Introduction: First Class to Panama on Air China

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Introduction: First Class to Panama on Air China
Review: Marriott South – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Review: Fast and Furious Japanese Grill – Irving
Review: United Airlines (737-900) First Class – Dallas to Houston
Review: United Club – Houston International Airport Terminal E
Update: American Express Centurion Lounge Houston
Review: Air China (777-300) First Class – Houston to Panama
Review: Sortis Hotel and Casino – Panama City
Review: Marriott Executive Apartments – Panama City
Review: Panama Canal – Miraflores Locks
Review: Tocumen Royal Saloon Lounge
Review: Copa Club – Tocumen International Airport
Review: United Airlines (737-800) Economy Plus – Panama to Houston

Hi and welcome to my next trip report. As most of you know, all of my trips are short and this one is more of the same. I planned the trip to Panama with the sole purpose of flying Air China’s First Class between Houston and Panama. This was my first trip to Panama, but certainly not my last. Much like my trip to Costa Rica, it rained every day due to the rainy season.

This trip began in Dallas. I stayed overnight at the DFW Airport Marriott South. It was a hotel that I had visited before, but not reviewed. The hotel recently completed some renovations and it showed.

DFW Airport Marriott South
DFW Airport Marriott South
DFW Airport Marriott South
DFW Airport Marriott South King Bed
DFW Airport Marriott South
DFW Airport Marriott South M Club

I wanted to grab some dinner near the hotel. Mr. Max Izakaya is always a favorite of mine, but I wanted to review something different. I settled on Fast and Furious Grill which was only minutes from the airport.

Fast and Furious Japanese Grill
Fast and Furious Japanese Grill
Fast and Furious Japanese Grill
Fast and Furious Japanese Grill
Fast and Furious Japanese Grill
Fast and Furious Japanese Grill Spicy Bomb

The next morning was chaos for me as I overslept and almost missed my flight to Houston. I made it to the airport in time to board. After settling into my seat, I slept most of the hour long flight.

United Airlines 737-900 First Class
United Airlines 737-900
United Airlines 737-900 First Class
United Airlines 737-900 First Class Seat

I had a little less than 90 minutes to waste before my flight to Panama. I decided to check out the United Club at Terminal E, which was crowded.

United Club - Bush International Airport Terminal E
United Club – Bush International Airport Terminal E
United Club - Bush International Airport Terminal E
United Club – Bush International Airport Terminal E Information Board
United Club - Bush International Airport Terminal E
United Club – Bush International Airport Terminal E Snack Station

After leaving the United Club, I went to American Express Centurion Lounge to freshen up. The renovated shower suite assisted in that task.

American Express Centurion Lounge - Bush International Airport
American Express Centurion Lounge – Bush International Airport Shower Room

Before long, it was time for me to board my Air China flight to Panama. The cabin, while on having eight suites, felt spacious. The flight attendants, food, and the seat were all pleasant.

Air China 777-300 First Class
Air China 777-300 First Class Cabin
Air China 777-300 First Class
Air China 777-300 First Class Suite
Air China 777-300 First Class
Air China 777-300 First Class Main Entree

Upon arrival, I made my way to the Sortis Hotel and Casino. It is a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. I had an amazing stay in one of the suites at the property.

Sortis Hotel and Casino
Sortis Hotel and Casino Front Desk
Sortis Hotel and Casino
Sortis Hotel and Casino Suite
Sortis Hotel and Casino
Sortis Hotel and Casino Suite

Even though I liked the Sortis Hotel, I made a reservation to spend a night at the Marriott Executive Apartments. The apartments were less than 10 minutes from the Sortis Hotel. While it was not quite as nice, it was a comfortable place to stay.

Marriott Executive Apartments Panama
Marriott Executive Apartments Panama Lobby
Marriott Executive Apartments Panama
Marriott Executive Apartments Panama Living Area
Marriott Executive Apartments Panama
Marriott Executive Apartments Panama Bedroom

There was a lull in the rain so I made my way to the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal. To see such a huge ship squeeze through tight quarters was truly an experience.

Panama Canal Miraflores Locks
Panama Canal Miraflores Locks
Panama Canal Miraflores Locks
Panama Canal Miraflores Locks
Panama Canal Miraflores Locks
Panama Canal Miraflores Locks

The next morning was eventful due to a missed flight. This allowed me time to visit the Tocumen Royal Saloon which is a Priority Pass Lounge. The lounge was bare bones.

Tocumen Royal Saloon
Tocumen Royal Saloon Entrance
Tocumen Royal Saloon
Tocumen Royal Saloon Front Desk
Tocumen Royal Saloon
Tocumen Royal Saloon Seating

I made my way to the Copa Lounge next. It was crowded and the food options were limited.

Copa Club Tocumen International Airport
Copa Club Tocumen International Airport
Copa Club Tocumen International Airport
Copa Club Tocumen International Airport Front Desk
Copa Club Tocumen International Airport
Copa Club Tocumen International Airport Snack Station

It was eventually time to board my flight to Houston and I could not have been happier. The Economy Plus seat was spacious and the flight attendants were friendly. The buffalo chicken sandwich was bad either.

United Airlines 737-800 Economy Plus
United Airlines 737-800
United Airlines 737-800 Economy Plus
United Airlines 737-800 Economy Plus Bulkhead Seating
United Airlines 737-800 Economy Plus
United Airlines Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

This only an introduction. The more in depth reviews will be coming in the following days. Thanks again for following along.

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