Copa Airlines will launch its own loyalty program in July 2015 and will no longer be a part of United’s MileagePlus program. Copa Airlines will remain a MileagePlus partner and Star Alliance member and will continue to offer Star Alliance elite benefits to United MileagePlus elites, however Copa will no longer honor several MileagePlus specific elite benefits as of July 1, 2015.

United elites will no longer receive complimentary elite upgrades or instant upgrades on qualifying full-fare tickets, and miles earned on Copa flights will no longer count towards lifetime status or the minimum segment requirement for annual status.

Additionally, Copa Airlines flights on tickets that aren’t issued by United will not earn Premier qualifying dollars. Complimentary same-day flight changes and access to priority economy seats will also be discontinued on July 1, 2015. For more information on the changes related to Copa Airlines and United MileagePlus, visit http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?11865