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Continental Airlines recently announced "'updates" to its OnePass mileage program, making an uninviting program more costly. Effective Feb. 1, 2008, the changes (mainly increases in reward levels), primarily target Business and First Class travelers.
First Class reward mileage requirements will be changing for travel within or between the 48 contiguous US, Alaska and Canada. SaverPass rewards will require 50,000 miles, an increase of 5,000, and EasyPass rewards will require 100,000 miles, an increase of 10,000 miles.
I can handle the 11% inflation, no problem, but it's hard to justify paying more for an award with serious flaws: Stopovers aren't allowed, and a Saturday-night stay is required—both highly unusual.
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Like its SkyTeam partner, Delta, Continental is tightening up on international anytime awards, increasing the cost of Business Class 50,000 to 70,000 miles. Trying hard to look on the bright side, maybe the hike will improve seat availability on Continental Business Class flights.
Continental makes itself entirely non-competitive with American and United to Asia, India, the Middle-East, and South America, as you can get an anytime First Class mileage award on those airlines for the same mileage charge as Continental Business Class flights. In cash, First Class can cost twice the money and is a much better value.
Moreover, if you’re using a mileage-purchase strategy, like Amex or Starwood (and not earning miles with Continental the hard way), I would much rather fly
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The announcement goes on to state that the carrier and OnePass "now reserve the right to change any aspect of the OnePass program at any time with 30 days' notice to active members (previously, 60 days were required)." Ominous verbiage for those who rely on Continental Business Class flights to amass miles. Look for more "updates" in the near future.
One more reason why One Pass really is "None Pass"... Aside from the award levels, even as an elite member availability for awards is horrific.
might have to try the others soon, however, our experience with continental has been very good. we usually get upgrades easily on ny-paris, and lately have even got them on ny-rome which on all carriers seems next to impossible. we tried l'avion ny-paris 2x...both trips awful...food inedible, service cheerful, but not enough staff...seats uncomfortable...and no working entertainment units at all...plus what an awful boarding area...sloppy and uncomfortable with no lounge. had to wait in line to check-in in paris for 40 mins, then another line to board for 15 mins.
It doesn't really matter what Continental does these days. They've been the airline of last resort for decades. Given the low level of service, impossibility of booking awards, and the new award levels... One Pass is really gONE Fast. Too bad... under Bob Six in the early seventies, they were a phenominal airline.
Hoping to learn where bargains are.
After amassing 120,000 Continental miles I find it almost impossible to use it going to China..what a ripoff
The only reason that I continue to go Continental is that at the Platinum level in One Pass when I fly coach (coast to coast, twice a month) I can always get exit row aisle and with early boarding never any problem with carry-ons. But upgrades are rare indeed.
I HAVE HAD REALLY GOOD LUCK WITH CONTINENTAL / COPA OUT OF PANAMA WITH THE DIFFERENT FLIGHT OPTIONS YOU CAN ALMOST ALWAYS GET THE UPGRADE SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE LONGER FLIGHT OR CONNECTIONS LIKE TO MIAMI GO VIA HOUSTON COST IS LESS AND UPGRADE CHANCE BETTER
my wife and I will be flying from nyc to rome in august for a wedding. I have 200k in amex points trying to find best deal for purchase of coach-upgradeable with miles to business.
I use EVA Air to Asia. They are much more accomodating and I get OnePass miles as they are a artner. One other benefit is their Elite class is business class seating with a few less amenties for 1/3 the fare.
I used to fly Continental ALL THE TIME. But after 911 and their abbreviated schedule, I find myself on Southwest which has direct flights, doesn't hastle me when I want to change from one airport to another, doesn't charge a change fee, and even (get this) gave me a REFUND for changing from one airport to another, when the other airport's fee was less! (No I'm not saying the cattle car is better) Continental still gives you food....although.... where are the warmed nuts and fresh baked cookies, GONE. The only time the changes they make will not stick is when people stopy flying the airline, but it takes a lot of people.. over a long time......
Living in Houston, Continental has been the main carrier to fly, but I have grown tired of ending up regional jets. Now, I understand being on a regional jet to smaller cities or on short flights,, but I find that I am being stuck on a 50 seat plane too often to larger cities. Continental service is still better then US Airways and United - both of which I wont fly again if given a ticket. This year, I have changed the majority of my flying to Southwest for ease of changing flights, straight forward pricing and being able to fly on a full size aircraft.
Reading these comments reminds me of why I started flying Continental in the first place. When they were flat broke they did ANYTHING for the passenger. They upgraded an employee who had never flown so that her first flight would be an enjoyable experience, they allowed me to change my itineraty at no cost when my plans changed, they were super kind to their frequent flyers. They even sent me a box of steaks once because sometthing got fouled up. All the note on the steaks said was "sorry you had a beef with us". I was so impressed with Continental I ONLY flew Continental. Oh, I almost forgot, they even upgraded my wife and I on a trip to Europe (when they weren't supposed to according to the rules). I had a policy in our office, if you fly, we reimburse you but ONLY if you fly Continental! I did this because I had a feeling that they wouldn't leave you out in the cold if something happened. Ah how things have changed. What blows my mind is the fact that the Airline that got customers to come back by treating them like "customers" rather than so much excess baggage, forgot all they did to become successful!!!!! This latest note that the frequent flyer program has changed....well it is just another deterioration of service. Oh they do it becausse they say they are constantly at a loss financially, but if they keep it up they will lose the rest of their customers. I've changed my office policy now, we don't insist on Continental anymore, we've switched to another airline because they do some of the things that Continental did in the past. It's too bad too, they were a GREAT airline!
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