Length of Elite Status question
 

I've made elite status on and off for the last 8 years. If I made silver elite status (ie. Nov 2009) my card would only say valid until Feb 2010. When that expired, I would not get a replacement card and my status on CO's site would go to non elite. Is this normal? I thought it would continue until Feb 2011. This has happened every time I've made elite.

This year I've made Gold about a month ago but I'm not sure if I'll get a another card come Feb 2011 extending it to Feb 2012.

Can someone with experience help?

If you made Elite anytime in 2009, you should get a card that expires Feb 2010 and then another that extends to 2011.
If you made Elite anytime in this year (2010) you should have one card that expires in Feb 2011 and then another one that will expire January 31, 2012.
If that is not what you are seeing, you should call continental elite desk and clarify.

I believe that you will receive a new card with your Gold Status expiring in early 2012.

I have never received 2 cards and I've made elite status at least 5 times in the last 8 years.

I'm wondering if I've gotten ripped off, bonus mileage-wise...

sometimes if you made Elite status toward the end of the calendar year, let's say November 2009, you will not receive the first card that expires Feb 2010 but you should definitely get the one that expires Feb 2011.
The difference is that starting in 2012, cards will expire in January instead of February.
You can always go to continental.com and print out a new card if you do not get it on time.
If you do not show up as Elite despite being Elite than that deserves a call to continental Elite desk; skip the e-mail - it has been useless lately

keisari's correct on all accounts.