Howdy from Panama! After flying Boliviana de Aviacion’s A330 enterprise class from Miami (MIA) to Santa Cruz de le Sierra (VVI), after which connecting to GOL’s 737 MAX premium economic system to Sao Paulo (GRU), I then continued in Copa’s 737 MAX enterprise class to Panama Metropolis (PTY). This was a 6hr20min flight, departing on the slightly ungodly hour of three:10AM.
I used to be trying ahead to lastly flying Copa’s Boeing 737 MAX 9 enterprise class, which is the provider’s sole plane kind that includes flat beds in enterprise class. I had meant to fly this a few years again, however there was a airplane swap on the final minute, so I reviewed Copa’s 737-800 enterprise class (truly, two variations of the provider’s 737-800 enterprise class).
On this put up I wished to share my preliminary ideas, after which quickly I’ll have a full evaluation. Lengthy story brief, I believe Copa enterprise class can signify an important deal, given the widely wonderful pricing, and plentiful award availability. It’s good to get a flat mattress and a few first rate facilities, however that is about as no frills as enterprise class will get, from the meals, to the service, to the dearth of Wi-Fi.
Copa’s 737 MAX enterprise class seats are a minimum of flat
Copa’s Boeing 737 MAX 9s have what the airline markets as its “Goals” enterprise class. Planes both have three or 4 rows of enterprise class, and I used to be on a jet with three rows of enterprise class (which in concept is most popular when it comes to service ranges and toilet entry, however handle your expectations with regards to each). 😉
Copa makes use of the favored Collins Aerospace Diamond seat, so the cabin is in a 2-2 structure, that means there’s not direct aisle entry from each seat.
These aren’t actually aggressive lengthy haul enterprise class seats these days, however for a slender physique jet, it’s after all nonetheless higher than not having a flat mattress. Copa did a fairly good job with the finishes of the seats, as I fairly like the colour scheme.
I do want the airline had created a bigger privateness protect between the 2 seats, since you actually haven’t any privateness from the individual seated subsequent to you, and that may be lower than best when one individual is making an attempt to sleep, whereas the opposite desires to be awake.
Whereas this seat isn’t about to win any awards, I did handle to get some stable sleep in my window seat, although in equity, I used to be additionally actually drained.
Copa has an okay leisure choice on its 737 MAXs, with round 90 films, 60 TV reveals, and the map function. Moderately frustratingly, Copa doesn’t have Wi-Fi on these jets. That wasn’t an enormous deal on this very early morning flight, however for a daytime flight, that’s lower than best.
Copa’s enterprise class bedding is great
To Copa’s credit score, the airline presents wonderful bedding, with a plus pillow and thick blanket. This made it straightforward to get cozy, and on prime of that, the person air nozzles helped with regulating airflow.
There was additionally an amenity package provided, which I discovered to be surprisingly cute, particularly with the clouds everywhere in the eyeshades and socks.
Do word that these particular facilities are solely provided on the provider’s longest 737 MAX 9 routes, to Southern South America, to the West Coast of the USA, and to the Northeast of the USA. You’ll typically see 737 MAX 9s working shorter flights as properly (wish to Miami), however the improved delicate product isn’t provided on these routes.
Copa’s enterprise class service & catering is lackluster
It’s best to fly Copa enterprise class for the flexibility to get some relaxation, however you’ll be able to sort of overlook about the remainder of the product. Admittedly this was an awkwardly timed flight, however I nonetheless discovered the meals to be fairly dangerous. There have been no menus, and there was a snack after takeoff, after which breakfast earlier than touchdown.
After takeoff, the flight attendant merely handed out cardboard containers, meant as a snack that passengers will help themselves to at any time. I’m sorry, however does this actually appear to be a enterprise class meal?
This snack consisted of a vegetable and cheese sandwich, which tasted (and seemed) like nothing. There was additionally a banana bread dessert of types.
Then earlier than touchdown breakfast was served, with the choice of scrambled eggs or waffles. I chosen the scrambled eggs, with turkey bacon (or one thing) and sliced pumpkin. This got here with a aspect of fruit, plus a white roll. Actually, this wasn’t spectacular in any respect, particularly as the principle meal on a (type of) lengthy haul flight.
The espresso state of affairs wasn’t good both. Copa doesn’t even have milk onboard, so if you wish to add one thing to your espresso, the one choice is powdered creamer. Bleh!
The crew on this flight couldn’t have been extra detached in the event that they tried. The flight attendant working enterprise class wasn’t impolite in any approach, however he wasn’t in any approach charming, or proactive, or something. After takeoff, he was within the cabin as soon as handy out the snack and provide a drink, after which he emerged earlier than touchdown to supply breakfast and a drink.
There was by no means a greeting after boarding, providing a drink refill, checking to see if anybody wished something, or anybody being addressed by identify.
I’d take into account flying with Copa once more…
There’s a problem with assessing Copa. If you happen to examine Copa to the lengthy haul enterprise class merchandise provided by a overwhelming majority of airways these days, Copa wouldn’t examine favorably. However I additionally don’t view that as a completely honest comparability, as Copa has a singular enterprise mannequin, because it’s just like the Icelandair of the Americas:
- Copa has an extremely expansive community within the Americas, and connects every kind of markets with one cease that different airways don’t serve effectively
- Panama is an environment friendly hub with brief connection occasions, and Copa additionally has a powerful on time efficiency, so Copa will usually get you the place you want to go in a well timed trend
- Copa’s enterprise class pricing is basically a lot decrease than the competitors, and award availability can also be sometimes way more available, together with in enterprise class
So if I have been redeeming miles and had the choice of flying nonstop on a large physique in enterprise class or on Copa by way of Panama on the similar value, after all I’d select the previous. But when there’s no award availability, and Copa has a sub-$1,000 one-way enterprise class ticket from deep in South America to North America, there’s not one other airline that may compete with that sort of worth.
I do want that Copa invested a bit in its passenger expertise, from providing Wi-Fi, to bettering the meals, to having friendlier service. However actually, I’m unsure there can be a return on funding for that with the airline, since a tremendous product isn’t why folks fly with Copa.
I’ll say that if I flew Copa once more, I’d completely do an in a single day flight as soon as once more, for the reason that lack of Wi-Fi and pretty restricted leisure can be much less best for a daytime flight. Moreover, I’d choose this product if touring with a companion, since I like these seats after I’m touring with somebody, whereas I’m not as a lot of a fan if I’m subsequent to a stranger.
Backside line
I’m glad I lastly had the possibility to fly Copa’s 737 MAX “Goals” enterprise class. For a 737, this can be a fairly good product, given that you just get a flat mattress, and the bedding is snug as properly. Past that, although, don’t count on a lot, from the meals, to the service, to the dearth of Wi-Fi.
I wouldn’t hesitate to fly Copa once more if the worth or schedule have been proper, for the reason that airline has a singular enterprise mannequin within the Americas. But when there have been one other airline with an equally handy schedule, I’d virtually actually select that.
What do you make of Copa’s Boeing 737 MAX 9 “Goals” enterprise class?
