Avianca From Venezuela, joined Jan 2005, 5857 posts, RR: 40 Posted (10 months 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 8297 times:
Welcome to my newest trip report!
Well back in my beloved Venezuela (after 2,5 years in Peru) it was time to hunt again for cheap tickets! As my wife and the little one, decided to visit my family on the old continent – I thought it was the perfect timing for an extended weekend getaway, especially as it was also my birthday… and my last intention was to spend my birthday in Caracas…
Well search of a decent ticket was quite easy… as I received some days ago an e-mail from Copa – announcing a Miles promo (you will get the double on the new established flights) I checked the web – (having in mind the new flight to Recife), and bingo, quite a decent fare I found … just 3500 VEF – using the “X” market exchange rate just around 400 USD – not bad for a quite long flight CCS-PTY-REC-PTY-CCS, very interesting the fact that PTY-REC is just around 200 miles shorter than LHR-JFK/EWR … it always amaze me the fact that Copa has these days a quite big long haul operation but no widebodys, not just a mix of Jungle jets EMB190 (btw my most favorite aircraft) B737-700/800.
If I calculated not wrong the new PTY-REC flight is the fourth longest route in the CM network.
1. PTY-MVD
2. PTY-EZE
3. PTY-GIG
4. PTY-REC (just 1 mile shorter than PTY-GIG)
I already used years ago the PTY-MVD flight so I have still to do the PTY-EZE (looking forward for November) and PTY-GIG in order to get the top4 full!
Only check in was done just 35H 59 minutes before the ETD – CM opens to non US destination 36 hours before the departure the online booking.
The check in was a breeze and done within minutes – but I was a little bit concerned that on the boarding pas – my Silver status was not mentioned… Just made a call to the call center and they reconfirmed me that the Silver status is in the system and in case there is space I should get my complementary business class upgrade latest at the airport.
I was booked on CM-220 PTY-CCS leaving at 06:55am – not a nice time, specially you have to prevent always in CCS and hence I ordered my taxi to pick me up at the great time of 03:15am.
The night was rather short, honestly did not rest any minute, as I had still some e-mails and other staff to do, and after having a relaxing shower at 02:00am already the taxi arrived.
The way to CCS airport was quite short, just 30 min – well the problem is that in CCS you never know – also at night time, hence better you are getting down some hours earlier…
Arrived at the airport at 03:45am – and directed with my luggage directly to the CM counters. Even it was still 3 hours to go the counters were already open, as beside the departure to PTY CM has also an early morning flight to BOG operated by a B737-700. Second in the row of the premier access – I still had to wait around 15 minutes for the check – in, anyhow I was not in a rush – hence no problem at all …
The flight was quite fully booked – so no upgrade this time for the CCS-PTY leg – but bingo the upgrade was approved for the “long haul” PTY-REC flight. I was really happy, first it was my birthday, second it is already 4 years ago the last time I used CM in business class – and third I had a quite long layover in PTY – normally the Brazilian afternoon connections are filled with the noon arrivals in PTY rather than the morning arrivals – but hey the ticket was cheap – and looks like that this way yield management is working, long connection times – cheap tickets.
After the check in – I made my way to security and emigration. Security was relatively easy, despite one of the security guys was in a bad mood – and that that he is right the second guy in the state after the president…, other passengers brought him down within minutes to reality…
Passed the security , went to immigration were the officer was making trouble due to my new passport and my new residential visa… maybe he thought that it was a fake one or he can get some tip from my side… but as the VISA is a true one… I was quite relaxed and told him just to check in deep as he would like… 10 minutes later – he stamped my passport and wished me a good flight…
It was already 04:30am, but still 2,5 hours to go, hence I proceeded to the lounge Copa is using in CCS, but what a surprise, the lounge was still closed and they announced to open at 05:30am, not good in my opinion, specially as they attending several early morning flights like the 2 CM flights, 1 AV, and 1 TA departure.
The terminal was still quite.
So it was time to relax a little bit…
Finally the lounge opened and around 25 people rushed to get into the lounge… hey as I was on vacation the last thing what I wanted was to rush… hence I proceeded as the last one of the crowd and made my way anyway… This time I did not used my Priority Pass (have to say the Priority Pass is really good in Latam, with plenty of options…) but instead I just show my ticket with the Silver status and I was welcomed..
