Little vauge for me. I am unsure what FAQ's that you refer to. Is it possible to provide a link? Thanks and Safe Travels

Look ar http://mileageplusupdates.com/faq.html
First bullet item under "Earn"

However, this clarifies neither the issue of Class of Service nor Premier bonuses. All it says is that these will be determined later in the year. For all that we know, these could go away. They could even reduce the amount of base miles to a fraction of the actual miles flown. Caveat Emptor.

Actually, it's still not entirely clear to me. Yes, Copa flights will earn based on distance. But will it be 100% of the distance? 50% of the distance? What fare classes? Will premiers get a bonus?

If you have answers to these questions, please share.

I too am following what CM is going to do. I fly them often, happily, and was thinking of starting to switch all my accruing to CM after this latest bend over without lubricant. I will keep my 1MM going on UA solely by flying SFO-LAX on 2 RT's.

Quote, if anybody knows, please let us know! Would be nice to get an update from Pedro Heilbron ASAP as I have about 20 flights to book with Copa, but they all are after the fatidic day!

Good one!

To those asking for Copa's "Director of Loyalty Programs" (title correction, now that I research the email), I have written to ask permission to share it. I shared the questions presented here, so either way, I'll have answers as soon as he replies. Thanks for understanding my desire to extend that courtesy prior to sharing his email address.

How can COPA not follow UA on this? As it says on COPA's website, "MileagePlus is the Copa Airlines loyalty program."

They have several policies that vary from UA. Being MileagePlus doesn't mean that they have to do exactly as UA does.

For one, they give 125% PQM earnings to all m+ members on all of their flights. Another difference is that they offer CPUS and RPU redemptions (although good luck on the latter) on all their flights, no matter the origin or destination. UA now requires a GPU or miles +$$ for UGs from all points in South America.

Those are two big differences, the former being in place for years now. For those unfamiliar with it, be advised that you must buy your ticket direct from Copa to get the PQM bonus. Buy it on united.com, and it's lost. Copa will give it if purchased on their web site, in person at one of their ticket offices or at the airport, and (I believe) at travel agencies, but definitely check me on that last one before pulling the trigger. I don't want any hate mail. :D

Ken, I think you know I've flown a fair number of miles on COPA. I'm just not sure how they can keep MP as their loyalty program without adopting UA's basic earnings structure. At the very least, UA operated flights will have to credit per the new UA schedule.

But if they do keep mileage based earnings, COS bonus, and 100% 1K bonus, I'm pretty sure my post Mar. 1 trips to Colombia will all be on CM metal :D

Hi Gang! - I heard from Copa's Director of Loyalty Programs today, and he has requested that I share this information with you here rather than share his email address. Sorry, but I must respect his wishes and continue to be the conduit for relative information.

Important quotes from his reply:

1. Regarding your question of CM launching its own frequent flyer I can tell you that we are always evaluating our options in hopes of bringing the most value to our customers and stakeholders. As of now, there is no relevant news to share with you on that front, but be sure that you will be one of the persons I will contact in case we do.

2. On UA program changes for 2015 I can tell you the following:Read into his comments about their departure from M+ what you will. It is obviously not off the table.

The good news for now is that Copa flights purchased directly from them won't be affected. Combine that with their 125% PQM policy, and it is a good thing for value conscious travelers.

For those buying expensive Copa tickets and wanting the revenue system instead of the mileage-based system, it's very easy to do. Simply go to united.com, look for award tickets, choose the Copa flights, then instead of completing the purchase with miles, look for the purchase options that come up with your itinerary confirmation page. united.com won't show you many Copa flights otherwise, if they show them at all.

Keep in mind that tickets purchased anywhere other than direct from Copa do not earn the PQM bonus, so that would likely be something to consider in balancing the better of the two options. It has been my personal experience that they don't always price the same, either. UA often has them cheaper than direct from CM. That can be a consideration for both value shoppers and those seeking maximum RDMs.

I actually first saw the 2015 MP announcement on the COPA site where I was trying to select seats for an upcoming flight.

Nothing about elite or COS bonuses.

I have already sent a request for clarification on this one. Will keep you posted as soon as I hear from him. :)

At first I thought an airline having a "Director of Loyalty Programs" would be normal, even if under another airline's umbrella. Someone has to communicate between UA MP and CM, right?

However, just a quick looksy and came up with this: Head of Frequent Flyer and Loyalty Programs.

There's a slight chance this is a fairly new position for Copa. Now, this coming from just a random thought - if Smisek is as arrogant as he has shown to be, I wonder how he treats the good execs at Copa. I can see him with a "too bad so sad" attitude. Again, just wondering from the outside looking in - Willis Tower's decisions concerning MP directly effects Copa's customers. If I was Copa, I don't know if I would be happy with "changes you're gonna like". Just my 2¢