Overview
Copa Airlines’ frequent flyer program is called ConnectMiles. Copa Airlines is part of the Star Alliance network and Air Canada and 25 other partner airlines.
Earn Connect Miles points
When travelling with Copa Airlines, you can earn ConnectMiles based on the fare paid at ticket purchase and the passenger’s status.
Each air mile flew with Copa Airlines or Copa Airlines Columbia, awards between 50% and 200% in ConnectMiles. A chart explains the variances. In addition, five other non-Star Alliance airlines, such as Aero Mexico and Emirates, allow the accumulation of ConnectMiles.
The accumulation of miles is also done thanks to :
- the use of affiliated credit cards for those who have access to them;
- reservations with hotel partners, car rental companies and courier services for corporate accounts;
- the purchase of services such as entertainment and in-store items;
- to purchase ConnectMiles for yourself or as a gift for a loved one;
- to the Marriott points transfer at the 3:1 ratio.
Use ConnectMiles points
The number of ConnectMiles required for an award flight with Copa Airlines or partner airlines depends on the flight distance. You can check the chart on the site to see how many miles you need to fly to the destination of your choice.
Fees are added for reservations, changes and cancellations. Depending on the client’s status, they range from free to $150.
You can also use your ConnectMiles for a business class upgrade or transfer to another member’s account.
Finally, donations of ConnectMiles are welcome among the non-profit organizations offered by the program.
Status at Copa Airlines
There are four statuses in the Copa Airlines Prefer Program.
Silver, Gold, Platinum, Presidential.
Benefits allow you to receive extra miles, privileged access, freebies, upgrades etc.
These status levels are achieved by qualifying miles and segments flown with Copa and/or a Star Alliance partner. The charter can be found here
Frequent questions
How do I sign up for ConnectMiles?
It is possible to register online through this link
How many ConnectMiles points do I get per dollar?
The mileage gain varies depending on the distance of the flights and the status of the passenger. It varies between 50% and 200% of the basic ratio.
The latter at the base is 1 ConnectMiles / air mile travelled.
How do you earn ConnectMiles from Canada?
ConnectMiles is the loyalty program of Copa Airlines, Panama’s national carrier and a Star Alliance member. Earning options from Canada are limited compared with Aeroplan, but include:
- Copa Airlines flights via the Panama City hub, offering connections to more than 80 destinations in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean
- Star Alliance flights on Air Canada, United, Lufthansa, etc., crediting to your ConnectMiles number at booking
- Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred
- Direct mile purchases during promotions, with a cost as low as 1.5¢ USD per mile
No Canadian credit card directly issues ConnectMiles. The simplest way to earn these miles from Canada is to credit Star Alliance flights to ConnectMiles instead of Aeroplan whenever the award chart is more favourable.
What are the best uses for ConnectMiles?
ConnectMiles is one of the most rewarding Star Alliance programs for flights to Latin America, thanks to Copa’s Panama hub. Top uses include:
- Canada-Panama in economy on Copa: 20,000 miles one-way
- Canada-Bogota, Lima, or Buenos Aires in economy: 30,000 to 35,000 miles one-way
- Business class Canada-South America: 55,000 miles one-way via the Panama hub
- Star Alliance short-haul flights within Central America: starting at 10,000 miles
Milesopedia values one ConnectMile at around 1.5¢ CAD, peaking at 3¢ on Copa business class redemptions. The program does not pass on fuel surcharges on most Star Alliance partners, unlike Lufthansa Miles & More.
What are the ConnectMiles status tiers?
Copa Airlines offers four ConnectMiles elite tiers:
- Silver: 25,000 elite miles or 30 segments per year. Star Alliance Silver, priority boarding, and an extra checked bag
- Gold: 50,000 elite miles or 60 segments. Star Alliance Gold, Copa Club and Star Alliance lounge access, plus a 50% mileage bonus
- Platinum: 75,000 elite miles or 90 segments. Same benefits as Gold with a 75% bonus and guaranteed award space
- Presidential: 125,000 elite miles or 140 segments. Automatic upgrades, unlimited extra baggage, and a 100% mileage bonus
Gold status is especially useful for Canadian travellers since it grants access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges through Star Alliance Gold, plus all partner lounges including United Club and Lufthansa Senator Lounges.
