I'm thinking about booking the non-stop EWR-PTY but can't quite stomach the idea of 5+hours on a 739. Anyone done this recently? Is there any IFE? CO.com says there isn't even a meal, just a snack? This is only an hour shorter than BOS-LHR, so you'd think you'd get at least transcon service.

I did it in March. The IFE depends on the plane. IF the plane has a system then there is IFE. If not there isn't. Bring your own if you're really worried.

In F there was a full dinner service that was comparable to a transcon meal (or very close). In the back there was a dinner served but I'm not sure of the exact details.

Here's the details for tonight's flight:

Inflight Amenity Information
Continental Flight 887
New York/Newark, NJ (EWR - Liberty) to
Panama City, Panama (PTY)
Mon., Jun 15, 2009 at 5:20 PM
Boeing 737-800

Complimentary Food
First Class: Full meal with choice of three hot main course options
Main Cabin: Snack featuring salad and a choice of hot sandwiches

Inflight Entertainment
Overhead video monitors and 12 channels of in-seat audio entertainment. A movie will be shown. Headsets are complimentary in First Class. In Economy Class, you may purchase your own headset for $1 and keep it for use on future Continental flights. This charge applies only to flights within U.S. and Canada, and certain destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. Your cabin crew will inform you if the charge is applicable for your flight.

In-seat Power
Not offered on this flight

Panama, like most international destinations, lets the airlines know they expect real food to be served on arriving and departing flights, unlike US destination who cringe at it, because they can sell a sandwich and a Coke for $13 at the airport.

are you elite? this is a very easy upgrade even for a silver

not sure if you are flexible on dates but if you are you could very well plan this to maximize your chances of an upgrade

if you are not elite, you MAY be offered the chance to pay for the upgrade when you check in, it depends on whether or not there are still seats in F after clearing the plat/gold/silver upgrades

Thanks, this is helpful!

I'm not elite, but am fully willing to upgrade using miles. However, I'm traveling with my in-laws and Mrs. TylerDurden4543 tells me that I'm not allowed to upgrade myself and leave them in Y...ugh.

Bring your laptop and some movies. I haver never had IFE in all the times I have flown there.