Hi Everyone, I’m pleased to share the following details about our OnePass program changes for 2011. Let the “I told you so’s” begin…
Effective Jan. 1, 2011
- System-wide Upgrades: Elite members earning 100,000 Elite Qualification Miles (EQMs) or 120 Elite Qualification Points (EQPs) will earn six one-way, System-wide Upgrades. Two additional System-wide Upgrades will be issued every 50,000 EQMs or 60 EQPs earned thereafter. These upgrades are eligible for all fares except S, T, K, L and G in all BusinessFirst markets.
Worth noting: Newly earned SWUs in 2011 will become available mid-year (we’ll try to get as close as possible to the true “mid” this time). SWUs earned in 2010 will continue to have no fare class restrictions, however they’ll remain valid only on flights operated by Continental for now. The ability to use these on United-operated flights is a priority for us, and we look forward to introducing that capability in the coming year.
While we’ll be excluding our lowest five fare classes in BusinessFirst markets, we will be offering six instead of four to qualifying members, and an opportunity to earn even more. In addition, we’ll be introducing…
- Regional Upgrades: As a new benefit, Elite members will earn two Regional Upgrades after completing 75,000 EQMs or 90 EQPs. Two additional Regional Upgrades will be issued for every additional 25,000 EQMs or 30 EQPs. Regional Upgrades, valid for upgrades to First Class, can be confirmed as early as the time of booking.
Worth noting: Like the SWUs, the new RUs are planned to become available mid-2011. These upgrades will be valid in all the same travel areas that we offer complimentary Elite upgrades, and they’ll be valid with all published fares. Enjoy!
- Presidential Platinum: Current and ongoing qualifiers of Presidential Platinum Elite will receive all benefits and services associated with the program through Jan. 31, 2012. The United Global Services(SM) program will replace the Presidential Platinum Elite program in 2012 and will be open to OnePass members. Top revenue qualifiers will be invited to Global Services in late 2011.
Worth noting: We will no longer be offering the annual Presidential Plus credit card offer for U.S.-based Presidential Platinum members. Continental’s decision to discontinue this benefit is in preparation for our migration to Global Services, and because federal regulations enacted this past year make it complicated for us to fulfill this benefit consistently to all Presidential Platinum members. We will continue to honor this benefit for Presidential Platinum members who take advantage (or have already taken advantage) of this benefit prior to Dec. 31, 2010. The corresponding 25K bonus for offshore members will also be discontinued in 2011.
- The OnePass Elite program year will now be valid for thirteen months, beginning Jan. 1 and continue through Jan. 31 of the following year (instead of continuing through Feb.).
Effective 2012
- Elite members earning 100,000 EQMs or 120 Elite Qualification Points (EQPs) or more during 2011 will have upgrade priority over lower-earning members.
While OnePass and Mileage Plus will continue to operate separately in 2011, we’re on track to provide you with a single world-class frequent flyer program by January 1, 2012. There’s more to come, I can promise you that! For more details and updates, be sure to check out
continental.com/merger.
Thanks as always for your valuable feedback and loyalty.