[How reliable is] COPA Airlines?
 

Can someone advise on the reliability of Copa Air. We intend to book from MIA to Rio de janiero in Dec. There are 12 business class seats on Boeing 737-700.

Please follow this thread in the FT Other North and South America Programs.
Thanks..
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

COPA Air
 

COPA is a fairly good airline with relatively new planes. I fly them regularly back and forth to Panama from countries in Central America and I've done the trip to Rio with them, which beats the heck out of returning to the USA to catch a flight to Rio. Service is typically good, although a 737 is a bit small for the overnight flight. COPA is partially owned by Continental Airlines, thus the similar logos, color schemes and code sharing--if that's of any comfort. Enjoy Rio
MatrixB

CO no longer holds any ownership stake in CM. They used to but sold it all off over the years in order to continue funding their pension funds and otherwise generate cash flow. That being said, they share the OnePass program with CO and are a very reliable carrier IME.

Other than the slightly stranger timing on the flights - daytime with the connection in PTY rather than the overnight redeye - and the fact that it is a domestic F seat rather than an international config the flights are fine.

Copa is definitely one of the better airlines in the region. I can't advise on their 737's, as fate only puts me on their E190's, but IME, their staff is friendly, planes are spotlessly clean, and PTY is a decent hub. Watch out though, as the only bar in the transit area tends to fill up. If you have time during your connection, pay the $5 for a tourist card, and take a cab to the Costa del Este area for food and drink, or hit up the Miraflores Locks. (or even go to Multiplaza Mall and eat there)

I just flew COPA a week ago or so. Washington to Santiago de Chile and back. All the flights were ontime, no issues, service was OK. I got my upgrade on 3 out of the 4 flights (I didn't get upgraded on the Panama to Dulles flight).

The flights from Panama to Santiago were really light, no more than 20 people total, so that helped. It was a 737-700 all the way through from IAD-SCL-IAD. The service onboard has gone down a tad bit, a bit inconsistent when it comes to amenities and service. The food was not the best, but edible.

I actually took pics of all the meals they served us... Airline Meal Set hehe

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One of my few options for an central america trip is Copa with the most service through PTY and TACA with limited service.
Anyone have any RECENT experience as to reliability and service recovery for missed connects?
Thanks

And the best part of it all, COPA may become a STAR Alliance partner next year.

Copa is a very reliable and efficient airine with many IN/OUT of their hub in PTY. In the very rare case you would miss a connection in PTY, you would be well covered. Most cases you only need about 20 minutes to connect to your next flight in PTY.

Is there really a possibility otherwise? lol

They will be * next year, and as AdamSouthFL said, they have an incredibly efficient hub at PTY, plus you get a 25% mqm bonus booking on thier website!

I've been taking advantage of the 25% bonus until recently. However, for some reason, Orbitz has been selling the same COPA flights I always use (IAD-MDE) for up to $100 less than COPA.com. That's like paying $0.08 per bonus EQM. Not worth it for me, anyway, since I'll hit 1K with or without it.

I don't know if there is a difference for other routes. I've booked my last two COPA flights on Orbitz and received the same upgrades, ability to select ELR seats on COPA.com, etc.

We are considering Copa IAD-PTY-AUA next year. The fare is good and the Panama overnight adds a new dimension to the trip.

We have never been to Panama before. My research shows no visa needed and no special vaccinations.

We would arrive in Panama Friday afternoon and fly to Aruba the next morning. Our hope is to visit the canal and some brief sight seeing.

And thoughts either way?

The Miraflores Locks are the once closest to Panama City. There is an observation deck and a museum that explains the history of the Canal.

Depending on what you like, you could go afterwards to the restored downtown (Casco Viejo) or the modern Multiplaza shopping center.

For dining you could consider the restaurants on the end of the Causeway, or the Las Terrazas area in Multiplaza.

Taxis fares are reasonable and it's the easiest way of moving around. Accomodation is a bit expensive though.

If you have never been to the canal, try Miraflores with a small visitor centre, shop etc. There is a restaurant, we did the adequate buffet for about $20 each. I use the Marriott, if you have some points maybe worth using some for the 1 nighter?

Oddly enough, I'm going there this afternoon on Copa, and they are decent enough.

Enjoy

Thanks for the suggestion on Orbitz! A great $ saver! I love Copa (their service, on-time perf., and upgrades) and fly them whenever possible. ^