My last, and only non-upgrade, redemption on CO was made 4h19m before scheduled departure. I did not like the $50 fee, but I loved the fact that I was able to make a last minute weekend trip to Buenos Aires with Mrs. ralfp.

On 2nd thought, perhaps that capability wasn't so good; it cost me 100k miles.

The fees ($0 two weeks out, $35 four days out, $50 three days or less; all for elites) are listed here: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US...ticketing.aspx