I've had 10 COPA flights so far.... looks like I'm the leader here. ;-)

I second that COPA is a CO clone, with service a notch above-- I remember the head of ground services boarded and shook each FC passenger's hand before departure on flights out of CCS, LIM, and EZE.

All COPA flights have Clase Ejecutiva, which is F as opposed to BF, meaning you can upgrade on COPA system-wide. Hence, unlimited elite companion upgrades into Peru, Brasil, and Argentina!! I have never tried to upgrade prior to flight date, but am almost 100% for upgrades. One exception was once when I arrived _very_ late (like 5 min. before departure) and the gate agent refused to upgrade my mom and me because they couldn't cater the extra F meal-- and they refused to let us sit in F and eat a coach meal. I can understand-- but I wasn't too happy about it.

The hub in Panama is very easy to use, and the flights are very well coordinated with a late morning bank, and an evening bank of flights. If all goes as scheduled (and I am 100% for on-time departures/arrivals), you'll have an hour max in the airport during each bank. If you happen to be in PTY between banks, then you can leave the airport for a couple bucks and venture into town: I recall that a 9 hour visa was quite a bit cheaper than a regular visa for longer-- just mention to the agent that you will only be in PTY for under 9 hours, and MAKE SURE THEY NOTE THE ENTRY TIME IN YOUR PASSPORT!!! Once they didn't note the time, and I had to pay the full fee when leaving. Full fee is like $20; the 9 hour visa is maybe $3.

Most of the time if you sit on the left window side of the plane ('A' seats) you have a great view of downtown Panama City on landing. Have your camera ready!

What else...... PTY uses the Colon, and 1 colon = $1 US. For the most part, colones and dollars, including change, are used interchangeably throughout Panama. The coins are about the same sizes, weights, and denominations as US coins-- only they have different pictures.

Watch your change before you leave to make sure you have quarters and not colones... just trade them at an airport shop before you leave so you can use them in the US.

What else about COPA..... IMO, one of the best deals for OnePass mileage is the 20,000 award within Latin America is one of the best deals: find a cheap flight into San Juan or a charter to Cancun and fly COPA into South America, with a free Panama stopover.

Have a great trip!!

[This message has been edited by Viajero Joven (edited 12-18-2001).]