Copa Airlines is continuing to modernize its all-Boeing 737 fleet by adding new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its lineup. After receiving all 32 of its ordered 737 MAX 9 planes—equipped with the airline’s Dreams business class flat beds—Copa began welcoming the MAX 8 variant in December.
This version features a completely new Business Class cabin, similar to the domestic first class found on North American carriers.
Photo: Courtesy of ca350 / Twitter / X
While these aircraft are not easy to catch, I had the unexpected opportunity to fly on one from Panama City to Miami.
Check-In
Originally scheduled to depart late at night at 10 PM, I found myself facing a lengthy five-hour layover in Panama after my flight from Medellín. With my arrival in Miami planned for 1 AM, the prospect of spending hours in the airport was less than appealing.
Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella
Eager to find a more convenient option, I made my way to the Copa Club in Terminal 2, hoping to secure a same-day flight change without incurring any penalties or additional fare differences.
To my delight, the Copa Club agent was not only accommodating but also adept at navigating the system. She swiftly rebooked me on an earlier flight and thoughtfully recommended one that had a higher likelihood of an upgrade.
Photo: Tocumen International Airport, new Terminal 2. Courtesy of Enrique Perrella
Thanks to my Platinum status with Copa’s ConnectMiles program (Star Alliance Gold), I received confirmation of my upgrade to business class in just a matter of minutes. The icing on the cake? I was going to be flying on a brand-new 737 MAX 8, a modern aircraft known for its advanced features and comfort.
Boarding
Boarding commenced with remarkable efficiency at exactly 17:28. As I held my business class ticket, I was among the fortunate few to be welcomed onboard first. The flight attendants greeted me with genuine warmth, their smiles brightening the entrance to this three-week-old jet.
Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella
The moment I stepped into the business class cabin, I was enveloped by the aroma of a brand-new aircraft, an olfactory signature that invigorated my senses and heightened my anticipation for the journey ahead.
Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella
The cabin features the common 2-2 seating configuration spread across four rows. A curtain, complemented by a soft divider, separates the cabin from the economy section.
The Seat
The business class seats on the MAX 8 present a noticeable departure from those found on Copa’s 737-800s and MAX 9s. These new Collins Aerospace MiQ Business Class seats are the exact make and model American Airlines uses on its 737 MAX 8 fleet.
Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella
While they provide a reasonable degree of recline and legroom, the overall feeling is more constrained compared to their 737-800 counterparts.
One significant drawback is the absence of footrests, which can be quite uncomfortable during longer flights. Nevertheless, my window seat afforded a breathtaking view of the aircraft’s immaculate wings and robust engines, making the journey visually rewarding.
Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella
In a shift from older Copa aircraft, the MAX 8 has done away with embedded in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems. Instead, passengers are encouraged to scan a QR code to access the airline’s streaming service over WiFi—though it’s worth noting that actual internet connectivity is unavailable.
Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella
A striking characteristic of these seats is their slender design. Copa appears to be experimenting with legroom, maintaining roughly 37 inches from seatback to seatback on the MAX. By the end of the three-hour flight, I definitely felt the impact of the decreased padding, which left me longing for more comfort.
Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella
Honestly, I found that sitting in these business class seats for three hours was a less enjoyable experience compared to the seating on the 737-800s. And after doing some research, I found that they have received criticism based on user reviews and expert analyses.
The overall design of the seat is quite minimalistic, featuring a notably large 15.5-inch wide literature tray. There is an absence of personal in-flight entertainment screens, and notably, no holder for personal electronic devices, a convenience typically expected even in the economy section.
Generously, there is ample room with 21 inches between the armrests, allowing for a more spacious feel.
Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella
The ingeniously designed tray tables are stowed within the outer armrests, both on the aisle and the window side. When fully extended, the bi-fold tray table measures a substantial 19 inches wide by 10.5 inches deep.
To utilize the tray table, one must pull a lever located behind the stored tray to release it, a simple mechanism that adds to its ease of use. The design includes a dedicated space for storage between the seats. This pocket measures roughly 13 inches wide, 3.25 inches deep, and extends 11 inches from the bottom of the well to the base of the openable armrest.
This storage well can comfortably accommodate items such as a tablet, a small laptop, or magazines. Alternatively, it provides a handy spot for smaller items like wallets, phones, boarding passes, and cameras, keeping everything within easy reach.
Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella
On the back wall of this well, you’ll find two plugs: one universal power outlet paired with a USB port situated right above it, ensuring that devices can remain charged throughout the duration of the flight.
The Flight
Before departure, our flight attendant warmly introduced himself, setting a welcoming tone that is a hallmark of Copa Airlines.
During the two-hour journey to Miami, Copa provided a full hot meal service, offering two options: Cajun beef with rice or tomato pasta.
We pushed back at precisely 18:29 and were airborne by 18:35. The powerful yet quiet engines delivered a smooth takeoff, and shortly afterward, the meal service began.
Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella
I began my meal with warm nuts and a glass of Decoy Pinot Noir, one of my favorite California wines. The meal was served pre-plated on a tray, which included a salad and my chosen pasta dish. Although the dessert looked tempting, I decided to skip it due to my sugar-free diet.
The pasta was served in a squared container, filled with ricotta cheese and topped with a soothing tomato sauce. Overall, it was a decent meal.
Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella
The flight attendant was attentive, refilling my wine glass as needed, and the cabin’s mood lighting created a relaxed atmosphere, making the journey feel effortless.
Photo: Courtesy of Enrique Perrella
After I finished my meal, I requested a hot cup of black coffee, which arrived immediately to mark the end of a satisfying dinner.
A stunning sunset on the left side of the aircraft further enhanced the experience.
Arrival
Before landing, I visited the lavatory, which was impressively clean and featured stylish lighting similar to the cabin’s but with a slightly more psychedelic hue.
The landing in Miami was smooth and punctual. After thanking the attentive crew, I disembarked feeling satisfied with another seamless Copa experience.
Verdict
Copa is known for its reliability, punctuality, and professionalism. The modernization of its fleet is evident, and the airline continues to prioritize passenger comfort.
However, while the MAX 8 features a consistent business class product, it lacks the lie-flat seats available on the MAX 9, which offer greater comfort with full recliners and footrests.
Additionally, the absence of inflight Wi-Fi is a significant drawback.
On a positive note, Copa’s customer service is commendable. My upgrade experience highlighted the benefits of loyalty status, and the attentiveness of the crew greatly enhanced my journey.
Best For:
- Passengers seeking reliable and timely connections between North and South America via Panama City.
- Travelers leveraging Star Alliance benefits and elite status perks.
- Those who appreciate new aircraft and well-maintained cabins.
Final Thought:
A key takeaway from this experience: don’t hesitate to ask about itinerary changes. You might just end up on a brand-new aircraft, enjoying an upgraded flight, as I did.
