UA Announces Planned Denver - Panama City Service, Starting 3 December 2014
May 7, 2014, 11:05 am
#46
Join Date: Jan 2008
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That makes sense if you're paying for F. I used to prefer the IAH-BOG flights until they removed CPUs and required GPUs for instrument upgrades, so now I'm trying to go through PTY. A possible upgrade to a lounge seat is still better than an impossible upgrade.
May 7, 2014, 11:06 am
#47
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The problem is knowing in advance whether you'll get the new cabin. LAX-PTY gets the new one pretty consistently.
May 7, 2014, 11:07 am
#48
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: DEN
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I don't think you read what I said.
I now book IAH-BOG for the lie-flat. I don't like to rely on CPU's (particuarly with CM, since they really only upgrade at T-24 and later). The UA P fares to latin america are basically comparable to CM's D fares, but much more widely available.
I also much prefer AV to CM for connections within Colombia.
I've logged many, many miles on CM. The service is inconsistent. I also had a horrible experience when they shut down their PTY hub for a long weekend due to systems failure. It took me six months and multiple emails to their CEO to get a refund of my refundable ticket.
These are all the reasons I personally now book away from CM.
But I don't disagree that for travel to PTY they are in many respects superior to UA.
I now book IAH-BOG for the lie-flat. I don't like to rely on CPU's (particuarly with CM, since they really only upgrade at T-24 and later). The UA P fares to latin america are basically comparable to CM's D fares, but much more widely available.
I also much prefer AV to CM for connections within Colombia.
I've logged many, many miles on CM. The service is inconsistent. I also had a horrible experience when they shut down their PTY hub for a long weekend due to systems failure. It took me six months and multiple emails to their CEO to get a refund of my refundable ticket.
These are all the reasons I personally now book away from CM.
But I don't disagree that for travel to PTY they are in many respects superior to UA.
May 7, 2014, 2:48 pm
#49
Join Date: Jun 2002
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May 7, 2014, 2:53 pm
#50
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when i saw this thread title i was expecting to learn about exciting new CR200 service to ECP. it's quite sad the standards that United has set for my expectations.
May 7, 2014, 3:57 pm
#51
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
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Don't kid yourself.
Flew PTY-MVD-PTY in the fall. PTY-MVD delayed 3 hours because lighting struck the plane while it was parked at the gate.
On the return a few days later, torrential rains at PTY caused us to divert to a nearby airport. Sat on the 737 for 5 more hours on top of the 8 hour flight. 13 hours on a 737.
Yes, PTY has efficient connections when the sun is shining. But it's basically in a rainforest.
Flew PTY-MVD-PTY in the fall. PTY-MVD delayed 3 hours because lighting struck the plane while it was parked at the gate.
On the return a few days later, torrential rains at PTY caused us to divert to a nearby airport. Sat on the 737 for 5 more hours on top of the 8 hour flight. 13 hours on a 737.
Yes, PTY has efficient connections when the sun is shining. But it's basically in a rainforest.
May 7, 2014, 4:13 pm
#52
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I've been through PTY somewhere north of 25 times over the past five years and really don't ever recall a serious flight delay due to weather. They get torrential downpours but they tend to blow through quickly.
I don't like that airport at all (especially the COPA Club and the lack of decent food options), but it is highly functional and very convenient for tight connections.
May 7, 2014, 4:18 pm
#53
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: DEN
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I actually have unpublished trip report from this mis(adventure). You guys are really making me think some folks might be entertained!
May 7, 2014, 5:05 pm
#54
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May 7, 2014, 5:09 pm
#55
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The COPA Club basically is a PC. A very overcrowded PC with no amenities, inadequate air conditioning, and lots of really loud guests. It's been under construction for something like two years now (or at least still was last time I went through in late 2013).
May 7, 2014, 5:11 pm
#56
Join Date: May 2013
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May 7, 2014, 5:29 pm
#57
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May 8, 2014, 3:00 pm
#59
Join Date: Apr 2003
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Of course, that depends on the schedule, which hasn't been announced. I assume a red-eye from DEN-PTY, returning flight leaving PTY around breakfast time?
May 8, 2014, 3:14 pm
#60
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UA probably cares a lot less about this aspect. :-: