At the end of last year, my wife did a mileage run to get up to Silver for this year and it has worked out great, 2 upgrades for her, and one for our son when they flew together.... With this change, there is no way she would do that again. It basically means Silvers have to get on the list at check-in behind last minute Golds and any Gold companions and upgrade bidders... Far less chance of upgrade, and that is the only reason we have been loyal to Copa.

Since I usually book only a couple weeks in advance I never really get the Promo fares, so that part doesn't affect me. But lately Copa's fares have been very high... to the point that it cost almost the same for me to book Business/First with United as it does to book Coach on Copa. Might be time to rethink where I'm earning miles.... especially since we are moving back to California this summer. I should probably just start earning on United Mileage Plus... Bummer since I just flew UA and earned CM miles...