Copa Airlines Award Availability
Copa Airlines has a robust network throughout the Americas, including many destinations within the US. This makes the Panamanian flag carrier a good option for one-stop flights to many destinations in Central and South America. As of late, I have noticed a lot of Copa Airlines award availability showing on United's website specifically. Is this award space real? Is it limited to United MileagePlus members?
Copa Airlines
Copa Airlines' operations remind me a bit of Turkish Airlines. Turkish boasts flying to more destinations than any other airline in the world. Copa Airlines takes a similar approach, but more confined to the Western Hemisphere. This is mainly because Copa's fleet consists entirely of Boeing 737s, which have a shorter range than the wide body jets operated by global carriers.
Just because Copa operates 737s doesn't mean lie-flat seats are out of the question. Copa's new 737 MAX 9 aircrafts offer lie-flat seats in business class and have received solid reviews thus far.
Copa and United Continental go way back. Continental acquired a 49% stake in Copa in 1998, through which the two airlines formed a strategic alliance. Copa even adopted a livery and corporate logo similar to Continental's, which United now uses. Copa also used to participate in Continental's OnePass frequent flyer program until Continental merged with United. Continental reduced its ownership over the years until it exited entirely in 2008.
Copa Airlines Award Availability
As a member of Star Alliance, we should expect to see Copa Airlines award availability across Star Alliance programs such as United, Air Canada Aeroplan, and avianca lifemiles. Indeed, Copa does release award space to Aeroplan, lifemiles, and others. But the airline releases the most award space to United, and it isn't really close.
We're not just talking about a few seats here and there. We're talking wide open calendars. Here is award availability in business class for two passengers from Chicago (GIG) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) for January 2025:
Most of these days have multiple flight options available. Copa flies its 737 MAX 9 to Rio de Janeiro, and also on some flights to Chicago.
Unfortunately, United charges more for flights to South America than Aeroplan or lifemiles. United miles are also harder to earn since it only has Chase and Bilt as transfer partners. But United does offer a number of co-branded credit cards with Chase, as well as a business card. Also, you can use United' Excursionist Perk to make your miles take you farther.
Are These Awards Actually Bookable?
Yes, they are! I suspected they might be phantom awards since United was the only Star Alliance partner showing them. I even called Aeroplan and lifemiles and neither of their agents could see any of the awards that United was showing on its website. A helpful Aeroplan agent told me he has seen this issue many times and suspects that Copa indeed shares more availability with United than other Star Alliance members.
I took advantage of United's flexible award cancellation policy and made a test booking. I booked a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Las Vegas and it ticketed properly. I was even able to pull up my reservation directly on Copa's website after booking. (One of my favorite thing about United's website is how easy they make it to get the operating carrier's booking reference code.)
Copa Airlines Award Availability: ToP Thoughts
It's great to confirm that the recent deluge of Copa Airlines award availability via United is real and bookable. But I sure wish at least some of these awards were also available to other partners like Air Canada Aeroplan and avianca lifemiles, since those programs charge much less for these awards than United. Yet in a pinch, or if you have lots of United miles and don't know what yo use them for, this option is there.
Do you plan to book any Copa Airlines flights with United miles? Come share your thoughts in the ToP Facebook Group.
