Miami to Rio
Jun 2, 2009, 8:37 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Virginia and Vitoria, ES Brazil
Programs: UA 1K, Million Miler, *G, JJ, AD, Global Entry, CLEAR, H.O.G. Life Member
Posts: 1,407
You don't mention if you have any affiliation with a mileage program. If redeemable miles are important to you, TAM will get you that on United's MP program, possible some others as they codeshare with UA, LH and one or two more. Copa has been affiliated with CO. But CO will be joining *A in Oct 09.
As for service and comfort in the air, no direct experience with either, but from reading other posts, TAM would seem preferable. Also, on departure from Rio, you should be able to use the TAM lounge, which is considered pretty good by other posting here.
And finally, TAM is a direct flight, hence much shorter. Don't know if Copa does a plane change or not. Even if not, might need to deplane in Panama and go through screening and reboard. Perhaps othes can chime in on this.
With only a 200 dollar difference as you indicate, I'd go for TAM.
As for service and comfort in the air, no direct experience with either, but from reading other posts, TAM would seem preferable. Also, on departure from Rio, you should be able to use the TAM lounge, which is considered pretty good by other posting here.
And finally, TAM is a direct flight, hence much shorter. Don't know if Copa does a plane change or not. Even if not, might need to deplane in Panama and go through screening and reboard. Perhaps othes can chime in on this.
With only a 200 dollar difference as you indicate, I'd go for TAM.
Jun 2, 2009, 8:12 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: West Palm Beach, FL
Programs: AA EXP, CM Silver, IHG Silver
Posts: 522
Copa flies a 737 to Brazil. The seats are comparable to Continental's domestic first class on a 737. I would elect TAM on this one.
If flying with Copa, the connection in Panama will be short but there's no security screening/passport control to go through.
If flying with Copa, the connection in Panama will be short but there's no security screening/passport control to go through.
Jun 4, 2009, 3:12 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: AMS>GRU/GIG
Programs: KL/AF Platinum
Posts: 1,417
No question here: TAM.
1. You will fly nonstop;
2. TAM uses widebody aircraft while COPA uses narrow body (B737). Imagine flying all this distance with a narrow-body!
3. TAM is one of the best airlines in the region.
4. TAM uses GIG new T2 while COPA GIG old T1.
Rgs,
1. You will fly nonstop;
2. TAM uses widebody aircraft while COPA uses narrow body (B737). Imagine flying all this distance with a narrow-body!
3. TAM is one of the best airlines in the region.
4. TAM uses GIG new T2 while COPA GIG old T1.
Rgs,
Jun 13, 2009, 1:04 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: UA 1K MM, HH Gold, Marriott Gold Elite
Posts: 1,478
Copa uses B737 with business class seat similar to U.S. carriers' domestic first class seat - 38 inch pitch, about 120 degree recline, and no footrest.
TAM uses B767 wide body and I assume their Business Class seat is Lazy Boy type seat with footrest, at least 55 inch pitch and 150 degree recline.
No doubt even I would spring for the additional $200 for TAM.
TAM uses B767 wide body and I assume their Business Class seat is Lazy Boy type seat with footrest, at least 55 inch pitch and 150 degree recline.
No doubt even I would spring for the additional $200 for TAM.