Any datapoints on being able to upgrade w/ an award flight?

Upgraded Both Legs
 

Offered FlyUp on a cheap economy basic ticket. BOS->PTY->BOG. Offered $175 which was half the guaranteed $360 price for the BOS PTY leg. Offered the minimum of $85 on the PTY BOG leg. Both offers were accepted. Before bidding there were 4 seats and 6 seats available respectively. All in $475 business class BOS to BOG.


I’ve been to the PTY Copa lounge. It’s comfortable and quiet. Basic bar but the food is pretty lame.

For BOG I always bid $5 more than the minimum (Some times as low as $60) and always get the upgrade. Worth it especially when its the 737 MAX.

Depends on the route. Generally giving 5$ to 10$ more that the minimum is enough. Copa will take money first instead of giving the business seat for free. In more demanding routes like EZE, MVD, SFO and JFK, a lot of people like to participate in the bids searching an easy upgrade, therefore is recommended to bid higher to get the seat.

Are upgrades offered on bookings not done directly with Copa? ie. Corporate bookings, Amex/Chase portals

Yes, but your frequently flyer number must be add in the reservation, for doing it directly in the app or webpage. At the end, it doesn't matter where you buy it. In case you don't have a connect miles account, for having the ability for bidding or receive the mail for the offer, you must added your personal email, therefore, the corporate mail is gonna be the one receiving the offer.

Thanks! There’s a United number attached to the reservation as well as an email address.

That's Great. Also remember that if you bought the most basic economy ticket modality, you are not eligible for an upgrade by any means.
Just keep an eye in the email, and you will receive the offer for bidding for a business class seat if there is one available.

I placed a bid for a trip from YUL-PTY last week for $180, and I was selected. Unfortunately, my credit card was maxed out and the payment didn't go through. Maybe next time.

When would they let you know if your bid is successful or not?

I am wondering if I should fork out the $70x4 to choose my seats now flying from LAX-PTY-EZE roundtrip. Or if I should chance it and try to make an offer for business class seats.

Thank you.

You will know if your bid was accepted aprox 1 hour before web check in. A mail will be sent informing the Fly up upgrade. Obviously, if you pay the instant upgrade, you will receive a mail of confirmation after the payment.

Anyone know what the prices are usually like for MVD/GIG/EZE? What about JFK daytime?