Originally Posted by
IAATM
Similarly, I'm hoping that by buying a single ticket from UA (interlined over to AR, as previously described) that I will be somewhat protected should I miss my flight out of AEP (due to UA delays out of IAH).
If there are significant delays out of IAH then UA should be able to alter the downline segment to help you out. If you get stuck in traffic or are fighting with immigration or anything else like that then you're mostly on your own.
Changing airports is a pain and Copa via PTY will be a much easier connection. But it also is a couple very long flights in a domestic config 737 so if you were considering premium cabins it wouldn't be my first choice.