As I noted in another thread, I had left a voicemail message for Gordon Bethune bascially praising CO's efforts to stay afloat pre- and post-9/11.

Well, about 15 minutes ago, I got a call back...from Gordo himself.

He began the conversation, and basically thanked me for my business and my loyalty to Continental over the years and during this difficult time. Gordon also stated that the measures CO has implemented or will implement in the near future came about after much research and debate, and that the company is aware of the difficulties or inconveniences that they may cause.

I responded by first thanking him for the unexpected but certainly welcome return of my call. I then told him that I understand that the decisions being made by CO weren't done lightly and serve an important purpose: namely, keeping CO around to fight another day. I also stated that while I'm not a fan of some of the new policies, like the HKY fare restrictions, I'd rather take those and have a strong airline behind it rather than have United's or US Airways' policies supported by a bankrupt airline (we both laughed at that one).

After that, I thanked him for all of the work he has done at CO over the past eight years, and that I look forward to partaking in CO's future success as a shareholder and Elite member. He thanked me again for my call, hoped to see me on another CO flight in the very near future, and said goodbye.

I must say the Gordon was very cordial and friendly during the conversation, and never once showed a hint of arrogance or "disconnect". Even as I type this, my mind still has only one word in it: "WOW!" I truly feel honored for him to have taken a few minutes out of his just to let me know that he cared.

THIS, ladies and gents, is the type of stuff that keeps me firmly planted at CO...