I'm sitting in one of the President's Clubs in Newark right now. I just flew in from Germany. I guess Continental doesn't respect it's own Elite members in Europe. First, it's not under their control, but the "fast track" security line wouldn't let me in with my Elite boarding pass. They sent me to the regular line. Second, I got hung up at passport control. The airport I was at has it right in front of the gate. I have way too many stamps and it took about 30 mins for 3 immigration guys to find my entry stamp before they would stamp me out. While stuck there the flight started boarding. I didn't get cleared until halfway through economy boarding. I tried to board showing the gate guy my boarding pass with my Elite status. He said no and told me to wait. They were boarding from the rear first. My seat was not in first class but it was in the front. I got to board last. Also, Elite members should be entitled to the extra legroom seats at the gate if no one buys them. I asked and they said "No, they cost extra. That's why they are empty."

I used to love Continental. Now.... give me United.