Pasta option in C or order VGML
Jan 25, 2025 | 7:19 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA1MM*G4L/1K, AA, BnVy Plat4L, Accor Plat, HH Silver,
Posts: 713
Pasta option in C or order VGML
Does anyone know / recall recent menu for lunch / dinner service on US flights to/from PTY in business? Does Copa have a standard pasta option or would you recommend calling and ordering a VGML in advance as a vegetarian? I’m used to UA advance meal selection where you rarely have to make a special meal request anymore. Thanks in advance for any perspective / comments. (Btw much prefer a pasta to a VGML hence the ask 
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Feb 10, 2025 | 3:35 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA1MM*G4L/1K, AA, BnVy Plat4L, Accor Plat, HH Silver,
Posts: 713
Answering my own question
No idea how consistent this is, but for Chicago-Panama (3x weekly afternoon departure), the meal offering was a chicken dish or pasta. For the daily evening return flight, the choice was chicken or salmon. Using the adage better safe than hungry, I did call ahead and ordered VGML (they don't offer varieties like AVML). Both meals were on the plane and actually quite tasty. Copa seems to course things out (to a point) but for the veggie meal you get everything delivered at once. Unlike most airlines who will let you pick a normal dessert, Copa flight attendants will only give you what comes with your VGML. Going down, it was some pre-packaged think; coming back was actually a nice whipped thing with fruit (didn't take photos).
Overall, I was really impressed with the flights this time. We were hoping to win the Copa 737 roulette game as they seem to randomly mix in the lie-flat max9s to Chicago and after a streak, we got the 737-800s with the expanded pitch and footrests. It was actually a really pleasant ride and I'd take this seat over a United domestic F. The service was also much more attentive than the last times we took Copa. The PTY lounge was crowded, but had enough snack and finger sandwiches; along with a nice bartender that I'd also say nice improvement. We connected to a short flight and one had the original C seats and one was with loungers. All the flight attendants were terrific with service, even on the short flights.
Copa afternoon VGML from Chicago-PTY
VGML dinner on PTY-ORD...mashed potatos with chickpeas, peppers and pumpkin balls.
No idea how consistent this is, but for Chicago-Panama (3x weekly afternoon departure), the meal offering was a chicken dish or pasta. For the daily evening return flight, the choice was chicken or salmon. Using the adage better safe than hungry, I did call ahead and ordered VGML (they don't offer varieties like AVML). Both meals were on the plane and actually quite tasty. Copa seems to course things out (to a point) but for the veggie meal you get everything delivered at once. Unlike most airlines who will let you pick a normal dessert, Copa flight attendants will only give you what comes with your VGML. Going down, it was some pre-packaged think; coming back was actually a nice whipped thing with fruit (didn't take photos).
Overall, I was really impressed with the flights this time. We were hoping to win the Copa 737 roulette game as they seem to randomly mix in the lie-flat max9s to Chicago and after a streak, we got the 737-800s with the expanded pitch and footrests. It was actually a really pleasant ride and I'd take this seat over a United domestic F. The service was also much more attentive than the last times we took Copa. The PTY lounge was crowded, but had enough snack and finger sandwiches; along with a nice bartender that I'd also say nice improvement. We connected to a short flight and one had the original C seats and one was with loungers. All the flight attendants were terrific with service, even on the short flights.
Copa afternoon VGML from Chicago-PTY
VGML dinner on PTY-ORD...mashed potatos with chickpeas, peppers and pumpkin balls.