Gate 20 in T1 is where you’ll hit Relay first
This branch of Relay in Terminal 1 near gate 20 covers the basics: magazines, bottled drinks, chips, and last-minute travel gear. It runs during core bank times tied to PTY’s early-morning and late-night flights, so you’ll usually find it open when the 05:00–08:00 and evening departures are moving. Think quick grab-and-go, not a place to linger.
Figure on $2–$4 for bottled water or soda and around $3–$6 for snacks like chips, cookies, and candy. Prices sit a bit above city supermarkets but in line with other PTY airport shops. You’ll also see basic electronics like charging cables and power adapters, often in the $10–$25 range, plus a few neck pillows and eye masks if you forgot yours.
Print media runs from regional Spanish-language newspapers to a handful of English magazines; selection changes with each shipment. There’s a small wall of souvenirs with Panama-branded keychains and mugs under $15, good for a fast gift between connections in T1 and T2. Don’t expect deep book choices or niche titles — this is more “kill 20 minutes before boarding” territory.
Cards are accepted in USD, and receipts clearly show prices in dollars, which tracks with PTY’s standard. Staff flip between Spanish and basic English, so simple asks like “water, cold” or “USB-C cable” go smoothly. One practical move: grab water and a snack here before you head to the gate 20 holding area, where options thin out fast once a full narrow-body departure queues up.