I moved to New York several months ago and given US Airways' pulldowns at LGA, decided to shift my biz over to Continental after hearing what a wonderful carrier it was.

What a mistake!

Consider this your cautionary tale.

Here are all the areas where US beats CO:

1) Irregular ops and on-time rates. Everyone .....es about Philadelphia, but Newark has more delays and is less convenient. I have had more delays, cancellations, and irrop breakdowns on Continental the last five months than in a typical year on US. I shudder to think of how bad it will get when snow season begins.

2) The OnePass frequent flyer program SUCKS. I mean it SUCKS. If you buy corporate negotiated fares, those are considered "discounted" and you only get half credit for "elite" status. What that means is that a Gold on US would barely be a silver on CO... and a Chairman on US would barely be a Gold on CO. Worse, the upgrade availability is nonexistent when you do finally hit "Silver." And if you want a free seat, even with 50,000 mile availability, good luck -- you're gonna need it.

3) Regional jet use. US is heavily dependent on RJs, but at least a lot of them are 190s with decent seats. Continental's domestic network seems to be majority RJs... cramped little ERJs and CRJs. And they fly them on long segments (i.e. over halfway across the country).

4) Seat comfort. Continental's coach seats -- where you WILL be riding since getting upgrades is well-nigh impossible -- are cramped, narrow and have crappy pitch. US's domestic coach seat is actually more comfortable, believe it or not.

5) Fees, fees, fees. Continential is as fee-happy as US.

CO beats US in offering a small sandwich "for free" and its clubs are nicer. It's got more international destinations across the Pacific. Otherwise, given the choice, I'd stick with US. You really don't know what you're missing until it's gone.

I'm obviously not going back to US, since its presence in NYC is so minimal, but I've already had my fill of Continental. If your employer is willing to pay full fare so you can actually get EQMs, Continental is a marginally OK choice. Me? I'm going over to JFK, LGA and Delta's vastly superior FF program.

Caveat emptor!