Although I hold the American Express Platinum card in the same high esteem as NJDavid holds the EUA's it might be just the "ticket" for you. One of the benefits of the card is free companion tickets with a paid Business class ticket on certain airlines, and Continental is one of the airlines that participates in the program.

I'd check with AMEX and Continental to see of your flight would be available.

In the good 'ol days Continental had "Companion ticket rewards" that required less miles and had better availability of seats.

Just another reason to support NJDavid's Deny Continental the Freddie campaign.