COPA new FF program -- ConnectMiles -- where to discuss?
Mar 24, 2015 | 5:34 pm
#17
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Mar 24, 2015 | 6:25 pm
#18
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Personally, I'm holding back my excitement until I see what status they "give" me. I love that word, as if I haven't spent thousands of dollars flying them, or anything.
No matter what it is, however, I'm certainly not alone in wanting to discuss it now, and the numbers will only increase.
Apr 14, 2015 | 9:32 pm
#19
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Copa just provided some details on its new program. While I remain skeptical of how well Copa can operate a complex FFP, I have to admit the program details themselves sound really, really good. Basically it's the UA program pre-PQD, pre- mileage based RDM. Top tier status ("Presidential Platinum" - lol) will apparently include three RPUs and six GPUs good on United.
Details here.
Still awaiting: *A partner redemption charts.
Details here.
Still awaiting: *A partner redemption charts.
Apr 15, 2015 | 3:26 am
#20
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OMG - they will have 4 tiers (including 3 tiers mapping to Star Gold) - do they really need THAT many?
I find this absolutely idiotic - ' The member can only access the lounge when traveling internationally' - do they have any domestic routes in Panama? I doubt it. Or they refer to AeroRepublica Colombian domestic routes? Or they refer to ANY domestic route (like FRA-MUC - all Star Golds can access lounge, so only Copa Golds would not be able to do so?)
I am not particularly impressed...
I find this absolutely idiotic - ' The member can only access the lounge when traveling internationally' - do they have any domestic routes in Panama? I doubt it. Or they refer to AeroRepublica Colombian domestic routes? Or they refer to ANY domestic route (like FRA-MUC - all Star Golds can access lounge, so only Copa Golds would not be able to do so?)
I am not particularly impressed...
Last edited by TPJ; Apr 15, 2015 at 2:46 pm
Apr 15, 2015 | 8:48 am
#21
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Or they refer to ANY domestic route (like FRA-MUC - all Star Golds can access lounge, so only Copa Golds would not be able to do so?)
Apr 15, 2015 | 3:01 pm
#23
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Yes - quite deliberately - if they make an effort to start a new program, they should do a better job with providing full details. I suspect 'The member can only access the lounge when traveling internationally' is just copy/paste from current MP rules.
PS. I believe AV offers Colombian domestic lounge access even to their Silver members.
Apr 15, 2015 | 5:29 pm
#24
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2. Connect Regional Upgrades are available on Copa Airlines-operated flights and United-operated flights in certain regions (fare restrictions apply).
Apr 15, 2015 | 6:09 pm
#25
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Very few FFPs in the world are as detailed with their program description as UA's. If you're going to hold CM to that standard, they will fail. As would LH, AV, etc.
I'm not a big CM fan but the program benefits sound pretty good.
Apr 27, 2015 | 9:15 pm
#26
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New Email Today
I guess they are getting a lot of email/phone calls regarding things that I thought were obvious. They sent out this email today:
I am still 100% on CPUs for my USA trips, and I have been getting them on my trips both ways between SJO and MDE, too. Hoping that and my USA trips get me converted to Presidential Platinum.
Thank you for your interest in ConnectMiles, the new loyalty program from Copa Airlines. Part of getting ready for our program launch in July 2015 is keeping future members up to date and informed. For this reason, we want to provide clear answers to two of our most frequently asked questions:
What will happen to my existing MileagePlus balance?
Answer: Copa Airlines starting its own loyalty program will not affect your existing MileagePlus balance or status in any way. MileagePlus will remain a strong loyalty program. The existing balances that you have can be used for award travel on Copa Airlines and any other Star Alliance carrier. It was very important to both United and Copa Airlines, that customers did not lose their accrued value as a result of the Copa Airlines loyalty program launch.
What will happen to the status I have earned in MileagePlus?
Answer: As previously noted, Copa Airlines starting its own loyalty program will not impact your MileagePlus status. Therefore, MileagePlus Premier members will receive either Star Alliance Silver or Gold benefits.
At the same time, Copa Airlines will recognize customers previous travels and commitment to Copa Airlines with a status offer that will be similar to what you have previously earned in MileagePlus. Going forward, it becomes your choice which program you wish to concentrate your efforts to retain or grow your status. Both ConnectMiles and MileagePlus will offer unique status benefits to their program members.
Personally, I love flying Copa. I have even been paying for my regular trips between SJO and MDE, thanks to JohhnyColombia enlightening me to choose Panama as the page I use for pricing. Even UA has been offering low prices on the route at the last page of claiming an award, giving me the chance to earn miles there while I wait for ConnectMiles to start.What will happen to my existing MileagePlus balance?
Answer: Copa Airlines starting its own loyalty program will not affect your existing MileagePlus balance or status in any way. MileagePlus will remain a strong loyalty program. The existing balances that you have can be used for award travel on Copa Airlines and any other Star Alliance carrier. It was very important to both United and Copa Airlines, that customers did not lose their accrued value as a result of the Copa Airlines loyalty program launch.
What will happen to the status I have earned in MileagePlus?
Answer: As previously noted, Copa Airlines starting its own loyalty program will not impact your MileagePlus status. Therefore, MileagePlus Premier members will receive either Star Alliance Silver or Gold benefits.
At the same time, Copa Airlines will recognize customers previous travels and commitment to Copa Airlines with a status offer that will be similar to what you have previously earned in MileagePlus. Going forward, it becomes your choice which program you wish to concentrate your efforts to retain or grow your status. Both ConnectMiles and MileagePlus will offer unique status benefits to their program members.
I am still 100% on CPUs for my USA trips, and I have been getting them on my trips both ways between SJO and MDE, too. Hoping that and my USA trips get me converted to Presidential Platinum.
Apr 27, 2015 | 9:41 pm
#27
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May 21, 2015 | 8:30 am
#29
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CM has also posted *A earning and redemption charts.
The earnings are poor, with UA fares below H earning either 75% or 50%. Connect Miles on UA flights.
The award chart is copied from UA, with the same devalued *A redemption rates that UA introduced last year. *A Redemption Chart. Additionally, because this chart applies to redemptions on UA, UA flights through CM will cost considerably more than redeeming through UA.
Unfortunately, the reality of the program does not live up to its early promise.
The earnings are poor, with UA fares below H earning either 75% or 50%. Connect Miles on UA flights.
The award chart is copied from UA, with the same devalued *A redemption rates that UA introduced last year. *A Redemption Chart. Additionally, because this chart applies to redemptions on UA, UA flights through CM will cost considerably more than redeeming through UA.
Unfortunately, the reality of the program does not live up to its early promise.
May 21, 2015 | 10:20 am
#30
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