Write to OnePass execs to protest
Sep 13, 2004 | 8:37 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: ewr pbi
Programs: Premier 1K (Former CO Plat)
Posts: 135
Write to OnePass execs to protest
I have sent the following (lengthy) letter to the brass at Continental that appears to have turned its back on its frequent fliers. Additional letters might be helpful:
Just in case you do personally read some of the mail that is addressed to you from Continentals frequent fliers, I would like to share some thoughts with you about recent and forthcoming changes to the OnePass Elite program. My theme is:
WE ARE NOT THE ENEMY!
WE are the loyal Continental frequent fliers who have earned Gold and Platinum status by flying such routes as Newark to Florida for many years.
WE are the passengers who were the first to start flying after 9/11, while corporate America was ordering its employees to drive or teleconference.
WE are passengers who have a choice of airlines, since our schedules are flexible and
WE can more easily fly Jet Blue, Southwest, Song and the like than can the business passenger you covet. Continentals recent actions suggest that this might be what you want us to do.
WE have been loyal to Continental because until now you have treated your frequent fliers well, through what once was, an outstanding OnePass program.
WE are passengers who buy their tickets long in advance, giving Continental a float at no interest, and who, not infrequently, pay a premium when, as WE must from time to time, change travel plans on non-refundable tickets.
WE fill the empty seats so that virtually every Florida flight is at capacity.
WE know that you covet the business flier, who purchases late and pays full fare, and WE do understand the hard times that have fallen upon the industry. But the business flier has so many miles with so many airlines, (many of them with American Express giving him access to all carriers), that he doesnt care what airline he flies, he chooses by schedule. He has no loyalty.
Nevertheless Continentals management has turned its back on us. It acts as if WE are the enemy. More than one ticket or gate agent has made comments about the free rides WE have been getting at Continentals expense for many years, and has intimated that it is our fault that their employer is in trouble. That unwelcome greeting can only have come from impressions handed down by management.
I have been an Elite member for ten years, Gold for quite a few of these, and Platinum since that level was created. I have flown more miles with Continental, and for more years, than many who hold Infinite Platinum. I will attain Platinum again this year, but it now appears that, due to changes in your program, (and not any change in my brand loyalty), I will not reach even Gold next year.
The purpose of the Reward Program was to create loyalty, and to actually reward those who were loyal, not to penalize them. Your yield management practices gets the most dollars possible for each flight. As a result, even those of us who get bargain seay less for much of the year see huge increases during holiday periods.
There are, obviously two types of rewards associated with OnePass. The first are the (hard to obtain) free trips and upgrades that can be purchased with miles by those who amass mileage from all kinds of activities, like using AT&T, Chase MasterCard, Hertz and the like, in addition to flying from time to time. These are not your Elites.
The second are the Perks that accrue only to the real frequent fliers, your loyal Elite customers. Each of us has his or her own reason for coveting these perks, and for staying loyal. In my case I make it a point to fly Continental to the west coast and/or Europe annually, just in order to push myself to the Platinum level.
What do I expect from Continental in return?
1. To paraphrase Gertrude Stein (A rose is a rose is a rose), A mile is a mile is a mile, and not a half mile.
2. A chance to fill a first class seat that would otherwise have been empty.
3. The opportunity to enjoy Business/First on a trip abroad without paying a confiscatory supplement to my ticket price. Remember, it is a Reward, not a penalty!
What do I think is fair?
1. No dollar charge for the Business/First upgrade, but perhaps a somewhat higher mileage deduction for tickets purchased in the lower fare classes. I cannot believe that it costs you $300 each way to put an Economy passenger in the front cabin, and I have been advised that every flight is fully catered in Business/First, even if there are expected to be empty seats. When I buy a ticket and my account is debited by 40,000 miles and I am then charged an additional $600.00, I do not feel as if I am receiving a reward for my loyalty.