The lounge in CCS is everything other than topnotch, well it’s acceptable for passengers like me, but if I would pay a full fare business or even first class on LH (who also use the same lounge in CCS) I would say it’s not acceptable.
The choices are quite basic, some cheap spirits, beer, (ok it was still too early for me…), tee, coffee, juices.. and very poor sandwiches…
My choice for early morning, some cheap orange juice (hey why in a country like Venezuela they cannot offer a decent fresh orange juice? Like in the lounges in Lima…), some coffee and some infamous sandwiches…
Time went by and I enjoyed the nice sunrise…
Santa Barbara Airlines B757-200 in the background.. These days SB has tremendous operational problems and since days a B.767-300 sitting with an AOG in PTY, all international flights delayed up to 24 to 36 hours…
Well I had still 1 hour but I decided to proceed to the boarding gate 24, which is quite a walk from the lounge… of course I was still in hope to get a last minute upgrade at the gate.. Hence I also to decide to go already timely to the gate...
United Airlines just arrived from IAH.
CCS Terminal still quite empty, despite several early morning departures… but looks like my Venezuelan friends prefer to have an early morning Arepa, and spend their money at the Duty free.
Taca Jungle Jet to Lima, quite a good flight allowing daylight connections in Lima to the South of the continent.
Delta B757-200 prepared for the 9am departure to ATL.
Bought a bottle of fine Venezuelan Rum at the duty free for a colleague who is based in PTY and hence I had a long layover he was picking me up in order to have some meetings and have later jointly lunch…
The sexy CM 737-800 who had the honor to bring me today to PTY
CM 737-700 bound for BOG.
And ready to go with a slightly delay of 10 min..
Some minutes later the boarding for my flight was called and I proceed, anyhow I had no upgrade, and hey at least I had the perk to board before the big crowd…
Despite the flight was nearly fully booked I had the luck that the middle seat was empty – and with very decent legroom at the first Eco row – 5 ( I think this row has even more space than the Business Class on CM) I was looking forward to have a nice flight..
Relaxing…
As I had basically no sleep the night before – I was in heaven within seconds… but I woke up quite right minutes before the take off… Take off as usual for the flights ex CCS with a quite sharp turn left passing the coastal line of the Caribbean Sea.
After the takeoff I had some more sleep and shortly (around 30 minutes later) breakfast was offered. 2 choices, between scrambled egg and kind of French toast… but only slightly sweet filled with cheese and ham. Beside a stone hard bun and butter… and I think some jam … anyhow, I was missing something fresh like fruits or yoghurt. Washed it down with a cup of coffee and some orange juice.
After the breakfast I had some more sleep and shortly after this already the approach was announced, looks like that today was a lot off traffic and we had the luck to make some waiting minutes over the channel area… finally the approach was confirmed and we made it straight into PTY Tocumen International..
Quite interesting that the UA 757-200 was the only non CM aircraft at the passenger terminal… The before mentioned SB B.767-300 AOG was at the cargo terminal..
The new pier at PTY – what was desperate needed…. I think I am not the only one who is looking forward for another expansion in a shorter time frame.
CM Land. Really impressive the CM hub operation in PTY. I am sure it is by far the biggest hub operation in Latam (ok its only Narrow body but still very impressive), and also with the fact that they have several waves per day.
Made my way to immigration and customs.. and my colleague was already waiting for me, made a short hop to our Branch office had some meetings, checked my e-mails and went out for Lunch… at 1:30pm my colleague drove me back to PTY were I just proceeded with the security – (quite today) and made my way to the Copa Club… If I am not wrong not too long ago it was still the Presidential club…
The offerings on booze quite decent, including some nipples in form of cheese, crackers, apples, and some other goodies.
Had a stiff Bloody Mary, some cheese slices and some pretzel snacks..
Made some phone calls – and around 45 minutes before boarding I made my way with a pit stop at the duty free to gate 31 were today the REC was scheduled.
PTY Terminal
Today’s CM B.737-700 who was elected to bring me to REC.
