I can see the frustration with being told to expect one thing and then getting the opposite. I wouldn't say that phenomenon is isolated to Copa, however. It feels like an industry norm!

Overall, my experiences with Copa have been good. When compared with the rest of the region's airlines, Copa is excellent, probably #2 behind LAN.

I flew to South America last night, on UA, and had multiple problems. I changed my connecting flight at the last minute, at the check-in counter, which apparently took the last seat away from a stand-by passenger that was expecting to get on. At the gate I was given the run-around and at one point was even told I couldn't board and that I was re-booked on my original, later flight. Once I told them that if I mis-connect I will have them endorse my full-fare business class ticket to AA they got me back on the earlier flight...

I would change the title of the thread to: If you think Copa is bad...you haven't flown United.