What fare code needs to be available for someone to automatically upgrade using a RPU or GPU into First on COPA?

Upgrade types

The main question remains. On flights with UA segments, how does this work?

An important consideration when not booking on Copa's website is that you will not receive the 25% EQM/PQM bonus if you book your trip on Orbitz or anywhere else. 10% savings is significant, but a 25% in PQM bonus is quite big too.

Plus, I've found that the EDU process and IRROPS treatment works better when your travel is booked directly. After all, Copa has to pay Orbitz 10% for the business!

Thanks. I'm aware of the rules for upgrading but that link doesn't indicate which fare code needs to be available to determine if an upgrade with RPU/GPU is available immediately. For example, on UA there needs to be R/RN bucket available. What fare bucket is it for COPA?

It is R on CM metal as well, AFAIK.

Thanks! Doesn't seem the R bucket is visible like it is in on United flights.

Automatically upgrade? To use RPUs on COPA, I think you still have to call UA and request that they do this.

In any event, if you successfully do this, please let us know your routing, and h0w the upgrade process went, espeilly if you are doing a domestic-USA leg in addition to the CM segment.

Sorry - NOT automatically upgrade but upgrade immediately if the correct upgrade fare bucket is available.

The only front cabin fare codes I have ever seen for COPA on any sites are C (bus class refundable) and D (bus non-refundable). Sometimes class "I" shows up on flight day, but I think that is not a bookable fare.

I am pretty sure that if "D" is available, you will get an automatic upgrade, but you may need to call in to push it through.

FWIW - Until 2 weeks ago, I had not failed to receive a complimentary UG since Jan '11. However, I missed the cut on both the inbound and outbound of IAD-PTY. That said, I was in 14A with infinite legroom and nobody in 14B, so I was still a very happy camper.

I hope this means that more people are paying for C and maybe CM will be encouraged to add another flight.

Incidentally, the United website is currently wrong. It says:

All Premier members are eligible for instant upgrades on Copa flights, when traveling on Y, B, M or H tickets.

But Copa confirms that they only offer instant upgrades for Y, B, & M. Not H. FYI,

David

Just booked YYZ-CUR in H class - no instant upgrade, so it seems that United website is wrong indeed :confused:

But if you are flying from ORD and PTY as an 1k, you are still eligible for CPU regardless of booking class, right?

Yes, except for award flights.

i keep on eyeballing flying Copa... maybe next year, i'm on track for 1K+ again this year so i can save some runs ex-IAD for later.