Exploring Copa Airlines: A Journey through Central America
Copa Airlines is an intriguing carrier worth knowing. Positioned at the crossroads of two continents, this Panamanian airline has carved a niche for itself by connecting North and South America. With a fleet comprised solely of around 100 Boeing 737s, Copa sets itself apart from other low-cost carriers. Instead, it operates as a full-service airline, offering premium cabins and some of the longest 737 routes in the industry.
Like many airlines utilizing the 737, Copa significantly invested in the MAX variant, ultimately becoming entangled in the controversies surrounding it over the past few years. On the positive side, the airline rose to the occasion, introducing the exceptional “Dreams” business class cabin. Designed for Copa’s medium-haul services, this seating option prioritizes quality sleep on four- to seven-hour flights.
Our recent journey with Copa provided us the opportunity to experience both the new MAX cabin and the opening of the upgraded terminal at their Panama City hub. Though our plans encountered some bumps, we were still able to gain valuable insights into the airline’s offerings and its airport enhancements.
Pre-Flight Experience in Santiago
Our Copa adventure began with an award booking from Santiago to Washington D.C., with a stop in Panama City. For travelers leaving Santiago, the Primeclass Pacifico lounge offers an inviting space for Copa’s premium cabin passengers.
We were eagerly anticipating meeting the Dreams seat on board, especially given the overnight departure when restful sleep was paramount.
Experiencing the Dreams Business Class Seat
On Copa’s MAX aircraft, you’ll find either 12 or 16 lie-flat Dreams seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration. One of the standout features of these seats is their ability to recline fully, enhancing the sleep quality which is paramount for long journeys. This type of seating is typically found on widebody aircraft, making Copa’s offering quite unique among single-aisle planes.
The seat finishes and designs were modern and appealing. Flight attendants greeted us with pre-departure refreshments, setting a positive tone for the journey ahead.
However, just as we were beginning to settle in, the captain announced a turn-back to Santiago due to an unusual vibration detected by the crew. Despite being inconvenienced, we appreciated the crew’s commitment to safety, as they inspected the aircraft thoroughly before deeming it fit to fly again, albeit three hours later than scheduled.
Interestingly, on the same day, Copa announced their recognition as Central America’s most punctual airline for 2023. This acknowledgment highlighted their reputation for operational reliability, which we experienced once we were back in the air.
Ultimately, we pressed on toward our destination, managing to catch some much-needed sleep during the flight, and were pleasantly surprised by the breakfast served before landing.
Discovering the Hub of the Americas
Due to our unexpected delay, we found ourselves with extra time to explore Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. The airport has undergone significant enhancements due to Copa’s recent growth, with the introduction of a new Terminal 2, which launched in 2022.
This modern facility offers a fresh, sleek appearance and ample lounges for passengers to relax, though seating can become crowded during peak hours. Despite some limitations on food quality, the amenities provided satisfactory comfort and Wi-Fi connectivity.
After spending a few hours in the terminal, we boarded our rescheduled flight to Washington D.C., leaving behind a stunning Panama City sunset.
Final Thoughts on Copa Airlines
Looking back, our experience with Copa’s Dreams business class was dynamic and insightful. While there were unexpected twists, we were impressed by the airline’s services and their new terminal at Tocumen. Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- The lie-flat Dreams seat is a high-quality business class option compared to many single-aisle planes.
- Copa frequently offers competitive fares in premium cabins.
- The new Terminal 2 at Tocumen is a significant upgrade for travelers.
- Passengers can book extended stopovers in Panama City, an exciting opportunity for exploration.
- Copa lives up to its reputation of reliability.
Cons:
- Copa operates on a hub-and-spoke model, leading to necessary stopovers unless flying directly to Panama City.
- Many of Copa’s older 737s are equipped with standard recliner seats instead of the Dreams option.
- Some traffic still utilizes the older, more cramped Terminal 1.
- The offerings in Copa’s lounges could use improvements, specifically in food quality.
In Closing: The new routes launched by Copa, including services to Austin and Raleigh-Durham, indicate their continuing relevance for travelers from the U.S. heading south. If you have flown with Copa Airlines, we welcome you to share your experiences in the comments below.
Article has been taken from aviationweek.com: https://www.airlinereporter.com/2024/07/copa-737-business/