2. Award free domestic upgrades first by Elite class, and within that class by the amount paid for that ticket on that flight.
3. Once again, A mile is a mile is a mile. I am perfectly willing to book online and to use E-Tickets in an attempt to help you hold down costs and in order to obtain full credit, as you have done in 2004. I urge you to continue this policy.
Are WE your enemies, or has Continental become OUR enemy? WE will find out at the end of next year. I can assure you that the first year that I fail to attain Platinum status after having flown 75,000+ miles, will also be my last year as a loyal customer. Most of us do have other options when choosing a carrier. LaGuardia and Newark are equidistant from my New Jersey home. Your New York passengers can easily go to LGA or JFK if you turn them off. I pay for my long distance trips on Continental even though I could fly for free as a Delta pilots parent, merely to preserve my Elite status. I have chosen to become a Continental Platinum Elite for the perks. I have other options, and if the perks disappear, you will have lost my loyalty and that of many more frequent fliers.
I have described my personal motivation. Each of us has his or her own reasons for accumulating Elite eligibility miles, and I know that I speak for many who feel that you have turned your corporate back on your core customers. The bottom line is that you will lose a great many of us who have other options, and Continental should recognize that it losing its friends, not its enemies.
It was nice while it lasted, but you are killing the geese that, in better days, laid your golden eggs, and we will not be there for you when things eventually turn around.
Should you choose to reply, please do not send me a form letter. Either address the specific points I have raised, or remain silent. My hope is that you will reconsider some of the punitive policies that are already in effect as well as those that are planned for 2005.
Very truly yours,
Just in case you do personally read some of the mail that is addressed to you from Continentals frequent fliers, I would like to share some thoughts with you about recent and forthcoming changes to the OnePass Elite program. My theme is:
WE ARE NOT THE ENEMY!
WE are the loyal Continental frequent fliers who have earned Gold and Platinum status by flying such routes as Newark to Florida for many years.
WE are the passengers who were the first to start flying after 9/11, while corporate America was ordering its employees to drive or teleconference.
WE are passengers who have a choice of airlines, since our schedules are flexible and
WE can more easily fly Jet Blue, Southwest, Song and the like than can the business passenger you covet. Continentals recent actions suggest that this might be what you want us to do.
WE have been loyal to Continental because until now you have treated your frequent fliers well, through what once was, an outstanding OnePass program.
WE are passengers who buy their tickets long in advance, giving Continental a float at no interest, and who, not infrequently, pay a premium when, as WE must from time to time, change travel plans on non-refundable tickets.
WE fill the empty seats so that virtually every Florida flight is at capacity.
WE know that you covet the business flier, who purchases late and pays full fare, and WE do understand the hard times that have fallen upon the industry. But the business flier has so many miles with so many airlines, (many of them with American Express giving him access to all carriers), that he doesnt care what airline he flies, he chooses by schedule. He has no loyalty.
Nevertheless Continentals management has turned its back on us. It acts as if WE are the enemy. More than one ticket or gate agent has made comments about the free rides WE have been getting at Continentals expense for many years, and has intimated that it is our fault that their employer is in trouble. That unwelcome greeting can only have come from impressions handed down by management.
I have been an Elite member for ten years, Gold for quite a few of these, and Platinum since that level was created. I have flown more miles with Continental, and for more years, than many who hold Infinite Platinum. I will attain Platinum again this year, but it now appears that, due to changes in your program, (and not any change in my brand loyalty), I will not reach even Gold next year.
The purpose of the Reward Program was to create loyalty, and to actually reward those who were loyal, not to penalize them. Your yield management practices gets the most dollars possible for each flight. As a result, even those of us who get bargain seay less for much of the year see huge increases during holiday periods.
There are, obviously two types of rewards associated with OnePass. The first are the (hard to obtain) free trips and upgrades that can be purchased with miles by those who amass mileage from all kinds of activities, like using AT&T, Chase MasterCard, Hertz and the like, in addition to flying from time to time. These are not your Elites.
