Domestic
Continental’s OnePass Mines Silver and Gold Elites for Fees
With most major airlines finding new ways to tax the loyalty of their mileage program members (of little value to economy class travelers nowadays), Continental had been unexpectedly quiet … until now. The carrier has announced revised booking surcharges for award seats and upgrades, and unless you have Platinum elite status, you’ll be digging deeper and more often.
The Reward Travel Transaction Fee, formerly on a sliding scale based on advance, is now $75 for all departures within 20 days (Platinum members retain the previous, lower fees). The Reward Change and Redeposit Fee, formerly $50 for non-elites and $35 for Silver and Gold members, has jumped to $150 for everyone below Platinum status.
Mileage Upgrade Fees for H fares will now be charged $100 each way; fees for other fares increase $50-$100 each way. The already convoluted system just got more so, and a lot less valuable in the process.
While the changes aren’t showstoppers—for premium cabin travelers—they do represent a nuisance to those who take the program too seriously.
Economy class travelers will find programs like this one nearly a waste of time. More on the changing face of mileage programs coming in First Class Flyer.
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