Copa Airlines, is the flag carrier of Panama City. The airline is a member of Star Alliance and connects to 81 destinations in over 20 countries across North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. In fact, SkyTrax consistently names it the Best Airline in Central America and the Caribbean.
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If you’re a fan of this airline, check out their frequent flyer program ConnectMiles. ConnectMiles is great because members from the United States can rack up on miles by flying with the carrier or any of its airline partners, using cobranded credit cards, or by doing businesss with their non-airline partners. Miles can be redeemed for award flights, upgrades and donations. Keep reading for a complete guide Copa Airlines ConnectMiles.
ConnectMiles Summary
| Hubs | Panama City |
| Alliance | Star Alliance |
| Redemption Options | Flights, upgrades, donations |
| Transfer Partners | None |
| U.S. Destinations | Boston, Chicago, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York City, Orlando, San Francisco, Tampa, Washington, D.C. |
ConnectMiles Elite Status
When you join ConnectMiles, you automatically become a PreferMember of the PreferProgram (elite status program). Above that are four status tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Presidential. To move up a tier, you need to fly a certain amount of Qualifying Miles or a certain number of Qualifying Segments in one calendar year.
| SILVER | GOLD | PLATINUM | PRESIDENTIAL | |
| Star Alliance Status | Silver | Gold | Gold | Gold |
| Qualifying Miles | 25,000 | 45,000 | 75,000 | 95,000 |
| Qualifying Segments | 20 | 40 | 70 | 90 |
| Minimum Segments | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Once you unlock a tier, you’ll have that status for the next 12 months. Status benefits include:
| SILVER | GOLD | PLATINUM | PRESIDENTIAL | |
| Miles bonus | 25% | 50% | 75% | 100% |
| Preferential check-in | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Premium seats & seat selection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Complimentary upgrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connect regional upgrade | – | – | 3 | 3 |
| Connect global upgrade | – | – | – | 6 |
| Free checked baggage allowance (Economy Basic) |
1 @ 50 lbs |
2 @ 50lbs |
2 @ 50lbs |
2 @ 50lbs |
| Free checked baggage allowance (Economy Classic/Economy Full) |
2 @ 50lbs |
3 @ 50lbs |
3 @ 50lbs |
3 @ 50lbs |
| Free checked baggage allowance (Business Promo/Business Full) |
2 @ 70lbs |
3 @ 70lbs |
3 @ 70lbs |
3 @ 70lbs |
| Preferred baggage handling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Preferential security screening | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lounge access | – | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Preferential boarding | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PreferMember Services priority | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Earning ConnectMiles Points
Earn ConnectMiles Points for flying with Copa Airlines and partner airlines, including:
- Aegean
- Air Canada
- Air China
- Air India
- Air New Zealand
- All Nippon AirwayCopa Airlines
- iana Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Avianca
- Brussels Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Croatia Airlines
- Egyptair
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Etihad Airways
- EVA Air
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Shenzhen Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- South African Airways
- SWISS
- TAP Air Portugal
- Thai Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- United Airlines
- Wideroe
Members can also earn ConnectMiles the following ways:
- Staying at a Marriott Bonvoy or IHG hotel.
- Booking accommodations via Booking.com or Rocketmiles.
- Renting a car through Avis or Budget.
- Purchasing ConnectMiles.
Redeeming ConnectMiles Points
Most members use their ConnectMiles for award flights with Copa and partner airlines. The program utilizes different region-based award charts for Copa, Star Alliance and non-alliance partner airlines. Have a look at ConnectMiles award charts in detail here.
You can also redeem your ConnectMiles for upgrades on Copa Airlines and Star Alliance airlines, as well as for charitable donations.
ConnectMiles Expiration
ConnectMiles expire after 24 months of inactivity. Simply earn or burn miles a little less than every two years to avoid losing them.
ConnectMiles Tips & Tricks
Avoid Copa’s online award booking engine. Although this is part of the airliner and their rewards program, it has a repuation for being buggy. Instead, use your awards at Star Alliance partners such as United, Avianca, or Air Canada for a more reliable experience. Then, call ConnectMiles to book your award.
Notable award redemption rules:
- ConnectMiles allows for one stopover and two open jaws on roundtrip awards.
- Children under the age of two don’t require additional miles (but taxes and fees will apply).
- A close-in booking fee will be charged for awards booked within 21 days of departure.
No fuel surcharges. ConnectMiles does not add fuel or carrier-imposed surcharges to Copa and partner airline flights. Yes, that includes award flights with Emirates!
Avoid business class. Copa Airlines offers a business class product that leaves much to be desired, with recliner seats similar to that of U.S. domestic first class. There are plenty of better ways to redeem your ConnectMiles for maximum value.
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Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a foreign Star Alliance carrier, Copa Airlines is a great option to keep in mind. Earning points is much better on this carrier since they have plenty of great options to choose from.
We recommend that you consider frequent flyer programs from other Star Alliance members like Air Canada Aeroplan, All Nippon Airways Mileage Club, or Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles. While you’re here on HMB, you can check out out our Best Travel Credit cards and learn how to earn even more bonus points and miles that you can use towards your future travels!
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