While I agree it's a bit of a hassle to reprogram one's cellphones, outlook and numerous other devices ... I think it's rather quaint for CO to change the number and look forward to the new number every year when I get that requal package (and as it's been slimming down, and losing bennies such as PC passes, and the CC drink coupons have been miserly reduced to just 4, it's about the ONLY thing to look forward to ...)

Question is what they do with the OLD numbers.

Just tried the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 numbers. All disconnected or fast busy. None of them work any more. That sucks if you have a cellphone programmed. At the very least, CO should keep the numbers and should transfer you into the normal CO queue.

And just tried the 2006 number. Although 1 March, it's already inoperative. There's a recorded message telling you to go look for the new number on your 2007 elite card. Gee, not very friendly, especially since some people may not have received their 2007 cards yet (or are traveling and the card is waiting at home). At the very least, wait a month! And automatically transfer at least to the general queue (or ask one to enter one's OP number, verify status, and proceed accordingly!).