Hello everyone -

Just came across this one on the Continental web site [http://www.continental.com/onepass/rules/accrual.asp?SID=1EFC2B0961B047C8AFBF9E996B53CC2B]. I don't know if it is unique to Continental [rather unlikely] and thought I would share it with the Board.

"Mileage...Abuse.

Fraud or abuse in the ACCUMULATION of OnePass mileage, including but not limited to...use of tickets in violation of Continental's Contract of Carriage or fare tariffs [such as Hidden-Cities Ticketing, Throwaway Ticketing, Back-to-Back Ticketing or Point-Beyond Ticketing (interestingly, none of these terms appear to be defined in Continental's Contract of Carriage)]...is subject to administrative or legal action on the part of Continental Airlines. This action may include, but is not limited to, membership termination, forfeiture of any Elite status, FORFEITURE OF ACCRUED MILEAGE, reimbursement to Continental Airlines for the value of the travel in excess of the fare paid by the debit of mileage from the member's OnePass account, and forfeiture of reward certificates and tickets issued against reward certificates."

Simply stated, if one circumvents CO's fare structure and not only can the airline come after you [not just your travel agent] for the difference in fares, but you can LOSE all accumulated OnePass miles! Were you aware of these penalties for accumulation [as opposed to disposition] abuse?

So a quick example and question to the group. One of the prohibited activities is "Point-Beyond Ticketing." What exactly does this term mean? Stated differently, does it mean two back-to-back itineraries aboard the same carrier? If so let me give a quick example followed by a question.

Assume the lowest published round trip fare from/to EWR/HNL is $X.00 [I am assuming CO flies to HNL which it may not]. Assume there are no direct flights from/to EWR/HNL or the reverse; they all connect somewhere between [let's assume LAX for simplicity purposes]. Assume the combined lowest published round trip fares from/to EWR/LAX and LAX/HNL are less than $X.00 and that's what you book to save a little money.

Since you've now circumvented CO's fare structure, have you now jeopardized all of the accumulated miles in your OnePass account?

The issue I raise is NOT whether CO would actually do anything if it knew but rather, have you now violated the "rules" of the game which potentially subjects your accumulated OnePass miles to forfeiture?

Also to those of you who may be more familiar with other majors' FFM rules/regulations, are the consequences for accumulated mileage abuse as defined identical with AA, UA, DL, NW, etc?

Thanks.