 |
| The new look 737-800 seats. |
Over the past year, I've had a number
of opportunities to fly business class (Clase Ejecutiva) aboard Copa
Airlines (the national airline of Panama which connects the Americas via its hub in Panama City).
And for comparison purposes, I've done
so on all three models of aircraft they operate (Boeing 737-700,
737-800, Embraer 190). Regardless of which plane I've been on, I've
received top notch service.
But yesterday, I made a pleasant
discovery – Copa has been upgrading the business class cabins
aboard their newest 737-800 jets.
 |
| Plenty of space, blankets, and personal TVs. |
New and Improved!
These jets already have Boeing's new
futuristic Sky Interior look, making them a favorite of mine. But
now, the airline has made the Clase Ejecutiva service even better on
these jets.
To begin with, the old drop-down TV
monitors are gone, replaced by personal TV screens that fold out of
the middle console. No more having to watch the one movie everyone
else has to watch. Copa's new audio-video options include a handful
of comedies (including two of my favorites, Big Bang Theory and
Modern Family), dramas, movies, documentaries, music, and video
games.
The other big improvement is the seats
themselves. While Clase Ejecutiva seats on their other jets are
certainly larger and more comfortable than the standard economy
seats, these new seats are a step above those on the other jets in
the Copa family. They feature a legrest/footrest, and they recline
considerably more than the older style seats. There are four comfort
control levers to make adjustments to your seat.
With the added recline, I noticed that
there also seems to be greater seat pitch (the space between your
seat and the seat in front of you). Even when the passenger in front
of me reclined his seat fully, I was still left with plenty of space
in which to get up and out of my seat.
Also, I found that the new tray tables have greater stability, thanks to a slight ridge they rest on in the middle console. A minor, but good improvement.
Also noteworthy is the addition of electrical outlets and USB slots for your personal electronics.
Also, I found that the new tray tables have greater stability, thanks to a slight ridge they rest on in the middle console. A minor, but good improvement.
Also noteworthy is the addition of electrical outlets and USB slots for your personal electronics.
The Rest
Beyond these improvements, if you're
flying Clase Ejecutiva with Copa, you'll be treated to an excellent
level of service regardless of the plane you happen to be on.
It starts when you board the plane, and
your flight attendant offers to take your coat. Soon after – and
still during the boarding process – they'll be by to offer you
water or juice.
 |
| The always delicious salmon. |
And before you know it, they'll return to explain your meal options. First, you're offered a drink and a
bowl of hot nuts. Next, your meal service will typically begin with
a salad, a starter item, and bread (and another drink). Then, you
generally have two choices for your main course. My personal
favorite thus far has been the salmon and rice, though I've been
pleased with all the choices I've received.
In fact, only once have I received
something that caused me to wonder, “What is it?” It was a
starter item that appeared to be a large, strange, alien-like blob,
with a rubbery texture. (Which I poked at it with my fork, took
photographic evidence, and subsequently filed a report with the National UFO
Reporting Center.)
 |
| Hot nuts (bottom left), and the alien-like food (right). |
Based on a bit of investigation, I
determined that it was some sort of gigantic mushroom. Whether it
was of this planet or not, I was not going to ingest it. But the
mystery alien mushroom was the only exception for me, and really, the
airline does offer very good food choices in Clase Ejecutiva.
Desert generally brings a choice of
cake or ice cream. If you choose ice cream, you can get it topped
with strawberry, caramel, or chocolate syrup, and almonds. I also
once received cheesecake. If they have that, go for it – it's
smaller than Cheesecake Factory size, but of equal delicious quality.
Oh yes, and that's real china you're
getting your food on. Drinks (you name it, you got it) are served in
real glasses. And that after dinner coffee will also be served in a
real cup, not plastic.
(And speaking of drinks, at this point,
I feel the need to put in a plug for the 12-year old Ron Abuelo rum.
It's the national brand of Panama, and it's highly recommended. Kudos
to Copa for making it available in their bar service.)
Summary
Those are the basics of Clase Ejecutiva
service on board Copa. Of course, you'll also get a pillow and a
blanket, priority boarding, and your flight attendants will address
you by name – a nice touch.
But even before you do get on board the
plane, remember, as a Clase Ejecutiva customer, you're entitled to
visit the VIP lounge. If you're in Panama City, Guatemala City, or
Santo Domingo, you've got a Copa Club lounge. Elsewhere, it'll be a
United Club lounge or a partner lounge where neither United nor Copa
have their own facilities (like in Mexico City, where you'll have access to the
Aeromexico Salon Premier).
So if you've got the chance to fly executive class with Copa Airlines, that's what you can expect. And if you happen to get on board one of the new 737-800 Next Generation jets, it's a bonus experience.
