What Will Copa Do?
 

I realize that this is highly speculative at this point, and that all I heard late last year was a rumor, but I did hear that Copa was working on their own FF program to break away from M+. I didn't think much else of it.

When UA announced that northern South America would no longer be CPU/RPU eligible, I tried to find out from every Copa rep I could find - in person, on the phone and finally by writing to Pedro Heilbron, if Copa's flight would have the same rule. That's where it got really interesting.

I was shocked that HE was shocked at the news, so apparently nobody at UA or M+ had the courtesy of letting Copa know about that change in advance. He couldn't tell me if they were going to have to comply (he honestly didn't know!), but he said he would get the answer for me.

Within about 10 minutes, I had an answer from Copa's VP of Passenger Loyalty Programs who assured me of what we all now know, all Copa flights from anywhere to anywhere would continue to be CPU/RPU eligible. The more subtle part, but much more telling to me, was that Copa HAD a Vice President of Customer Loyalty Programs.

If Copa always had been, currently was and planned to continue being a M+ member, why would they have someone in this position? Nobody at Copa will admit it, but it could be that they, as a very well run, profitable, loyalty-driven airline, may be growing tired of all the games being played by Smisek and Co.

Perhaps they recognize that they can stand alone, as other Latin American Airlines do, as a member of an alliance without having their reputation tarnished by UA. It would take a while to plan such a departure, thus the hiring of someone to orchestrate it could have come well ahead of their plans to cut their ties.

If they do, assuming they can hook up with a program I continue to value, whether it be OW or *A, I will most likely move to Copa. It would be wonderful to have U.S. access on my favorite airline, then the freedom to choose another carrier to cart me around while I'm there before returning back home on Copa.

Am I alone in my desire, or do we have others here who share my sentiments?

I've always thought that COPA and AV in the same alliance was about the most awkward marriage you could possibly have. But there would be a similar conflict with LAN if they switched to OW, and ST would be a huge step down. So I don't see CM leaving *A.

As for starting their own loyalty program, I suppose it could be done, but what about all the MP miles held by their customers? It would certainly be a very complicated divorce.

I'm sure though that CM would love to be able to offer flights directly into IAH, rather than relying on UA for all that oil business feed.

COPA has long sucked on the teet of CO and now COdbaUA. I mean, when you model your aircraft livery and interiors on CO, you obviously have little standards and will follow CO in whatever it does.

Except they do things right. Their aircraft are much more comfortable than any narrow body at CO ever was. Their lounges are nicer, their staff is more friendly. They may model themselves after CO, but they absolutely know how to weed out the bad and keep the good.

:confused: The 737s were configured with the exact same seats. Yes, there are some now with the improved C cabin, but otherwise exactly the same.

You mean the one in PTY? Seriously??
Except when they lie to you about processing upgrades or adding you to the list. Because I like flying in Y even when I've used instruments to upgrade.

Hmm, Interesting thought. I like the COPA 25% PQM Bonus and they seem to be running a good airline (albeit) I havent flown them much. My next MVD and EZE will probably take me through PTY :) Thanks and Safe Travels

Sounds like you had a clash with latin culture - "si senor, it is no problem." ;)

CO (the good CO, back in the day), really helped CM be the 'CO' of latin america, literally since they were using CO interiors, CO club standards, etc).

Except they were latin america, so they had to provide better meals, and alcohol.

CO owned almost half of Copa before, and they sold it to fund their pension obligations (just like they sold ExpressJet).

KenInEscazu

Do you mind sharing the contact information from CM's VP of customer loyalty? I would like to ask what is CM's plan for RDM (and maybe PQM) starting in 2015. I specifically asked to MP what happens with RDMs when using 023xxx stock I was told that CM will be treated exactly like any other *A carrier, and is not clear what will happen to CoS and Premier bonuses. For me, it will be a doubly whammy since I typically spend 20-30+ cpm in CM, but $$ may not translate to RDMs under new rules. So I will get fewer miles both from my relatively expensive CM flights and the not so expensive UA. Given UAL poor soft product and drastically reduced service to LaTAm, for the past 2 years I have been exclusively flying CM, but these changes may push me towards the dAArk side, where at least I will get flat beds instead of recliners (if lucky enough to get the 738B).

Thanks in advance

[QUOTE=sbm12;23021854You mean the one in PTY? Seriously?? [/QUOTE]+1. I understand it's jointly run with UA, which explains a lot. Was really disappointing -- no food, no champagne and no showers unless you were on a long connection (!). Yeah, it was like a UC, not like a foreign airline.

But overall I liked CM. I'm in on the CUZ MR deal.

I'd really like to understand if for next year Copa will do as United (11 Miles per $ as I'm 1K) or they will be like other Star Alliance airlines and still accrue by mile flown...

United states that only tickets on 016 stock are affected by the change, but MileagePlus being CM FF program makes me wonder...

As a self funded 1K Member based in Italy I cannot have a credit card that gives me miles, and the only reason I switched to OnePass (then MP) was the miles bonus as a 1K, if Copa is going the United route, then byebye!

We need a clear answer on this!

I once thought that COPA stood for COntinental PAnama...... :D

Ken, would you mind sharing with me the contact for this VP so I can email him and share my thoughts on why COPA should get their own FF program.

I would not think twice on moving to a COPA FF program, they even code share with KLM which would actually benefit me.

Thanks

I did ask MP specifically what will happen to 023xxx stock. The answer was:

Hello uyflyer,

We’re always glad to hear from Premier 1K members like you. Thanks for writing.

At this time, the changes only affect United & United Express, along with tickets issued on the 016 ticket stock.

We appreciate you taking the time to contact us.

Regards,

xxxxxx
MileagePlus

So it is safe to assume that CM tickets will accrue miles based on distance, not $. The big question is what will happen to the class of service and premier bonuses, or to the base accrual rate, for that matter. I will hold on booking more CM 2015 flights until this is clarified.

It was clarified - in the updated FAQ re: 3/1/15.