I bought a ticket on continental.com two weeks ago for travel IAH-GRU-IAH in Feb 2009. Searched for the lowest fare available and paid $1400 for a M/I class fare. Today, the same itinerary is available for $1100 for a I/I class fare!!!!!! What gives?

What happened to "early bird catches the worm" and the benefits of planning ahead? I thought tickets were supposed to be cheaper the earlier you buy them.

I called continental, but they were not sympathetic or flexible at all, even though I am Gold Elite. Anyone have similar experiences and any suggestions to try to get that difference back?