Copa ConnectMiles, New Star Alliance Program and Award Chart Announced. What are the Sweet Spots?

Copa, the Panamanian Star Alliance carrier, has long been part of United's MileagePlus program. That relationship will end June 30, and Copa ConnectMiles will launch on July 1, 2015.

Copa has released two award charts in anticipation: one for flying Copa and one for flying Star Alliance partners.

The charts are nearly identical to United's award charts. Compared to United, the only value I see is in economy on the Copa-only award chart.

You need 17,500 United miles to fly to Panama, Central America, and the Caribbean.