hey everyone-
long time lurker, first time poster. anyway, with all of the discussion going on about the new program rules, particularly with its emphasis on "Y" full fares, i couldn't help but wonder...

if there indeed is this contingent of travelers with a proclivity (and the means) for purchasing full fare tickets (>>$1000), aren't these the sorts of people who just sport the money and buy a first class ticket anyway? i mean, who DOES buy first class tickets? and if you're willing to shell out $1200 for a COACH unrestricted ticket from LA to NY, why not just spend the $2200 and guarantee yourself a first class seat? how pissed would you be if you paid for a full fare seat, and you were stuck in a middle seat and as your consolation prize you get 1,000 free miles. 1000 miles?!! how about a free bottle of booze so i can numb my nerves pulling out my eyelashes in frustration!

also, i am very tempted to purchase one of those long trumpet/horns and and play a fanfare when the start EliteAccess boarding to accompany the cavalcade of continental royalty eagerly proceeding to their seat on that lil' ol 737.

well either way, i want to know who these people are that are buying full fare tickets so liberally...if they have so much money to throw around, maybe they want to contribute to my tuition bill and invest in a surgeon-in-training :-)

i might not be a business school graduate, but this whole move just sounds so ill-conceived. i used to take such pride in continental...i used to rave about the elite program to my friends and family...but alas, all good things must come to an end.

cheers