The second are the Perks that accrue only to the real frequent fliers, your loyal Elite customers. Each of us has his or her own reason for coveting these perks, and for staying loyal. In my case I make it a point to fly Continental to the west coast and/or Europe annually, just in order to push myself to the Platinum level.
What do I expect from Continental in return?
1. To paraphrase Gertrude Stein (A rose is a rose is a rose), A mile is a mile is a mile, and not a half mile.
2. A chance to fill a first class seat that would otherwise have been empty.
3. The opportunity to enjoy Business/First on a trip abroad without paying a confiscatory supplement to my ticket price. Remember, it is a Reward, not a penalty!
What do I think is fair?
1. No dollar charge for the Business/First upgrade, but perhaps a somewhat higher mileage deduction for tickets purchased in the lower fare classes. I cannot believe that it costs you $300 each way to put an Economy passenger in the front cabin, and I have been advised that every flight is fully catered in Business/First, even if there are expected to be empty seats. When I buy a ticket and my account is debited by 40,000 miles and I am then charged an additional $600.00, I do not feel as if I am receiving a reward for my loyalty.
2. Award free domestic upgrades first by Elite class, and within that class by the amount paid for that ticket on that flight.
3. Once again, A mile is a mile is a mile. I am perfectly willing to book online and to use E-Tickets in an attempt to help you hold down costs and in order to obtain full credit, as you have done in 2004. I urge you to continue this policy.
Are WE your enemies, or has Continental become OUR enemy? WE will find out at the end of next year. I can assure you that the first year that I fail to attain Platinum status after having flown 75,000+ miles, will also be my last year as a loyal customer. Most of us do have other options when choosing a carrier. LaGuardia and Newark are equidistant from my New Jersey home. Your New York passengers can easily go to LGA or JFK if you turn them off. I pay for my long distance trips on Continental even though I could fly for free as a Delta pilots parent, merely to preserve my Elite status. I have chosen to become a Continental Platinum Elite for the perks. I have other options, and if the perks disappear, you will have lost my loyalty and that of many more frequent fliers.
I have described my personal motivation. Each of us has his or her own reasons for accumulating Elite eligibility miles, and I know that I speak for many who feel that you have turned your corporate back on your core customers. The bottom line is that you will lose a great many of us who have other options, and Continental should recognize that it losing its friends, not its enemies.
It was nice while it lasted, but you are killing the geese that, in better days, laid your golden eggs, and we will not be there for you when things eventually turn around.
Should you choose to reply, please do not send me a form letter. Either address the specific points I have raised, or remain silent. My hope is that you will reconsider some of the punitive policies that are already in effect as well as those that are planned for 2005.
Very truly yours,
Sep 13, 2004 | 8:51 am
#2
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Tampa, FL
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Delta Platinum
Posts: 1,730
I sent CO a similar letter last year after the entire EQM scheme was established. I also asked for a personal reply and not a form letter. What I received was a form letter...what they received is zero miles from me this year (actually, they mistakenly posted 3k or so that were supposed to get credited to NWA).
I have been Plat for five years running and flew 8 r/t within three weeks of the air system re-opening after 9/11. I flew over 110k actual miles last year. It will be interesting to see if there is anything in the mail from them next springtime. I doubt it. That's fine...I'll requalify as a Platinum with NWA and just milk CO for the free upgrades when I fly them. I am now avoiding them almost entirely when in the past I was fiercely loyal and would even go out of my way to fly them. It will be interesting to see how many of us Platinums flee after they stop with the 100%EQMs for online ticket purchases. I didn't want to wait to see if they kept it, so I left this year. I suspect that if they end that, their bottom line will drop significantly within a year.
