GRU (Guarulhos) Check In without going through Immigration (Terminal 3)

Question

I have the flight: CMB to DXB to GRU to PTY all sold by single ticket through Emirates. GRU to PTY is a codeshare by Emirates operated by COPA airlines (CM702). I will be arriving around 5PM at GRU and departing at 1AM (about 8 hours layover). The arrival and departure is both from Terminal 3.

I've read that at GRU, the COPA airlines desk is behind immigration and I'm trying to transit without VISA.

How can I get the boarding pass at GRU without going through immigration at Terminal 3? Is there a transfer desk? Is this 100% guaranteed way of getting a boarding pass?

I think because of the codeshare, I won't be able to do web or mobile check in.

Answer 1

1. When you check in with Emirates in Columbo ask all these questions. Make sure they understand that you can't enter Brazil. If you are lucky, you get all the boarding passes there. If not you can execute the steps below until you have them.
2. Do the same thing in Dubai. There WILL be an Emirates service desk. Go and ask for a boarding pass or the procedure how to get one in GRU. Generally the staff in Dubai will be better informed and have more resources than in Colombo. Again, if you are lucky they can issue the boarding pass there.
3. Try online check in with Copa 24 hours before the departure in GRU (wherever you are at that time). Make sure you have the mobile app downloaded, you have created and registered an account and you have associated the Copa booking reference with your account before the trip. If you are lucky, you can check in and get a boarding pass that way.
4. Once in GRU look for an Emirates agent when you exit the plane. If you are lucky there will be some standing at the gate. Grab them and ask about the boarding pass for your next leg. They should be able to tell you what to do. Make sure they understand that you cannot enter Brazil and go to the Copa check in counter. If you manage to get instructions, follow them. You may have to be insistent: don't let the agent brush you off.
5. Find a Copa agent airside. There may be a service desk, but it's not very likely that they a) have one and b) will staff it since they are only operating two flights a day. If you can't find a desk or location, ask at the information (if there is one).
6. If you can't find anyone call Copa and ask them what to do. Make sure you have a phone that's charged and works in Brazil and that you have the number already in your contacts. If you can't use a cell phone connection, you can try WIFI calling.
7. If you still don't have a boarding pass, go to your departure gate and hang out there. At some point someone from Copa will eventually show up. Approach them as soon as the gate is staffed and they are logged into the local computer system. These are gate agents and gate agents can and do issue boarding passes.

Is this 100% guaranteed way of getting a boarding pass?

Nothing is guaranteed. Stating the obvious here: you are travelling a very complicated itinerary at one of the worst possible times for travel. Rules & processes are changing quickly and staff and information systems have a hard time keeping up. The information from today may not be valid in two weeks any more. Like it or not: This trip involves a non-trivial amount of risk and you need to decide for yourself whether its worth it.