I have 10 segments accumulated through Continental as of right now, but I really do not have much of a choice between programs. I live about 15 minutes from Newark, and Continental pretty much owns that airport.

I've flown with too many different airlines this past year (discount ones) to have status on a major. I do have a record of 20 flights with Southwest that I printed out, and I have status on ATA. I'm hoping I can prove to continental that I will be flying with them every week for the rest of the year. All I want is gold status, and I cannot make it on miles because I am flying a 500 mile segment.

This past year I came a few nights short of reaching gold status at the Marriott, and after they reset my nights to 0, a quick call to their customer service department allowed me to continue earning nights from the year before towards my elite status. Good thing too, because this year I've already stayed about 90 nights! I hope if I come just short of gold this year I can do the same thing with continental.

Does anyone have any past experiences?