I have been Plat for five years running and flew 8 r/t within three weeks of the air system re-opening after 9/11. I flew over 110k actual miles last year. It will be interesting to see if there is anything in the mail from them next springtime. I doubt it. That's fine...I'll requalify as a Platinum with NWA and just milk CO for the free upgrades when I fly them. I am now avoiding them almost entirely when in the past I was fiercely loyal and would even go out of my way to fly them. It will be interesting to see how many of us Platinums flee after they stop with the 100%EQMs for online ticket purchases. I didn't want to wait to see if they kept it, so I left this year. I suspect that if they end that, their bottom line will drop significantly within a year.
Sep 13, 2004 | 9:03 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus. Eurobonus Millionaire
Posts: 38,683
Originally Posted by divrdrew
It will be interesting to see how many of us Platinums flee after they stop with the 100%EQMs for online ticket purchases.
As far as the letter above, I agree completely. I, too, have heard CO employees make comments about pax not paying enough, the company not making money, etc. But I hear this at the airport and when I'm on the plane! I am a PAYING CUSTOMER! Customers don't set the prices. CO and its employees shouldn't blame customers for purchasing what it is selling.
Sep 13, 2004 | 9:05 am
#4
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 8,227
Originally Posted by skymaster
I have sent the following (lengthy) letter to the brass at Continental that appears to have turned its back on its frequent fliers. Additional letters might be helpful:
Just in case you do personally read some of the mail that is addressed to you from Continentals frequent fliers, I would like to share some thoughts with you about recent and forthcoming changes to the OnePass Elite program. My theme is:
WE ARE NOT THE ENEMY!
WE are the loyal Continental frequent fliers who have earned Gold and Platinum status by flying such routes as Newark to Florida for many years.
WE are the passengers who were the first to start flying after 9/11, while corporate America was ordering its employees to drive or teleconference.
WE are passengers who have a choice of airlines, since our schedules are flexible and
WE can more easily fly Jet Blue, Southwest, Song and the like than can the business passenger you covet. Continentals recent actions suggest that this might be what you want us to do.
WE have been loyal to Continental because until now you have treated your frequent fliers well, through what once was, an outstanding OnePass program.
WE are passengers who buy their tickets long in advance, giving Continental a float at no interest, and who, not infrequently, pay a premium when, as WE must from time to time, change travel plans on non-refundable tickets.
WE fill the empty seats so that virtually every Florida flight is at capacity.
WE know that you covet the business flier, who purchases late and pays full fare, and WE do understand the hard times that have fallen upon the industry. But the business flier has so many miles with so many airlines, (many of them with American Express giving him access to all carriers), that he doesnt care what airline he flies, he chooses by schedule. He has no loyalty.
Nevertheless Continentals management has turned its back on us. It acts as if WE are the enemy. More than one ticket or gate agent has made comments about the free rides WE have been getting at Continentals expense for many years, and has intimated that it is our fault that their employer is in trouble. That unwelcome greeting can only have come from impressions handed down by management.
I have been an Elite member for ten years, Gold for quite a few of these, and Platinum since that level was created. I have flown more miles with Continental, and for more years, than many who hold Infinite Platinum. I will attain Platinum again this year, but it now appears that, due to changes in your program, (and not any change in my brand loyalty), I will not reach even Gold next year.
The purpose of the Reward Program was to create loyalty, and to actually reward those who were loyal, not to penalize them. Your yield management practices gets the most dollars possible for each flight. As a result, even those of us who get bargain seay less for much of the year see huge increases during holiday periods.
There are, obviously two types of rewards associated with OnePass. The first are the (hard to obtain) free trips and upgrades that can be purchased with miles by those who amass mileage from all kinds of activities, like using AT&T, Chase MasterCard, Hertz and the like, in addition to flying from time to time. These are not your Elites.
The second are the Perks that accrue only to the real frequent fliers, your loyal Elite customers. Each of us has his or her own reason for coveting these perks, and for staying loyal. In my case I make it a point to fly Continental to the west coast and/or Europe annually, just in order to push myself to the Platinum level.
What do I expect from Continental in return?
