I flew continental only once. Last minute to Israel from Chicago to see my dying grandmother a week before July 4th 2005.

I was impressed with the service on EWR-TLV. No other foreign airline at that time had Israeli flight attendants. Flight announcements in hebrew. Moving map in hebrew. It was also funny as on that flight there were more elites preboarding than passengers without status. (Probably the only flight in EWR, or I was one of the only suckers who did not cut into the wrong line)

Continental set the standard that other american carriers followed (Delta and US Airways) which started service to Tel-Aviv later.

Also when my grandma died a day before my deaparture back. Continetal person in Tel-Aviv call center did go above and beyond in understanding and allowing me to find me a sit on an overbooked flight later that week, so I could attend my grandma's funeral. They waived all the change fees.

Wonderful service by a wonderful airline. Sorry I did not fly this airline more often. Hopefully the new United will follow their step and do not downgrade the experience and customer service

Erez