It was $ 99 last year for 10K +1K for online , it just a seasonal promotion to build loyalty - It's kust been expanded to three levels - Did it last year when I was building miles.

$.01 a mile is half of market { you must fly to earn the bonus} - Continetal miles are not easy to redeem.

My last redemption was 90,000 for a F/C domestic, however the ticket priced @ $3,400 which is $.038 mile, the same ticket was available in coach for $ 600 or 45000 miles which reduces the value to $.013

Let's say you will accrue 30,000 miles and you opt for the 15,000 program for $ 150 you are guaranted of getting a reward ticket - which may not happen with 30,000 miles (25,000/20,000).

It's not right for everyone. however there are certain circumstances it can resue miles that are destined to become orphan unless the traveler can be very flexible about dates.

With continental miles you need to pick and chose your redemption opportunities.

The immediate gratification of domestic upgrades comes at a cost. I will take the reduced future benifit of redemption in exchange for not dealing with SWU's of UAL or LUser fares on Delta

Would I have bought the $ 3,400 ticket, no, however it's for my wife who doesn't have status and flying separate from me.In this case it makes sense