Central America - Delta's Latin American presence?

I'm thinking of relocating to Panama but hate to give up my Delta status as I do use all those miles and love the occasional upgrades! However, does this mean that I will have to book rt tickets in and out of ATL anytime I want to travel anywhere else? This year I went to PVG, SOF, CAI, DUB along with more than a few domestic flights (retired).

The only partner I could find was aeromexico and I don't think that will help much. Thanks for any help.

Delta has a large presence in Latin America, but everything goes via ATL. Aeromexico has a growing presence, but everything connects via MEX.

DL has only one flight a day into ATL from PTY. I fly it often.

You may find that your loyalty will switch to UA (CO) as Copa (Panama's airline, now part of *A) is huge and a great airline. AA is the largest US airline in the Latin America region with many flights into MIA - but, in my opinion, AA is the worst.

If you get upgraded or purchase F out of PTY on DL, they use AA's AC. (CM has a really nice PC at PTY. The AC is still decorated from the late 80's and is not that great - better than nothing though.)

one word---COPA

In the works for me next year are trips to BOG, PTY, LIM & CCS. I really wish there was more than one flight per day.

AeroMexico does offer some options. But I really do like the service I get on DL. It would be nice to see a couple of departures each way.

If I were the OP and did relocate to PTY, I would try to status match to UACO and plan on using CM for the first and last legs of his trips.

I really have liked CM for the flights I've used them, and got upgrades often as a Gold Elite.

COPA is a good airline, but their prices tend to be quite high :(

Then again, all air travel prices tend to be high in Latin America :mad:

EmailKid

Indeed COPA seems to be a great airline from my limited experience but like others said QUITE expensive out of Latin America. I can sometimes BUY miles and use them cheaper than buying the flight directly! When flying to the US I fly Delta and everyone who has status seems to always clear upgrades into Latin America.

Indeed COPA seems to be a great airline from my limited experience but like others said QUITE expensive out of Latin America. I can sometimes BUY miles and use them cheaper than buying the flight directly! When flying to the US I fly Delta and everyone who has status seems to always clear upgrades into Latin America.


Interesting comments about the price. From Brazil (where we are) to the U.S., Copa is often shown the cheapest airline, especially biz class but also economy class on Expedia. I've never taken them, though a friend who just flew biz class on Copa to LAX wasn't thrilled. Delta flew out of Fortaleza, where we are, for a while (non-stop to ATL, using 757s), but cut those when it added its GRU-DTW flights. We've taken US Airways and Continental biz class to the States. My wife's preference is US Airways since the seats are true lie-flat seats. Otherwise we take Continental, and have avoided United, since United flies 3-class planes from Brazil to the States, so biz class is just middle class.

Maybe someone can comment on the Delta flights to Panama. In my experience I've flown three times a year to MGA and the plane is anywhere from 25-75% full. I actually prefer to sit in coach and get my own row, lay down and take a nap. Have been able to do this coming and going when traveling to Managua.