I know this is not a trip, but this forum seems more appropriate for this question.

What is the ontime average for Copa airlines?
And what is connecting in Panama like? Do I go through immigration for international-international?

I am thinking of going to South America and Copa have cheap fares via Panama.

I don't mind sitting in a small aircraft for 7 to 8 hours. I don't mind airline food. I never drink on a plane and I never use airline entertainment things.

All I need is a good book and some reassurances that if my connection goes haywire, the airline takes care of me to some degree.

Thanks