Thank you for such a detailed video. As someone with anxiety (who loves to travel) these types of videos really help me to know what to expect so I can mentally prepare. I'm planning a trip and have to take Copa, I'll be keeping some of the things you mentioned in mind while deciding if I should book business class or not.
Lots of valid points but it is important to look at the competition in the region. COPA offers business class service, much of their local rivals like Avianca do not. LATAM services at the north of the region are pretty limited and only offer business class on longer haul. COPA, for business, is also pretty reasonably priced. As you say the food isn’t great, but again most of the local competition is BoB if that. On the new lounge at Tucemen you are completely correct but then lounge food in the region with only a few exceptions is pretty dire. With the departure of the Embraers COPA is moving to a Max offering. The business class in that is way superior to the 800 you flew on. Note there are still a few 700s in the system as well.
I do think their newest business class is way better than their old. Hopefully they have improved the food as well. The lounge is nice, but the food at the lounge was a joke when I was there.
Very good video and description! My experience as a frequent flyer to and from the US and Panama CIty and between in the US has shown me that despite the outdated seats in business class, Copa Airlines is a much better flying experience from most airlines in US and in the region. Since the boarding of the airplane, where you do not need to wait like 2 or 3 priority boarding groups that goes before you in business class (that typically happens in the US) following the excellent and kind service with good food quality, I still have not fly business in the US in a 737-800 that beats Copa neither in American or United. Can’t speak about Delta. Outside the US, in Latin America, there is no comparison as well. Avianca, LATAM or Aeromexico experience are terrible compared to Copa Airlines when you fly in business or even in economy. Copa is still one of the few airlines that offers you food in Economy (real food, not peanuts…). In case you decide to fly again to Panama city you will probably get the new 800 Max from Copa with their Dreams business class. That would be another story…
Suprised you didn't mention one of the biggest drawbacks of flying Copa through PTY to US/Canada. They do not allow water botttles (full or empty) through gate security. You are dependent on the flight crew for any liquids. This may not be the biggest deal in business class but economy you may be chasing the FA for a drink.
@@AwardViking Believe its a TSA rule that all passengers must go through security before boarding a US destined flight. Since there are connecting passengers, they have to have security at the gate. I just think PTY enforces it a little too strictly as they do not allow any water bottles through security.
That is too bad you had such a poor experience with COPA. They apparently are not consistent in their service for a report I saw a few weeks ago had a better food arrangement and a cloth that was used like a table cloth and it was a shorter flight, I believe it was Miami to Panama City. From their food service in their lounge to their inflight food seems they need to work a little harder. I would be very disappointed if I had flown them! Thanks for your report. Take care.
My experience was awfull. It is only good for short flights. For long flights is terrible. In economy their planes have only 2 restrooms in the back, so the lines and wait is long. Not only that, I was never credited to my account the miles they promised! I don't recommend this airline!
My seat on the B version was fine. Row 1 have probably litte more leg room, but you can not put anything on the floor during take off and landings. Row 1 can for someone be a little bit bother some since you are close to the galley where the crew chat and makes food.
@@AwardViking bro its the cheapest business class for a reason, didnt you do research? Youre delusional. I dont think its stone age, I think its fair for the cost.
Of course I did research. But they have so many different configurations on the 737-800. There is no Wi-Fi, no power outlets and some configurations you don’t have a own IFE screen or foot rest. The comment about Stone Age was to the IFE screen. The seats looked and felt nice, but the IFE monitor is so outdated. I didn’t pay for this flight, but uses my miles, but understand that they are cheap 😉
