While my last trip to PTY was some months ago, the upgrade for this Plat did not happen until shortly before departure. I noticed that the cabin appeared to be full of US business types (dress, un-foreign-accented English, powerpoint presentations, papers with company letterhead). I was told by my seatmate that many engineering and construction companies were sending employees to PTY regularly for work on the canal expansion. He said that he flew down there almost weekly as did his fellow and allied industry members. He said that many of their competitors and subcontrators were in the F cabin. He said that F was almost always full on these flights.

My guess is that the canal expansion may result in lower upgrade rates for Elites, especially Silvers and Golds, and especially on commuting days on this route.