If I want to fly to Panama, do I have to go via USA?

Question

I am a seafarer and as such I am treated as a potential terrorist by the United States immigration, simply because I choose to work on a ship. Is there any way to fly to Panama City that does not involve transit of the USA?

I live in England.

Answer 1

How about Mexico as a mid-point

Answer 2

Have you thought of going via Venezuela / Guyana or on of the Carib islands and then on to Panama.

Re US  -  know what you mean  -  I'd avoid it if I could too.

(ex Radio Officer)

Answer 3

You dont need to go via US, there are several ways you can go to Panama via England. Try and search possible flights in Copa Airlines (from Panama) and see which possibilities they offer from UK to Panama.

Answer 4

You can take the direct flight with Iberia Airlines to Panama City from Madrid's Barajas Airport. KLM Airlines will start offering a non-stop to Panama from Amsterdam on March 30, 2008.

The Iberia flight will be your best option as it requires on stop before flying direct to Panama.

Answer 5

No, there are many airlines that fly directly to Panama.  From the top of my head, I remember Iberia from Madrid.  Try travelocity.com