá, Guatemala City, Comayagua, San Pedro Sula, Medellín, and Lima on Boeing 737 MAX 8, Boeing 737 MAX 9, Boeing 737-800, and Boeing 757-200, while American Airlines uses Airbus A319 Ceo via Miami, Avianca uses Airbus A320-100 via San Salvador, and Copa Airlines uses Boeing 737-800 via Mexico City.", "methodology": "Aircraft types come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). For U.S. routes the type is grounded in the tail number that actually operated the flight; elsewhere it comes from the airline's filed equipment code. Where the source does not commit to a specific variant we name the aircraft family (for example Airbus A320 family) rather than guess, and where no reliable type is on file the aircraft is omitted rather than estimated. Types describe typical scheduled equipment and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute swaps.", "toolsUsed": [ "route_aircraft" ] }, "q18": { "question": "Which airline alliances serve flights from Houston to Panama City?", "answer": "Nonstop service from Houston to Panama City is operated only by United Airlines, which belongs to the Star Alliance. No other alliances have nonstop flights on this route, though connections through other carriers may involve different alliances.", "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours. Carrier service, flight times and distances for this route come from our flight-schedule database, which draws on published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data, and observed operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We report the days of the week and the departure times each carrier operates. The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time, given both per carrier and across all carriers on the route; where a schedule does not publish an elapsed time, it is derived from the scheduled departure and arrival times converted to UTC. Outbound and return times are computed by the same method, so the difference between them is directly comparable and reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in derivation. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two specific airports named, so an actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer. Where shown, on-time departure and arrival rates and cancellation rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline On-Time Performance dataset, which covers U.S. domestic routes only; where a typical fare is shown, it comes from the U.S. DOT Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B), a quarterly 10% sample of tickets sold. Aircraft types are taken from the equipment each operating carrier schedules on this route, drawn from published airline timetables and airline equipment schedules in our flight-schedule database. They describe typical scheduled aircraft and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute equipment swaps. Red-eye flights are identified from scheduled local departure and arrival times in our flight-schedule database — built from published airline timetables and official schedule data, including U.S. Department of Transportation records for domestic routes — flagging services that depart late at night and arrive the following morning; for connecting itineraries the red-eye is based on the timing of the overnight long-haul leg.", "toolsUsed": [ "route_airlines", "flight_schedule", "route_aircraft", "redeye_flights" ] }, "q20": { "question": "What are the best airport lounge options when departing from Houston?", "answer": "There are no traditional airline lounges at William P. Hobby Airport; American Airlines explicitly lists clubs and lounges as not available there. Priority Pass members can instead use their lounge visit entitlement for a 25-minute session in a Zero-Gravity Massage Chair, Hydromassage Lounger, Full Body Massage Lounger, Ceragem or Chakra Bed at the XWELL location, though options vary by location and availability. Gameway offers a fun, interactive space to play and reset before a flight, and The Chiroport provides a spa experience for refreshing your senses.", "toolsUsed": [ "article_lookup" ], "references": [ { "url": "https://prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/william-p-hobby", "title": "William P. Hobby Airport HOU Lounges - HOU Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass", "favicon": "https://prioritypass.com/icon.png?a4ff481221414a5c" }, { "url": "https://prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/william-p-hobby/hou2s-xwell", "title": "XWELL HOU AIRPORT Houston TX William P. Hobby | Priority Pass", "favicon": "https://prioritypass.com/icon.png?a4ff481221414a5c" }, { "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/visitor-information/services/", "title": "Hobby Airport Visitor Services | Airport Visitor Services HOU" }, { "url": "https://aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/destinationInformation/hou-airport.jsp", "title": "Houston Hobby, TX (HOU)", "favicon": "https://aa.com/content/images/chrome/rebrand/favicon.png" }, { "url": "https://www.fly2houston.com/hou/", "title": "HOU Houston Airport | William P. Hobby" } ] }, "q21": { "question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Houston to Panama City?", "answer": "On Houston–Panama City flights, baggage allowance varies. Basic economy often excludes checked bags, while standard economy typically includes one checked bag and a carry‑on. Premium cabins and higher fares offer more generous allowances." }, "q22": { "question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Houston to Panama City?", "answer": "Flights from Houston to Panama City usually offer Economy and flat‑bed Business class; Premium Economy is uncommon on this route." }, "q23": { "question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?", "answer": "Policies vary by airline and fare; flexible and premium tickets often allow same‑day changes or standby, while Basic Economy typically does not." } } } }