Really amazing, the complete peer was designated today for Brazil flights (+ 1 SDQ departure)
Amazing that CM has within minutes 6 flights going to Brazil. CNF, POA, GIG, GRU, REC, and BSB, and some 2 hours later also MAO.
Looks like that the biggest bunch of CM’s customers to Brazil are people from Brazil, and hey it looks that they make quite a good money on the Brazilian network, of course a big bunch are leisure traveler going to Cuba, Dominican Republic, Colombia etc… but still the loads seems to be very healthy.
Flight was a little bit delayed, and at the ETD finally the boarding was called…. Again and very happy with the upgrade I made my way to the priority lane and made my way to the aircraft.
This time I had seat 2A, business filled up quite good, but, with 4 empty seats out of 12, but it looks like that from the 8 passengers only 2 were really paying, the other one were upgrades and non rev – well it was the girlfriend of the captain…
Well the seat is not bad, but of course not a really up to date hard product, it’s like the domestic first in the US, but hey it’s for free hence no critic from my side
Sister ship heading to LIM
Before pushback – the purser already offered the menu, what was negative – was that no pre-departure drink was offered… maybe caused due to the shortly delay of the incoming aircraft? Anyhow not acceptable in my opinion. Quite interesting fact was that the complete crew was male… something that I noticed not only the first time at CM
The menu for today’s flight.
To start: Roasted nuts served with your preferred beverage or cocktail
Followed by
Corvine fish ceviche and green salad offered with your choice of dressing, freshly baked assorted rolls with butter.
Main Courses: Corvine Fish filet in cashews crust accompanied with a passion fruit sauce and coconut rice or Vegetable pasta with white sauce.
Dessert: Chocolate pudding cake or Vanilla ice cream offered with your choice of toppings.
Of course there were also some choices of drinks like:
Johnnie Walker Black, Ron Abuelo 12 Años, Botran Gran Reserva, Vodka Finlandia, Tanqueray Special Dry Gin, Hennessy V.S Cognac, Corona or Miller Draft Beer, Gran Reserva Riberas Cabernet Sauvignon or Conde de Valemar Reserva for the red wines, Gran Reserva Riberas Sauvignon Blanc or Martin Codax Albariño for the white ones, Codorniu for sparkling wine and to finish the liquors in form of De Kuyper cream, Amaretto, or Bailyes.
Shortly before the arrival a snack was also offered, in form of cold cuts and cheese.
The purser took the orders of the cocktail and main shortly after takeoff. Also the amenity kids and headphones were distributed.
My choice for today was a Black Label on the rocks and Perrier Sparking water with some nuts.
As starter also a soup was offered, I am fan of soups in the air, hence I opted for the soup instead of the ceviche…, as main the Fish – I am not quite sure but the the recipe sounds a little bit like northern Brazilian food?
My camera + an old LH amenity kid that is abused from my side as I use it for my cam…
Already the service started.
Blue blanket…
Here we go with the first round of a stiff Scoth on the Rocks…not double I think it was triple or even more.. exactly the way I like it.
Service was quite good and the purser offered me another round which I could not refuse..
Here we go with the still outdated Inflight Entertainment System… If I am not wrong CM just started to refurbish the aircrafts including personal monitores.
As dressing the choices were Italian or Cesar, which I opted for the Cesar, also the menue stated assorted breads… no bread basked was given, just the purser put you one of his personal choices on the tray. Anyhow the soup was good, as well as the salad, also it would be nice if the salad could be a little bit bigger.
The main was also quite ok – anyhow a little bit strange combo for my taste, especially as it looks like the fish had additionally some horseradish on top
I washed it down with some nice white wine, which was refilled anyhow I missed some refills of the Perrier Sparkling water.
Dessert Card
Sorry for the bad quality of the pic, but I didn’t used the flash in order to not disturb the other passengers.
My choose was a coffee, no milk was offered… the ice cream, no toppings were offered despite they are mentioned in the menu, and some bailys…
All in all not a bad affair, but several issues to improve, like no second bread offer , not all refills were done (in this case water), incomplete dessert service. Anyway I was quite happy and enjoyed for some minutes the fluffy clouds somewhere over southern Venezuela or Northern Brazil.
Now it was time to get some decent sleep, it was still 5 hours to go hence plenty of time to sleep.
