Oct 14, 2015, 11:47 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
COPA ceased using MileagePlus in July 2015 --forming its own program, ConnectMiles. However, COPA has continue to allow the use of UA MP GPUs.RPUs
With the introduction of PlusPoints, those are usable on CM.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use United GPUs/RPUs (and PlusPoints) on Copa?
A: Yes, both GPUs and RPUs can be used on Copa operated flights.
Q: What fare class do I need to be available for a GPU/RPU?
A: Z space on Copa.Or is it X? There are conflicting reports.
Q: Where can I find out what fare class is available?
A: Expertflyer is the best best. There are a few (old) reports that you can look for Z space on the UA site using expert mode. But that does not appear to be true.
There are also reports that Copa's I and Z inventory are closely, if not directly, correlated. Use the UA site to search for business saver award.
Q: Who do I call to process the upgrade?
A: Upgrades are processed by the "Star Alliance Desk" (which is not part of UA). Instead it appears to be a facilitator for travel on different *A carriers. Call United and asked to be transferred to the Star Alliance Desk. (Please add a direct number here if anyone has it).
Q: How does this work?
A: the Star Alliance Desk will create a United PNR for your Copa reservation and then apply the instrument for upgrade. You can see this PNR later in your UA account.
Q: Can I waitlist for an upgrade?
A: No. There is no current mechanism to wait list for flights. Keep checking back to see if space opens up.
Q: What fares are mileage upgradeable?
A: Copa Airlines – M, H, Q, K, V, U, S, O, W, E, L, T and A class
Pre-separation thread
COPA Upgrades for United members?
Related thread
Mileage Plus PQD/PQM for Copa?
With the introduction of PlusPoints, those are usable on CM.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use United GPUs/RPUs (and PlusPoints) on Copa?
A: Yes, both GPUs and RPUs can be used on Copa operated flights.
Q: What fare class do I need to be available for a GPU/RPU?
A: Z space on Copa.
Q: Where can I find out what fare class is available?
A: Expertflyer is the best best. There are a few (old) reports that you can look for Z space on the UA site using expert mode. But that does not appear to be true.
There are also reports that Copa's I and Z inventory are closely, if not directly, correlated. Use the UA site to search for business saver award.
A: Upgrades are processed by the "Star Alliance Desk" (which is not part of UA). Instead it appears to be a facilitator for travel on different *A carriers. Call United and asked to be transferred to the Star Alliance Desk. (Please add a direct number here if anyone has it).
A: the Star Alliance Desk will create a United PNR for your Copa reservation and then apply the instrument for upgrade. You can see this PNR later in your UA account.
Q: Can I waitlist for an upgrade?
A: No. There is no current mechanism to wait list for flights. Keep checking back to see if space opens up.
Q: What fares are mileage upgradeable?
A: Copa Airlines – M, H, Q, K, V, U, S, O, W, E, L, T and A class
Pre-separation thread
COPA Upgrades for United members?
Related thread
Mileage Plus PQD/PQM for Copa?
Upgrades for UA MP flyer on COPA post MP separation
Aug 11, 2015, 9:45 am
#2
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1
Turbulence
Maybe the Copa schism isn't working out real well, at least not yet. I called yesterday to ask when online ConnectMiles redemptions would become available and the representative put me on hold to find out what I was talking about. Finally, she said that's set for November.
Sep 22, 2015, 4:52 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: dark side of the moon
Programs: papa card, UA 1K
Posts: 707
Using ua systemwides on copa
I was thinking of going to South America in a couple of months and I found out that I could use my systemwides on COPA without fare class restrictions (above N). Anyway as I would be flying through PTY I wondered if each systemwide would cover both legs: NYC to PTY to XXX like UA would (stopover in PTY would probably be just a few hours).
If you know please let me know...
If you know please let me know...
Sep 22, 2015, 4:58 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, AA Plat Pro, VS Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 838
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Sep 22, 2015 at 5:51 pm Reason: Quote update to reflect Moderator edit
Sep 22, 2015, 5:39 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: dark side of the moon
Programs: papa card, UA 1K
Posts: 707
chaps thanks for your replys
qisu that's helpful and thanks for letting me know but as you know since January COPA has (IMO unfortunately) become it's own company and lots of rules have changed.....
qisu that's helpful and thanks for letting me know but as you know since January COPA has (IMO unfortunately) become it's own company and lots of rules have changed.....
Sep 22, 2015, 6:48 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: UA 1K MM, HH Gold, Marriott Gold Elite
Posts: 1,478
I booked a Copa flight after the break-up (on UA stock to get the PQD): JFK-PTY-MDE. I called to use my RPU to UG the flights. Only JFK-PTY leg was available and PTY-MDE was not. No big deal, PTY-MDE is only about an hour flight. So I got UG'd for the JFK-PTY leg. But I was told that if PTY-MDE UG becomes available later, I will have to use another RPU to UG that leg.
One RPU can be used on both segments only if UGs on the both flights are available at the same time.
One RPU can be used on both segments only if UGs on the both flights are available at the same time.
Last edited by CAPT Tee; Sep 22, 2015 at 6:56 pm
Sep 22, 2015, 6:59 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K/MM, AA GLD
Posts: 1,709
I booked a Copa flight after the break-up (on UA stock to get the PQD): JFK-PTY-MDE. I called to use my RPU to UG the flights. Only JFK-PTY leg was available and PTY-MDE was not. No big deal, PTY-MDE is only about an hour flight. So I got UG'd for the JFK-PTY leg. But I was told that if PTY-MDE UG becomes available later, I will have to use another RPU to UG that leg.
One RPU can be used on both segments only if UGs on the both flights are available at the same time.
One RPU can be used on both segments only if UGs on the both flights are available at the same time.
Sep 23, 2015, 7:39 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: UA 1K MM, HH Gold, Marriott Gold Elite
Posts: 1,478
I called again today to UG the return legs. UG'd both segments of the return trip with one RPU. Asked about UG on the second leg on the outbound and was told again it would take another RPU. This is the third person told me the same thing.
Sep 23, 2015, 1:26 pm
#12
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,470
ConnectMiles - Upgrade Certificates
Sep 23, 2015, 5:49 pm
#13
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: ORD-SXM-VNO
Programs: LH Senator, HHonors Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Marriott Platinum, Radisson Premium
Posts: 152
That's what the Copa ConnectMiles website says - 1 segment per instrument.
ConnectMiles - Upgrade Certificates
ConnectMiles - Upgrade Certificates
Sep 23, 2015, 5:58 pm
#14
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: dark side of the moon
Programs: papa card, UA 1K
Posts: 707
Written response from GS agent today:
One certificate covers an entire journey from original to destination of your outbound flights and then another certificate if you had return flights on Copa.
Also, when upgrading on Copa it is wither available or not available, they do not allow waitlists or upgrade stand bys.
All multi-cabin flights operated by Copa Airlines are eligible for Regional Premier Upgrades and Global Premier Upgrades without fare restrictions
One certificate covers an entire journey from original to destination of your outbound flights and then another certificate if you had return flights on Copa.
Also, when upgrading on Copa it is wither available or not available, they do not allow waitlists or upgrade stand bys.
All multi-cabin flights operated by Copa Airlines are eligible for Regional Premier Upgrades and Global Premier Upgrades without fare restrictions
Sep 23, 2015, 6:51 pm
#15
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,470