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
Dec 6, 2017, 7:56 pm
#61
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NRT / HND
Programs: AA EXP, NH Plat, Former UA 1K
Posts: 5,665
I've finally gotten MPSC to acknowledge it at least, so will see how it goes from here. The last person who got my email seems to at least understand what's going on. Although they did say it could be 4 weeks for credit, lol.
Jan 24, 2018, 8:08 pm
#64
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Medellín
Programs: LH SEN | UA 1K
Posts: 77
Here is what happened:
- I had booked a Copa flight on UA metal with codeshare flight numbers
- The agent on the phone said she has to re-issue the ticket with Copa flight numbers in order to apply the RPU
- Now I have Copa flight numbers on my re-issued ticket, and then afterwards the RPU was applied through the Copa Upgrade Desk in Mexico
- I had booked a Copa flight on UA metal with codeshare flight numbers
- The agent on the phone said she has to re-issue the ticket with Copa flight numbers in order to apply the RPU
- Now I have Copa flight numbers on my re-issued ticket, and then afterwards the RPU was applied through the Copa Upgrade Desk in Mexico
Aug 1, 2018, 2:21 pm
#65
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: EWR
Programs: Latam Pass Black; UA 1K, 1MM; Marriott LT
Posts: 300
Copa - upgrades using RPUs and baggage allowance
Hopefully helpful to at least one person and in the right place.. did a quick search and couldn't find anything relevant.
Flights booked on COPA through a regular travel agent, and with COPA ticket number. JFK-PTY-ASU for a GS and a non-status on separate record locators.
Managed to upgrade with RPU, by callng UA who reissued the ticket with a UA ticket reference.
PTY - ASU was confirmed with the first call, and was told that although JFK-PTY was showing available for upgrade, the agent couldn't get it to go through.. call back and see if it would work.
Called back a day or two later, and agent said yep, no problem to get the JFK - PTY confirmed.
Note that the RPUs were being applied to Mrs Limey (GS) and MIL Limey (no status, different record locator).
Mrs Limey being well educated in the way of the world called 24 hours before departure to check (maybe she just doesn't trust me, which based on what happened would be well founded) and found out that the tix had not been properly synced, so spent a while on the phone as United had a friendly chat with COPA.)
During the course of a couple of conversation, Mrs Limey was given incorrect info by a COPA person regarding the extra bag for *G, so I printed off the COPA policy and she called back and spoke to an agent who confirmed there was an extra 70lb bag.
(The concern during this period is that COPA isn't accepting even paid "excess" baggage, so it would suck to show up with a 70lb bag and be told to leave it behind.)
Hopefully useful for someone... seems like one of the better uses of RPUs to get out of a terrible economy seat into a slightly less terrible "business" class on 737s.
Btw one RPU covered both legs, which is almost 12 hours..... that's a good deal IMHO.
Flights booked on COPA through a regular travel agent, and with COPA ticket number. JFK-PTY-ASU for a GS and a non-status on separate record locators.
Managed to upgrade with RPU, by callng UA who reissued the ticket with a UA ticket reference.
PTY - ASU was confirmed with the first call, and was told that although JFK-PTY was showing available for upgrade, the agent couldn't get it to go through.. call back and see if it would work.
Called back a day or two later, and agent said yep, no problem to get the JFK - PTY confirmed.
Note that the RPUs were being applied to Mrs Limey (GS) and MIL Limey (no status, different record locator).
Mrs Limey being well educated in the way of the world called 24 hours before departure to check (maybe she just doesn't trust me, which based on what happened would be well founded) and found out that the tix had not been properly synced, so spent a while on the phone as United had a friendly chat with COPA.)
During the course of a couple of conversation, Mrs Limey was given incorrect info by a COPA person regarding the extra bag for *G, so I printed off the COPA policy and she called back and spoke to an agent who confirmed there was an extra 70lb bag.
(The concern during this period is that COPA isn't accepting even paid "excess" baggage, so it would suck to show up with a 70lb bag and be told to leave it behind.)
Hopefully useful for someone... seems like one of the better uses of RPUs to get out of a terrible economy seat into a slightly less terrible "business" class on 737s.
