Answering my own question

No idea how consistent this is, but for Chicago-Panama (3x weekly afternoon departure), the meal offering was a chicken dish or pasta. For the daily evening return flight, the choice was chicken or salmon. Using the adage better safe than hungry, I did call ahead and ordered VGML (they don't offer varieties like AVML). Both meals were on the plane and actually quite tasty. Copa seems to course things out (to a point) but for the veggie meal you get everything delivered at once. Unlike most airlines who will let you pick a normal dessert, Copa flight attendants will only give you what comes with your VGML. Going down, it was some pre-packaged think; coming back was actually a nice whipped thing with fruit (didn't take photos).

Overall, I was really impressed with the flights this time. We were hoping to win the Copa 737 roulette game as they seem to randomly mix in the lie-flat max9s to Chicago and after a streak, we got the 737-800s with the expanded pitch and footrests. It was actually a really pleasant ride and I'd take this seat over a United domestic F. The service was also much more attentive than the last times we took Copa. The PTY lounge was crowded, but had enough snack and finger sandwiches; along with a nice bartender that I'd also say nice improvement. We connected to a short flight and one had the original C seats and one was with loungers. All the flight attendants were terrific with service, even on the short flights.

Copa afternoon VGML from Chicago-PTY


VGML dinner on PTY-ORD...mashed potatos with chickpeas, peppers and pumpkin balls.