Hello guys,

I've booked my very first-ever trip with Copa.
I've booked Montréal to Medellin, with a stopover in Panama on the way home.
I have booked the fare as a round-trip business class ticket.

I'm just curious about what I can expect in terms of the on-board experience.
It'll be a 737-800 "B" variant between Panama & Montréal. Looks like old-school-style recliners, I'm fine with that.
Is the catering any good?

From what I can tell, the short hops between Panama & Medellin may only offer a water bottle and chips as far as inflight service is concerned. a little disappointing, but not a real issue for such a short flight.

Anyways I'd be happy to hear from the Copa forum members who are much more frequent fliers on this airline

Thank you in advance!

Based on my COPA Business Class JFK-PTY experiences (I assume Montreal-PTY flight is similar) the catering is minimal. For overnight flight, you’ll get a hot breakfast before landing (I usually have pancakes or French toasts). Nothing else before that, not even a beverage service. Day and evening flight has a hot meal, seems like I always get a chicken dish with salad.

Before COVID, PTY-MDE flight used to have a cold ham or cheese sandwich, not anymore.

Thanks!

Sounds very similar to a domestic first class flight with United. Oh well.

Landed in PTY around an hour ago.

First impressions of CM, not bad at all!

Check-in YUL: No screen showing which line was for J pax, but station manager greeting all pax and asking whether in J or Y, as well as verifying visas, etc. Check-in was quick and efficient.

In-flight: Got a "new" config 737-800, I was impressed with the amount of leg room, recline and plushness of the seat. No pillows or blankets provided, but I did not feel the need to request one. The seats were quite comfortable.
Entertainment was a little limited, but I found a couple movies to watch, and kept track of the flight on the map.
service was very friendly. I was greeting by name, and warmly welcomed aboard.
I think a pre-landing snack, mixed nuts or something would have been nice. Maybe a couple more water runs.
Basic service, but executed well by a professional and personable crew, whom I cannot fault.
Catering was not bad either! Options were scrambled eggs and potatoes or Apple Crępes.

PTY transfer & lounge experience: ​​​​ We arrived at T1, which meant a looooong walk to T2 (connecting to MDE). The walk was pleasant after 6 hours in the 737, but quite a trek.
Copa Club here in T2 is nice, but lacking.
The complimentary bar is a nice perk, but the food offerings are shockingly subpar. Just some carrot sticks, hummus, and mini finger sandwhiches.
Catering could be vastly improved.

Staff: All staff have been very polite, pleasant, and welcoming.

So overall, I'd give Copa a 7.5 / 10 so far.

A few minor adjustments could really punch them up to the next level. Arguably, one of the most important aspects- the crew, is already top notch.

Cheers to all.

At this moment the food in the Business class was improve and is little better in post covid. before covid was great.
Normally in long flight you can request a drinks and some snacks but when the flight attend don't provide. In some time want a take a rest and try not offer a good service.
If you want, you can request a blanket and more drinks and snack.

I agree with entertainment is really old and not updated. In personal, I don't nothing to watch in full entertainment system.

Will be flying for first time on 306 (LAX-PTY, 1:02am departure) in business on MAX in "dreams." Strangely they seem to have two flights LAX-PTY within 20 minutes of each other, but I digress... Should I expect a meal? Dinner? Just breakfast? This is really about flat seats to sleep, but starting the vacation with a few drinks and a snack at least on the first flight is always a plus.

Can’t speak for that route but have done similar timings on EZE-PTY and essentially they offered peanuts before sleeping and breakfast was served 2 hours before landing. I imagine the service flow would be similar.