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Copa Airlines is back with another promotion for purchasing miles — this time with a discount. From now until September 30, 2023, you can buy Copa Airlines ConnectMiles with a 30% discount. This new offer gives members a chance to buy ConnectMiles for just 2.1¢ each.
This isn't as good as Copa's last promotion offering a 60% bonus. However, this deal could make sense for you in the right situation.
Let's take a look at when it makes sense to buy Copa ConnectMiles — and when it doesn't.
General Note on Buying Miles
As a general rule, buying points or miles isn't the best idea. Typically, airlines sell miles at a much higher price than what they're worth. While buying miles with a bonus or discount can provide better value, it doesn't always mean it's your best option.
There are exceptions to the rule, though. If you're looking to top up your balance to grab a redemption you'd like to make, a miles sale can make a lot of sense. Buying miles also can save you some money if the cost of the miles for a redemption is cheaper than the cash price of the ticket.
Key Terms for Copa ConnectMiles Bonus
- This promotion is valid through 11:59 p.m. EST time on September 30, 2023.
- Any purchase of ConnectMiles is non-refundable.
- Purchased miles will be credited to your account within 48 hours.
- Purchased ConnectMiles will not count toward qualification for PreferMember status.
- ConnectMiles members can purchase up to 100,000 miles per transaction with a maximum of 2,000,000 miles per calendar year.
- See all terms and conditions here.
Per the terms and conditions, miles will be deposited within 48 hours of purchase. However, data points from AwardWallet users show that miles purchases are processed immediately.
Bonus tiers
This promotion has two different tiers, with only one offering a 30% discount. Here are the tier levels:
- 1,000–2,000 miles: No discount (3¢ per mile)
- 3,000–100,000 miles: 30% discount (2.1¢ per mile)
When maximized, you can purchase 100,000 miles for $2,100.
ConnectMiles Redemptions on Copa Airlines
If you're looking to travel on Copa Airlines, you have a choice between two options: Saver Awards and Standard Awards.
One nice thing that you'll find when flying Copa Airlines is that the cost of award flights is based on a charted system. Although this means you can't find good sweet spots or better deals by searching for specific dates, it does mean things remain consistent. You'll know what to expect whenever you're thinking about redeeming your ConnectMiles for award travel.
Depending on where and when you're flying, determining how many miles it will cost for an award flight requires nothing more than looking at Copa's award charts:
Above, you'll see the economy award chart. Below, you can reference the business award chart.
We want to make something clear, though: Just because a certain number shows on the chart doesn't mean an award flight will be available for that amount on a certain date. It's important you always check to see which day and time is open for booking at the best possible level. Always do your homework and plan accordingly. Here is Copa's flight finder for using miles. Make sure to select the “Miles” option on the top right corner before searching for the reward flight you want.
ConnectMiles Redemptions on Star Alliance
Redeeming ConnectMiles on Copa Airlines won't always provide the best deal. This is especially true since it uses a fixed-chart system, and cash prices can be cheap. But one great thing about Copa Airlines is its membership in Star Alliance.
Using ConnectMiles on other Star Alliance award flights can provide more value, depending on your departure and arrival destination. Figuring out the cost to redeem your miles is quite straightforward. Again, you have the choice between Saver Awards and Standard Awards, as well as the chart-based system.
The only difference is that this chart is considerably larger.
It's important to reiterate that you should always do your homework. You might not always find the deal that is stated in the chart. And you may find a cheap cash fare that makes buying miles pointless. But if you plan ahead of time, you should be able to find some dates that work with your agenda. Then, compare the cost of buying miles and the cost of buying the ticket directly.
Maximize Your Purchase
Like many airlines, Copa sells its miles via Points.com. That means your purchase won't code as a flight purchase or travel payment. Consider using one of these cards to maximize your purchase:
- Any credit card where you're working on a sign-up bonus. These are the best welcome offers available right now.
- Any credit card with perks you can unlock from spending, such as hotel free night awards, hotel elite status, or airline elite status.
- Your best credit card for everyday spending, such as the Citi® Double Cash Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
Related: Which Credit Card Should You Use to Buy Points and Miles?
Other Ways to Get Copa ConnectMiles
Instead of buying Copa ConnectMiles, you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Copa. Transfers are at a 3:1 ratio. Plus, you receive 5,000 bonus ConnectMiles for each 60,000 Bonvoy points transferred. Thus, sending 60,000 Marriott points results in 25,000 ConnectMiles. On average, transfers from Marriott to Copa take three days.
This means any credit card earning Marriott Bonvoy points can be a source of earning Copa ConnectMiles. This includes everyday spending and welcome bonuses from cards like Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
Bottom Line
It's encouraging to see Copa Airlines continue to release promotions. But even with the 30% discount, this promotion to buy Copa ConnectMiles presents a pretty poor value for your money: 2.1¢ per mile. The chart system that Copa uses makes redeeming miles easy, but it definitely doesn't present the best value.
If you're right on the cusp of being able to afford an expensive redemption, this promotion could be the last little push you need. If you're unable to boost your Copa account with a transfer, then buying ConnectMiles to top up your balance definitely makes sense. Otherwise, you should probably avoid buying them if you can.
Will you be buying ConnectMiles while they cost 2.1¢ each?
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