Copa Airlines is the national airline of Panama, offering nonstop service to 88 cities from its hub in Panama, using Boeing 737-700, -800 and brand new Max 8 & Max 9 aircraft. Copa was one of the first airlines in the world to add lie-flat seats in First Class to its long-haul fleet, offered on the Boeing 737-Max9 fleet. One standout, Copa still has an inflight magazine!
Boeing 737-800 and Max 8 aircraft use the 737-800B “Business Class” seat that is a recliner with about 47″ of seat pitch, foot rest, and adjustable head rest. The Dreams lie-flat seat is ONLY on the Boeing 737-Max 9 aircraft.
Copa has a winner with its Dreams lie-flat seat in its 737-Max9 fleet. The seats are very comfortable, offer a great value, and for some – can be a “free” upgrade if Copa switches the plane from a 737-700/800 to a Max 9!
Short/mid haul flights receive the same First Class service on all equipment types – typically a small snack with a beverage service – with wine & liquor. You also get access to the Copa Club in Panama (and elsewhere offered).
Long haul flights will have 2 meal services and also receive an amenity kit, super plush pillows, and fairly large blankets.
Copa’s Dreams seats include a large 16″ touch screen, full life-flat seat, power outlet/usb charging, and a well thought out design. The cabin is separated from Main Cabin by a full curtain, none of those flimsy-see throughs – and the FAs do a good job of keeping them closed throughout the journey. We enjoy the seats and find them comfortable, especially since you can lower the armrest facing the aisle and also the inward armrest if you are at the window – this gives you a bit more room if you sleep on your back or roll around a bit. The seats do lack storage space, so keep that in mind before you get too comfortable – there’s no room for a laptop/tablet nor a nook for your passport.
Service has always been good on Dreams when we’ve flown it (5 times now), including a full assortment of liquor along with sodas/juice/water served in glassware. The long-haul flights (LA <-> Panama and Santiago Chile) we got amenity kits, which was a nice touch that we weren’t expecting from Copa. Meals have been OK and well presented, typically you have 3 choices for mail meal and then a plated snack prior to arrival on longer flights.
The seats are ONLY on the Boeing Max 9 fleet – so there’s always a risk of a tail swap to a different model (such as a Boeing 737-Max 8 or 737-800).
We really do enjoy these seats and highly recommend them when you are looking for a premium cabin experience that involves a city pair that could have you on Copa!