Domestic

Continental Business Class Flights Skyrocket with OnePass

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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.