<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by avek00:
Folks, I wouldn't really get too anxious over any new changes. Remember that, when generally compared to its full-service competitors, Continental Airlines works. I'll say it again, for emphasis: CONTINENTAL AIRLINES WORKS! As a result, the airline does not have a need to make further radical, sweeping changes to the way it does business ala AA, UA, or even DL.
Honestly, I expect that the net effect of the changes will be positive because Continental does not want to ruin a business model that is generally meeting with success. I expect that some changes might be made to the Elite upgrade scheme to further favor high-fare ticket buyers, but that makes good business sense. I also expect to see something about lounge access for Platinums, as CO prepares itself for entry into SkyTeam sometime next year.
Simply put, we are the beneficiaries of CO's superior business savvy (at least, relative to its full-service rivals). Our house might yet have to take a couple more pebble hits, but it pales in comparison to the boulder volleys that folks in glass-house airlines have taken and WILL CONTINUE to take as their failed/failing carriers try to restructure themselves into viable enterprises.
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To give at booking upgrades to Y/H fare elites makes great sense in my book but why doesnt co take it a step further with the idea and increase the offering of YUP/HUP fares to attempt to bring in non elite last minute travelers as well.Co needs to make changes that are pro high fares but also pro-customer in general by not joining DL in the changes they made.If co makes the changes to elites buying Y/H fares I think that is a good move by co.As far as lounge access it is about time that plat benefits fall inline with other airlines as far as lounge access for top tier's on international trips
-howie