The EUA debate got me thinking over the weekend….If someone asked us (though I doubt anyone will) what would be the perfect "One Pass" program for Continental, being fair to it's elite flyers at all levels, and being pragmatic as a benefit (not a harm) to Continental's business.

Here's what I came up with:

A four level elite system is essential…, we can add the Bronze back in, add a new level at the top or do whatever you wish, but for the sake of this argument, lets use Silver, Gold, Platinum and Executive Platinum.

The mileage levels should be 25K, 50K, 75K and 100K.

Executive Platinum would have the following additional benefits:

EUA (modified that it needs to be requested upon ticketing, and that it be denied to anyone that has requested it but not actually flown the flights 5 times in a row)
An additional award for international upgrade (double the mileage level of today's award) which is an upgrade confirmed at time of ticketing (subject to availability)
Complimentary Silver elite for family members.
Complimentary President's club membership

Benefits for Silver, Gold and Platinum would remain as they were before the EUA business with the following exceptions.

Members who were at one elite level for five years straight receive an automatic level increase to the next level as long as they maintain their status miles above the threshold. Meaning someone who flew 26K would be Silver, but someone who flew 26K five years in a row would be Gold as long as they did not fall below 25K… same for Gold and Platinum. I believe this would have the "awarding loyalty" effect many are looking for while still increasing the bottom line for Continental.

All this, plus a written commitment that Executive platinum will NEVER be offered complimentary - It needs to be earned by either flying 100K, or by flying 75K 5 years in a row.

What do you think? What would be your ideal one pass plan?


[This message has been edited by NJDavid (edited 11-06-2000).]