1. To paraphrase Gertrude Stein (A rose is a rose is a rose), A mile is a mile is a mile, and not a half mile.
2. A chance to fill a first class seat that would otherwise have been empty.
3. The opportunity to enjoy Business/First on a trip abroad without paying a confiscatory supplement to my ticket price. Remember, it is a Reward, not a penalty!
What do I think is fair?
1. No dollar charge for the Business/First upgrade, but perhaps a somewhat higher mileage deduction for tickets purchased in the lower fare classes. I cannot believe that it costs you $300 each way to put an Economy passenger in the front cabin, and I have been advised that every flight is fully catered in Business/First, even if there are expected to be empty seats. When I buy a ticket and my account is debited by 40,000 miles and I am then charged an additional $600.00, I do not feel as if I am receiving a reward for my loyalty.
2. Award free domestic upgrades first by Elite class, and within that class by the amount paid for that ticket on that flight.
3. Once again, A mile is a mile is a mile. I am perfectly willing to book online and to use E-Tickets in an attempt to help you hold down costs and in order to obtain full credit, as you have done in 2004. I urge you to continue this policy.
Are WE your enemies, or has Continental become OUR enemy? WE will find out at the end of next year. I can assure you that the first year that I fail to attain Platinum status after having flown 75,000+ miles, will also be my last year as a loyal customer. Most of us do have other options when choosing a carrier. LaGuardia and Newark are equidistant from my New Jersey home. Your New York passengers can easily go to LGA or JFK if you turn them off. I pay for my long distance trips on Continental even though I could fly for free as a Delta pilots parent, merely to preserve my Elite status. I have chosen to become a Continental Platinum Elite for the perks. I have other options, and if the perks disappear, you will have lost my loyalty and that of many more frequent fliers.
I have described my personal motivation. Each of us has his or her own reasons for accumulating Elite eligibility miles, and I know that I speak for many who feel that you have turned your corporate back on your core customers. The bottom line is that you will lose a great many of us who have other options, and Continental should recognize that it losing its friends, not its enemies.
It was nice while it lasted, but you are killing the geese that, in better days, laid your golden eggs, and we will not be there for you when things eventually turn around.
Should you choose to reply, please do not send me a form letter. Either address the specific points I have raised, or remain silent. My hope is that you will reconsider some of the punitive policies that are already in effect as well as those that are planned for 2005.
Very truly yours,
Just in case you do personally read some of the mail that is addressed to you from Continentals frequent fliers, I would like to share some thoughts with you about recent and forthcoming changes to the OnePass Elite program. My theme is:
WE ARE NOT THE ENEMY!
WE are the loyal Continental frequent fliers who have earned Gold and Platinum status by flying such routes as Newark to Florida for many years.
WE are the passengers who were the first to start flying after 9/11, while corporate America was ordering its employees to drive or teleconference.
WE are passengers who have a choice of airlines, since our schedules are flexible and
WE can more easily fly Jet Blue, Southwest, Song and the like than can the business passenger you covet. Continentals recent actions suggest that this might be what you want us to do.
WE have been loyal to Continental because until now you have treated your frequent fliers well, through what once was, an outstanding OnePass program.
WE are passengers who buy their tickets long in advance, giving Continental a float at no interest, and who, not infrequently, pay a premium when, as WE must from time to time, change travel plans on non-refundable tickets.
WE fill the empty seats so that virtually every Florida flight is at capacity.
WE know that you covet the business flier, who purchases late and pays full fare, and WE do understand the hard times that have fallen upon the industry. But the business flier has so many miles with so many airlines, (many of them with American Express giving him access to all carriers), that he doesnt care what airline he flies, he chooses by schedule. He has no loyalty.
Nevertheless Continentals management has turned its back on us. It acts as if WE are the enemy. More than one ticket or gate agent has made comments about the free rides WE have been getting at Continentals expense for many years, and has intimated that it is our fault that their employer is in trouble. That unwelcome greeting can only have come from impressions handed down by management.