It was enjoyable despite fo the outdated seat… and around 1.5 hours before the lading I woke up and already the snack was offered.
A good snack in form of cheese, cold cuts ( turkey breast, roast beef), grapes, some bread (no butter was offered) and crackers, I wash it down with some more Perrier. The food was served from a kind of a buffet card, same that was used for dessert. Not bad!
Arrival was a breeze as it was immigration, very interesting fact was that maybe 10 passengers were not Brazilians; all the rest of the passengers went to the Brazilian resident’s lane for immigration.
Well waited some minutes for my luggage, despite I had priority tags, I was maybe in the middle to get my bag…. Customs was basically not existing went through within seconds and proceed to change some money, as the ATM are not working at midnight… something that in fact is good in Brazil as so there is no way to rob you at the ATM… on the other sides its quite complicate for visitors that are arriving during the night…
Proceed to change some USD into the Reales, and took a taxi to the cheap hotel I booked for the night, as next day I planed to go the the south, to famous Porto Galinhas…
After a decent sleep I took the bus, just opposite from the hotel
Which was directly to Porto Galinhas, quite amazing the bus services in Brazil, or better to say in the Brazilian cities. They have running public busses really everywhere. Well the bus was quite slow, it took nearly 2 hours for a 60km drive… anyhow it was cheap and quite nice to get together with the locals..
Already minutes away from the final destination.
Finally arrived and hey what better than to start a short vacation in Brazil than with a Caipi.
Followed by a niche lunch, was quite hungry as I had no breakfast before..
The lunch was a salad, with fresh cheese, olives, dried tomato, palm heart, and main was shrimps in a kind of tomato, coconut sauce, with herbs, and plain white rice and mashed potatoes, all in all a very nice affair, skipped the dessert instead I had a nice big bottle of cold beer .
All in all, CM product is still decent, I would give from 10 stars 7, but also only due to the fact the upgrade was for free, no way I would pay full fare in business for these flights.
Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed the report, and sorry for some bad quality of the pics, but some were made with my lousy black berry mobile cam..
Cheers
Avianca
mvecchi4 From Venezuela, joined Apr 2012, 83 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (10 months 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 7611 times:
Great report Andreas!
CM has become a great choice for me leaving from VLN, their product is pretty good if you ask me. I've tried their Business Class product on the VLN-PTY route and I have to admit it's pretty decent, mostly on the soft product.
I'm trying S3 for the first time (never been on a SBA flight ever) on CCS-PTY and it would be a great comparison as I I've flown CM to PTY a couple of times.
I was just about to do this a couple of months ago but ultimately decided to go to LIM with LA. I'm pretty sure next year I'll be on that route.
Quoting Avianca (Thread starter): I proceeded to the lounge Copa is using in CCS, but what a surprise, the lounge was still closed and they announced to open at 05:30am,
What lounge are they using? Couldn't see much from the pictures, is that the Admiral's Club? I don't think I remember sandwiches there.
Quoting Avianca (Thread starter): The lounge in CCS is everything other than topnotch, well it’s acceptable for passengers like me, but if I would pay a full fare business or even first class on LH (who also use the same lounge in CCS) I would say it’s not acceptable.
Quoting Avianca (Thread starter): All in all, CM product is still decent, I would give from 10 stars 7, but also only due to the fact the upgrade was for free, no way I would pay full fare in business for these flights
They have that Business Promo @ copaair.com that sometimes gives you upgrades for a low price (not double the economy fare but just a 30% or so increase), on a Narrowbody long-haul flight I think I might consider it. Right?
On a different note, I'm leaving for LIM in a couple of weeks, any advise on LA going to your old home base?
Quoting mvecchi4 (Reply 1): CM has become a great choice for me leaving from VLN, their product is pretty good if you ask me. I've tried their Business Class product on the VLN-PTY route and I have to admit it's pretty decent, mostly on the soft product.
well no doubt out of VLN - CM is the best choice, even better than AV due to the high connectivity out of PTY, I would love to see CM making the flights double daily with an EMB190 - but I can imagine its a no go thanks to INAC!
