First of all, as a newbie, I would like to say hello and apologize for the long and rambling post that is sure to follow.


I am in the process of planning a destination wedding (for around 50 people) to Oahu, with most flying out of IAH, and have been working with the Costco group travel office. We were hoping to fly via Continental, but the agent found that United had the best rates, for next March ($580 R/T). I was hoping that United was a partner airline of Con., but that doesn't seem to be the case.

My question is, I remember seeing something in the news about most of the major airlines changing their partnership arrangements so that most were connected (Con., Delta, United, NW, etc...). Have any of you heard anything about this? Also, does anyone have any tips/secrets in regards to acquiring FF miles? My fiance and I already signed up for a Continental World MC, but I'm sure there are other things we can do.

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Thanks,


Chris F.