Btw one RPU covered both legs, which is almost 12 hours..... that's a good deal IMHO.
Last edited by LimeyFlyer; Aug 1, 2018 at 2:22 pm Reason: Clarify that UA had to take over the ticket.
Oct 5, 2018, 8:43 pm
#71
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,832
Oct 24, 2018, 5:39 pm
#72
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,904
I bought a round-trip U class ticket on Copa with United directly on a 016 ticket.
I received the receipt showing the PQM/PQD, award miles, etc.
I then used a United regional upgrade for both segments. This changed the class from U to Z.
My new receipt showed 0 earning in all categories. I asked the agent and they said it was just a glitch and would post. Well it hasn't and Mileage Plus says all they can do is send the request for mileage credit to Copa even though it is a 016 ticket.
Has anyone experienced this before?
Numerous calls to MPSC and get all kinds of nonsense about them having to deal with CM. Why? It's a 016 ticket. They can see history and usage.
And the idea about boarding passes, what about people who use their phone? Welcome to 2018.
I received the receipt showing the PQM/PQD, award miles, etc.
I then used a United regional upgrade for both segments. This changed the class from U to Z.
My new receipt showed 0 earning in all categories. I asked the agent and they said it was just a glitch and would post. Well it hasn't and Mileage Plus says all they can do is send the request for mileage credit to Copa even though it is a 016 ticket.
Has anyone experienced this before?
Numerous calls to MPSC and get all kinds of nonsense about them having to deal with CM. Why? It's a 016 ticket. They can see history and usage.
And the idea about boarding passes, what about people who use their phone? Welcome to 2018.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Oct 24, 2018 at 8:40 pm Reason: merging posts by same member
Oct 24, 2018, 8:34 pm
#73
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,832
I bought a round-trip U class ticket on Copa with United directly on a 016 ticket.
I received the receipt showing the PQM/PQD, award miles, etc.
I then used a United regional upgrade for both segments. This changed the class from U to Z.
My new receipt showed 0 earning in all categories. I asked the agent and they said it was just a glitch and would post. Well it hasn't and Mileage Plus says all they can do is send the request for mileage credit to Copa even though it is a 016 ticket.
Has anyone experienced this before?
I received the receipt showing the PQM/PQD, award miles, etc.
I then used a United regional upgrade for both segments. This changed the class from U to Z.
My new receipt showed 0 earning in all categories. I asked the agent and they said it was just a glitch and would post. Well it hasn't and Mileage Plus says all they can do is send the request for mileage credit to Copa even though it is a 016 ticket.
Has anyone experienced this before?
It may take a human to contact COPA. COPA has to approved the mileage to be creditted.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Oct 24, 2018 at 8:41 pm
Oct 25, 2018, 10:47 am
#74
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,026
I bought a round-trip U class ticket on Copa with United directly on a 016 ticket.
I received the receipt showing the PQM/PQD, award miles, etc.
I then used a United regional upgrade for both segments. This changed the class from U to Z.
My new receipt showed 0 earning in all categories. I asked the agent and they said it was just a glitch and would post. Well it hasn't and Mileage Plus says all they can do is send the request for mileage credit to Copa even though it is a 016 ticket.
Has anyone experienced this before?
Numerous calls to MPSC and get all kinds of nonsense about them having to deal with CM. Why? It's a 016 ticket. They can see history and usage.
And the idea about boarding passes, what about people who use their phone? Welcome to 2018.
I received the receipt showing the PQM/PQD, award miles, etc.
I then used a United regional upgrade for both segments. This changed the class from U to Z.
My new receipt showed 0 earning in all categories. I asked the agent and they said it was just a glitch and would post. Well it hasn't and Mileage Plus says all they can do is send the request for mileage credit to Copa even though it is a 016 ticket.
Has anyone experienced this before?
Numerous calls to MPSC and get all kinds of nonsense about them having to deal with CM. Why? It's a 016 ticket. They can see history and usage.
And the idea about boarding passes, what about people who use their phone? Welcome to 2018.
Oct 25, 2018, 10:55 am
#75
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,448
don't call. Send an Email to [email protected]. Send a copy of your original receipt showing U class and state that you used an RPU to upgrade.