INTRO
Welcome to the final leg of this short trip to Santo Domingo. I just arrived at PTY and I will be here for only 1h22, enough to make a smooth connection. PTY, also called the Hub of the Americas, has connections to virtually everywhere in the continent, and due to its geographic location, enables multiple options for travelers to connect.
My route is a bit unusual although I have done a similar one before, but overall it took me less time door to door than connecting via ATL or JFK, which are my typical connecting points. Copa recently started this flight to Baltimore, expending the options to the Washington, DC area. I would have loved to fly to IAD instead, but the flight was much more expensive, and since I booked with American Express points, it made more sense to just choose BWI instead. The novelty for me on this report was the Copa Dreams Business Class, a lie flat seat in a 737 Max 9, quite unusual.
COPA Club
Since I had some time to connect, I made my way to the Copa Club newest location, in the recently built T2. I didn't have high expectations based on previous Copa Club visits as well as reports, but my experience was mixed.
The lounge is just beautiful. As this is Copa's flagship lounge, they did put a lot of effort to make it look classy and modern.
On the other hand, the food offering was very poor. For a lounge like this, the catering should really match.
Boarding
After spending some time and grabbing a quick bite, it was time to go to Gate 201 to complete the security procedures before boarding.Passengers on US-Bound flights are screened with metal detectors and x-ray machines prior to accessing the gate area.
Another relatively new lounge, which seemed to be overcrowded so I didn't bother entering.
The security line at the gate. Fortunately, there was a PreferAccess line.
Close shot and view of the boarding area
Boarding priorities were respected. I didn't get the chance to take a picture at the gate because the layout made it a bit difficult.
Esteban Moment
The Flight
First view of the Dreams cabin
My seat for the next 4.5 hours
Another US-bound flight, operated by Copa's cousin Airline.
Back to the seat… Large IFE and excellent legroom
Power outlets and headphone connector. There's also a reading lamp in a weird location, right behind the seat. When the seat is reclined, then, it works, but if the seat is upright then it has no use.
IFE remote, a bit dirty
Pushback 6 minutes ahead of schedule
Enter text here…
Safety video
Quick taxi and on our way to BWI
Panama country side, before reaching the Caribbean coast
Seat fully reclined in flatbed mode. A bit narrower than most wide body seats, but not bad in my opinion.
In the past, Copa had a printed menu with the different meal options, wines, beverages, etc. They removed this during COVID and never had them back. The meal options were a turkey sandwich and an omelette with mashed potatoes . I went with the omelette, which was very tasty but the portion size a bit smaller than what other carriers serve.
My seatmate went with the Sandwich and said it was also very good.
Shortly after the meal service, the crew served drinks, and kept them flowing throughout the flight. Compared to US carriers, they make sure passengers know that they are available.
A little bit of Cuba
Somewhere east of Florida
Descent started near Southern Virginia.
Nice view of Washington, DC
Final approach through Maryland's suburbs, with a view of Baltimore
Landing
Arrival
Arrived on time. Long taxi to the international terminal.
Arrival at Gate E6
Deplaning
Short walk to passport control. This was my first time arriving to BWI on an International flight. Our flight was the only one arriving, so we had to wait for around 10 minutes as the CBP officers were having a meeting in the middle of the passport control hall.
Bags were delivered shortly after. On my way to the arrivals area
International Arrivals hall
And on my way to ground transportation
Thanks for flying with me!
I agree, the flagship lounge is surprisingly sub par in terms of catering. Other than that is way better than AM or AV's flagship lounges.
CM probably has the best narrowbody Buisiness seats in Latam. The catering seems a bit poor, it reminds me of pre-covid catering for Y class.
Amazing views on arrival, loved the DC pic. Thanks for sharing!
Fully agree. CM used to have a better business class in all aspects pre-COVID. I flew Latam not too long ago and they are definitely up in their game.
Hi SDQBound,
Thanks for this lovely report of the Copa 737 max 9 in J
The food that Copa provides in these lounges is awful. The T1 lounge is even worse which is hard to do, but I have to agree with you that they did put in a lot of effort to make the T2 lounge stunning. Especially the little terrace outside!
For the price that Copa usually offers I understand the basic tray setup, but I am glad to hear the food was good on this flight since that is what really matters at the end of the day, but also the food can sometimes be hit or miss IMO.
Quick question, do you remember how long it took for the meal to be served? Sucks to see no blanket or amenity kit on this route, I wonder if JFK gets them, as I know LAX/SFO does.
Thanks a lot for sharing, and glad to hear the cabin crew was very good.
Fully agree with T1 lounge. Always overcrowded and very limited options. I managed my expectations well and didn’t get too disappointed.
Meal was about 1 hour after takeoff, according to my photos. They usually take the meal orders in the ground. Honestly, even with their fares, the food used to be better pre-COVID, but I’m glad they kept the good quality even if the service was reduced.
Blankets were available upon request, but no amenity kits. I did get an amenity kit in this route a few years ago.