Quoting mvecchi4 (Reply 1): I'm trying S3 for the first time (never been on a SBA flight ever) on CCS-PTY and it would be a great comparison as I I've flown CM to PTY a couple of times.
well never used them, but heard not to good thinks, about them... in fact at least 30% of the time I go to CCS I see the flights heavely delayed... as it was last week
Quoting mvecchi4 (Reply 1): I was just about to do this a couple of months ago but ultimately decided to go to LIM with LA. I'm pretty sure next year I'll be on that route.
LA is still the best choice out of CCS into EZE - no doubt mucht better product hard and soft in ECO and in Business.
Quoting mvecchi4 (Reply 1): What lounge are they using? Couldn't see much from the pictures, is that the Admiral's Club? I don't think I remember sandwiches there.
its the Premier Club
Quoting mvecchi4 (Reply 1): They have that Business Promo @ copaair.com that sometimes gives you upgrades for a low price (not double the economy fare but just a 30% or so increase), on a Narrowbody long-haul flight I think I might consider it. Right?
thats true, from time to time you can find great deals with them... and I really like their milage program, quite easy to get Silver - meaning free unlimited upgrades in case their is space.
Quoting mvecchi4 (Reply 1): On a different note, I'm leaving for LIM in a couple of weeks, any advise on LA going to your old home base?
well - if you have Priority Pass or any other lounge access, I can only recomend to use the loung in Lima and try the pisco sour! Saludos
AR385 From Mexico, joined Nov 2003, 4847 posts, RR: 27 Reply 3, posted (10 months 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 6957 times:
Thank you for the report. It´s excellent.
My mother and I ( who is 70) were considering COPA to go from MTY all the way to EZE in C. However, given what i´ve read, and now your trip report, I don´t really think it´s the best choice for such long haul flights. They do seem to have some kinks they need to attend to.
Avianca From Venezuela, joined Jan 2005, 5857 posts, RR: 40 Reply 4, posted (10 months 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 6831 times:
Quoting AR385 (Reply 3): Thank you for the report. It´s excellent.
you are welcome
Quoting AR385 (Reply 3): My mother and I ( who is 70) were considering COPA to go from MTY all the way to EZE in C. However, given what i´ve read, and now your trip report, I don´t really think it´s the best choice for such long haul flights. They do seem to have some kinks they need to attend to.
assuming you are buying a full fare ticket I would also either use AA one stop service via DFW or 2 stop service with LA/LP
LH4116 From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 1672 posts, RR: 15 Reply 5, posted (10 months 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 6795 times:
Hey there, nice report!
Quoting Avianca (Thread starter): as I received some days ago an e-mail from Copa – announcing a Miles promo (you will get the double on the new established flights)
Nice offer indeed! Did that also apply for the status miles, or just the award miles?
Quoting Avianca (Thread starter): and in case there is space I should get my complementary business class upgrade latest at the airport.
That's very generous indeed! Didn't know that latin carriers offered such a perk as most flights are Intl, let alone the fact that even silver qualify. In Europe not even the highest tiers (LH HON, BA GGL, SAS Pandion, etc) get complimentary upgrades.
Quoting Avianca (Thread starter): and after having a relaxing shower at 02:00am already the taxi arrived.
Well that's a very short night indeed. Would hardly even call it a night
Quoting Avianca (Thread starter): but still 2,5 hours to go, hence I proceeded to the lounge Copa is using in CCS, but what a surprise, the lounge was still closed and they announced to open at 05:30am,
So you get lounge access as a Silver too? That's very generous indeed!
Quoting Avianca (Thread starter): This time I did not used my Priority Pass (have to say the Priority Pass is really good in Latam, with plenty of options…)
In Europe most Priority Pass lounges are mostly sub-standard, but I suppose in different parts of the world that's different.
Quoting Avianca (Thread starter): or even first class on LH (who also use the same lounge in CCS) I would say it’s not acceptable.
Yes if I was on a LH F ticket ex CCS I wouldn't have been too happy either. But on the up-side, they let you use the FCL in FRA/MUC also when arrival prior to transfer to a different flight. Not sure whether LH still offer F to CCS, though.
Quoting Avianca (Thread starter): After the takeoff I had some more sleep and shortly (around 30 minutes later) breakfast was offered.
For a short haul Economy Class that's pretty generous too! I thought that CM had the same service concept as most US airlines have domestic.
