I'm a DL platinum and thought I had an easy way to get over to Continental. I figured I could fly Delta and enjoy my Platinum status for the year, all the while crediting my flights/miles to my Continental account until I made platinum there.

Turns out that if I pull my Delta # out of my record and put in my Continental # -- even minutes before flying -- I lose any upgrades I might already have (or so an agent told me today).

Does anyone know a good way that I can make the switch while enjoying Platinum at Delta and earning Platinum at Continental? I would hate to be caught near the year's end with insufficient miles at either to make Platinum.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Also, while I have your attention, is coming to Continental an improvement over Delta? I assumed so, but would like to hear others' opinions.

Thanks.