Traveling from the Baltimore area to Latin America will be easier than ever thanks to a new air service from Copa Airlines.
The flag carrier of Panama will add a new route map pin at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) on June 28. It’s launching four times weekly service to Panama City aboard a Boeing 737-800 jet.
The airline will operate flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Copa is based in Panama City, and the airline markets its gateway there as the “Hub of the Americas,” since it offers service to 79 destinations in 32 countries. Baltimore-originating passengers can connect to more than 55 cities in Latin America via Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
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Copa’s operations at PTY are heavily banked, and the airline’s timetables are designed to maximize the number of connecting itineraries the airline can sell.
In fact, the Panama City airport recently received a major upgrade with the opening of the new Terminal 2, which brings a modernized passenger experience to what was once a dated facility.
The airport now boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, plenty of seating with easy access to power outlets and many more soon-to-open concessionaires. Copa even opened a brand-new lounge, dubbed the Copa Club, in the new Terminal 2. It features seating for 420 passengers, as well as shower suites, workstations and an open-air terrace with a bar.
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In terms of the onboard experience, Copa exclusively flies the Boeing 737 jet, but it has several different cabin configurations based on the 737 variant. The one flying to Baltimore (the 737-800) sports spacious business-class recliners, extra-legroom economy seats and standard economy seats. (Copa’s new 737 MAX jets feature lie-flat beds in the forward cabin.)
For journeys to Central America, flying on Copa could be a comfortable ride, though taking multiple long flights on a single-aisle jet might start to feel claustrophobic after a while. Note that Copa doesn’t offer Wi-Fi connectivity on any of its planes.
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Copa Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, and you can earn and redeem miles with any of the partner airlines. Those with Star Alliance Gold status can enjoy additional perks, such as lounge access and priority boarding, when flying with Copa.
Adding Baltimore brings Copa’s impressive roster of U.S. destinations to 14. The airline flies from Panama City to the nearby Dulles International Airport (IAD), as well as the following 12 U.S. airports:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
- Denver International Airport (DEN).
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
- Miami International Airport (MIA).
- O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
- Orlando International Airport (MCO).
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
- Tampa International Airport (TPA).
“This new partnership with Copa Airlines will produce tremendous economic and cultural benefits and provide customers here and across Latin America even greater access to Maryland’s hospitality,” said Paul Wiedefeld, acting secretary of the Maryland department of transportation, in a statement.