"Wheels Up!"
//Jonas
I won't stop complaining until SAS reintroduces free service in Economy Class!
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 5):
Nice offer indeed! Did that also apply for the status miles, or just the award miles?
only for award miles - but looks like that you get add 25% status miles in case you book via their web side...
anyhow award miles are already quite nice, as with Copa you normally find a bunch of flights for just 20.000 miles...
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 5): That's very generous indeed! Didn't know that latin carriers offered such a perk as most flights are Intl, let alone the fact that even silver qualify. In Europe not even the highest tiers (LH HON, BA GGL, SAS Pandion, etc) get complimentary upgrades.
yes, here its still quite common, and its quite easy to get silver status too... in facts thats why I am trying to have Silver status on Avianca/Taca and Copa instead with one Gold... hence even I am flying a lot to Europe I would never ever sign up Miles and More for example
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 5): So you get lounge access as a Silver too? That's very generous indeed!
yes!
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 5): Not sure whether LH still offer F to CCS, though.
yes they re-introduced it years ago - when they upgarde to A346 the route... I would love to use it one day but still to expensive!
AR385 From Mexico, joined Nov 2003, 4847 posts, RR: 27 Reply 7, posted (10 months 4 days 17 hours ago) and read 6550 times:
Quoting Avianca (Reply 4): assuming you are buying a full fare ticket I would also either use AA one stop service via DFW or 2 stop service with LA/LP
Thanks. MDZ is our final destination, actually. We usually do AM to MEX, then MEX-SCL on LAN, and then LAN on SCL-MDZ, full fare, C, all the way. So that´s probably what we are going with. Given my mother´s age, we take a break in SCL of between 24 to 36 hrs.
But I did have the curiosity of maybe trying CM. Given your report, I´ll save that for when I´m travelling on my own. It´s not that they are bad. I just don´t think their long haul is right for 8hr flights. It does seem great for 5ish hr. long flights.
mvecchi4 From Venezuela, joined Apr 2012, 83 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (10 months 4 days 9 hours ago) and read 6390 times:
Quoting Avianca (Reply 6): yes they re-introduced it years ago - when they upgarde to A346 the route... I would love to use it one day but still to expensive!
I understand LH is the only airline offering F ex-CCS correct? Has it been successful? I know you used to travel a whole lot on LH ex-CCS, how has the loads been back then?
dcaviation From United States of America, joined Aug 2011, 165 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (10 months 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 6287 times:
Quoting Avianca (Reply 6): yes, here its still quite common, and its quite easy to get silver status too... in facts thats why I am trying to have Silver status on Avianca/Taca and Copa instead with one Gold... hence even I am flying a lot to Europe I would never ever sign up Miles and More for example
Whats the point of having two silver instead of gold? You can't get to any of the lounges in Europe with silver status. Also you have smaller bag limit as a silver.
Avianca From Venezuela, joined Jan 2005, 5857 posts, RR: 40 Reply 10, posted (10 months 4 days 4 hours ago) and read 6223 times:
Quoting mvecchi4 (Reply 8): I understand LH is the only airline offering F ex-CCS correct? Has it been successful? I know you used to travel a whole lot on LH ex-CCS, how has the loads been back then?
as per my understanding its doing ¨mas o menos¨ but what I heard is that Inac told LH do introduce the First Class or no upgrade was allowed to the A346.... also one of the better customers of the LH first class is the goverment and his clan...
Well I only travel Eco normally with LH otherwise its to expensive, but what I have seen is that C and Y is always good booked, and with the fares these days LH should make a hell of money, even they have some cash flow probems due to CADIVI is delaying several months the transfers to their HQ... my mother is nonrevenue the flight since years and it was always difficult to get on the flight even she is booked normally on business.
Quoting dcaviation (Reply 9): Whats the point of having two silver instead of gold? You can't get to any of the lounges in Europe with silver status. Also you have smaller bag limit as a silver.
well, yes I can not get into decent lounges in Europe, but with Silver status on both I get my regular upgrades, as I fly with Avianca / Taca and Copa quite a lot, hence for me better to have with both Silver get the upgrades instead of maximum 2 yearly lounges accesses in Europe, also when I am flying to Europe y try to fly TP as they still have a good free baggage allowance of 2 x 23kgs and 1 x 10kgs for babys, instead of totally 1 x 23kgs on LH for example, anyhow lets see if I can make it this year with Copa to Gold, only 15.000 miles to go...
