Why is Copa Airlines so Average? A $1,400 Disappointment from Miami to Suriname

• Airline: Copa Airlines
• Class: Business
• Route: Miami (MIA) to Paramaribo (PRB) via Panama (PTY)
• Aircraft: Boeing 737-9Max & Boeing 737-800

If you were to Google “the definition of an average airline,” I’m fairly certain Copa Airlines would be the first result to pop up.

For my latest journey, I headed from Miami to Paramarivo, Suriname, with a stopover in Panama City. At a price tag of $1,467.40, I was expecting a premium experience. Instead, I was met with technical failures, a “can’t-be-bothered” crew, and what might be the most disappointing flagship lounge in the world.

The first leg was on Copa’s flagship Boeing 737-9 MAX. For a narrow-body aircraft, the “Dreams” business class cabin is actually impressive. It features 16 lie-flat seats which, on a shorter flight, feels like a luxury.

However, the hardware was overshadowed by the service or lack thereof. Before we even left the ground, the crew seemed more interested in their phones than the passengers. Then came the technical issues. After pushing back, we were pulled back to the gate due to a brake issue. We were forced to disembark for two hours, and while safety always comes first, the communication was sparse.

Once we finally got airborne, the disappointment continued. By the time the crew reached my seat, they had already run out of the beef option. I was left with a very dry chicken noodle dish that tasted far from fresh.

What’s more frustrating? The crew never returned to the cabin to follow up on drinks. It was a basic operation with zero “extra mile” effort. I’d give this leg a 6/10 at best.

After a pleasant overnight stay in Panama City (where the locals are far friendlier than the airline crew!), I headed back to Tocumen International Airport for my second leg.

Copa’s flagship lounge is, quite frankly, a letdown. Despite being their home turf, there was no breakfast buffet. The only “delicacies” on offer were four pots of porridge and some stale pretzels. I tried one of the buns and it felt like it had been sitting there for a week. I actually had to leave their “premium” lounge to go buy a proper croissant and coffee in the terminal.

The final leg to Suriname was on an older 737-800 NG. Unlike the MAX, this features traditional recliner seats in a 2-2 configuration. There are no built-in screens, so don’t expect much in-flight entertainment.

Again, the airline ran out of food options, leaving me with a rather underwhelming mushroom pasta. On the bright side, the service on this flight was actually better than on the flagship product the day before, proving that a good crew can save even the most average hardware.

Copa Airlines is the king of average. 

• The Good: The lie-flat seats on the MAX are great for a narrow-body.
• The Bad: No Wi-Fi across the fleet, poor catering, and an underwhelming flagship lounge.
• The Cost: At nearly $1,500, it feels significantly overpriced for what you get.

If you’re looking for a “wow” factor, you won’t find it here. It’s a basic, functional operation that leaves a lot to be desired.

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This is it guys, wherever you’re off to, have a safe trip!