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4917 posts, RR: 55 Reply 12, posted (10 months 19 hours ago) and read 5703 times:
FINALLY! I was looking forward to this report after you mentioned that incredible price. Thanks again for taking the time to write, and to let us celebrate your birthday with us . CM looks decent - anywhere else in the world, they would be average. Sadly, in LATAM, they are considered super good ... I mean, look at their competition!
Quoting The777Man (Reply 11): CM looks okay and nice that you got an upgrade to C on the longer flight. C looks good and will be even better with the upgrade of the IFE system.
well they are not bad, and yes the free upgrades to C are just perfect, but pritty impossible to get them on the CCS route, and my flight back PTY-CCS even 1K flyer were not upgraded.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 11): Perhaps I'll fly them next year on the way to CTG. We'll see.
you are LAX based correct? so in my opnion the best choice to go to CTG!
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 12): FINALLY! I was looking forward to this report after you mentioned that incredible price. Thanks again for taking the time to write, and to let us celebrate your birthday with us . CM looks decent - anywhere else in the world, they would be average. Sadly, in LATAM, they are considered super good ... I mean, look at their competition!
you are welcome... just to shock you even more... found a bunch of even better rates with CM to CNF and POA ... just 2200 VEF all in... but well I am a young father, can not spend all the money on tickets ...
Well I think they are on a pair with TA or AV on A318/319/320 flights but not as good as the former mentioned when they are using A330... and LA in the 767 are of course much better but - wel you have only limited upgrade voucher..
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6087 posts, RR: 56 Reply 14, posted (9 months 4 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 5298 times:
Quoting Avianca (Reply 13): you are LAX based correct? so in my opnion the best choice to go to CTG!
Yes, hope to stay for a half a day in Panama City. Extra bonus with going that way to CTG would be to get on two airlines; CM and P5.
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
LatinPlane From United States of America, joined Dec 1999, 2629 posts, RR: 15 Reply 15, posted (9 months 3 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 4828 times:
Great trip report. Thanks for taking the time to write about your experience. Copa has indeed done a very good job at developing its hub at PTY.
Avianca From Venezuela, joined Jan 2005, 5857 posts, RR: 40 Reply 16, posted (9 months 3 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 4424 times:
Quoting The777Man (Reply 14): Yes, hope to stay for a half a day in Panama City. Extra bonus with going that way to CTG would be to get on two airlines; CM and P5.
a half day is just perfect to visit Panama City the Chanel etc...
Yes two airlines but basically the same!
Quoting The777Man (Reply 14): Great trip report. Thanks for taking the time to write about your experience. Copa has indeed done a very good job at developing its hub at PTY.
thanks a lot! yes its incredible how the developed the hub! also it would be nice to see some more widebody aircrafts!
stipica From Croatia, joined Feb 2011, 398 posts, RR: 8 Reply 17, posted (7 months 3 weeks 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 2922 times:
Hi Avianca !
you are our treasure in Venezuela but I am still waiting for domestic trip report ... hehehe ... always happy when I read S.American reports ...thanks stipica
Avianca From Venezuela, joined Jan 2005, 5857 posts, RR: 40 Reply 18, posted (7 months 3 weeks 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 2726 times:
Quoting stipica (Reply 17): Hi Avianca !
you are our treasure in Venezuela but I am still waiting for domestic trip report ... hehehe ... always happy when I read S.American reports ...thanks stipica
you are welcome, and yes SouthAmerica is something special!
Well honestly, dont have in the near future a domestic trip in the books, the real only one that could be is a CCS-PMV-CCS run that I am planing since months...
but within the next 2 weeks I will make 2 interesting flights were I am planing a report.
1. next week CCS-PTY-CNF-PTY-CCS on CM hopefully on C even so far only booked on Y.
2. in 2 weeks a TA/CM combo in just 3 days with following routing, CCS-LIM-MDE-PTY-TGU-SAP-PTY-BOG-CCS
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