I have been an Elite member for ten years, Gold for quite a few of these, and Platinum since that level was created. I have flown more miles with Continental, and for more years, than many who hold Infinite Platinum. I will attain Platinum again this year, but it now appears that, due to changes in your program, (and not any change in my brand loyalty), I will not reach even Gold next year.
The purpose of the Reward Program was to create loyalty, and to actually reward those who were loyal, not to penalize them. Your yield management practices gets the most dollars possible for each flight. As a result, even those of us who get bargain seay less for much of the year see huge increases during holiday periods.
There are, obviously two types of rewards associated with OnePass. The first are the (hard to obtain) free trips and upgrades that can be purchased with miles by those who amass mileage from all kinds of activities, like using AT&T, Chase MasterCard, Hertz and the like, in addition to flying from time to time. These are not your Elites.
The second are the Perks that accrue only to the real frequent fliers, your loyal Elite customers. Each of us has his or her own reason for coveting these perks, and for staying loyal. In my case I make it a point to fly Continental to the west coast and/or Europe annually, just in order to push myself to the Platinum level.
What do I expect from Continental in return?
1. To paraphrase Gertrude Stein (A rose is a rose is a rose), A mile is a mile is a mile, and not a half mile.
2. A chance to fill a first class seat that would otherwise have been empty.
3. The opportunity to enjoy Business/First on a trip abroad without paying a confiscatory supplement to my ticket price. Remember, it is a Reward, not a penalty!
What do I think is fair?
1. No dollar charge for the Business/First upgrade, but perhaps a somewhat higher mileage deduction for tickets purchased in the lower fare classes. I cannot believe that it costs you $300 each way to put an Economy passenger in the front cabin, and I have been advised that every flight is fully catered in Business/First, even if there are expected to be empty seats. When I buy a ticket and my account is debited by 40,000 miles and I am then charged an additional $600.00, I do not feel as if I am receiving a reward for my loyalty.
2. Award free domestic upgrades first by Elite class, and within that class by the amount paid for that ticket on that flight.
3. Once again, A mile is a mile is a mile. I am perfectly willing to book online and to use E-Tickets in an attempt to help you hold down costs and in order to obtain full credit, as you have done in 2004. I urge you to continue this policy.
Are WE your enemies, or has Continental become OUR enemy? WE will find out at the end of next year. I can assure you that the first year that I fail to attain Platinum status after having flown 75,000+ miles, will also be my last year as a loyal customer. Most of us do have other options when choosing a carrier. LaGuardia and Newark are equidistant from my New Jersey home. Your New York passengers can easily go to LGA or JFK if you turn them off. I pay for my long distance trips on Continental even though I could fly for free as a Delta pilots parent, merely to preserve my Elite status. I have chosen to become a Continental Platinum Elite for the perks. I have other options, and if the perks disappear, you will have lost my loyalty and that of many more frequent fliers.
I have described my personal motivation. Each of us has his or her own reasons for accumulating Elite eligibility miles, and I know that I speak for many who feel that you have turned your corporate back on your core customers. The bottom line is that you will lose a great many of us who have other options, and Continental should recognize that it losing its friends, not its enemies.
It was nice while it lasted, but you are killing the geese that, in better days, laid your golden eggs, and we will not be there for you when things eventually turn around.
Should you choose to reply, please do not send me a form letter. Either address the specific points I have raised, or remain silent. My hope is that you will reconsider some of the punitive policies that are already in effect as well as those that are planned for 2005.
Very truly yours,
Send the letter to Larry Kellner. Just about anyone else is worthless at CO. One or 2 others have been mentioned that are helpful, but can't think of the name off the top of my head. The email for Kellner is on FT, search for it.
Sep 13, 2004 | 9:07 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus. Eurobonus Millionaire
Posts: 38,683
Originally Posted by Arcolaio99
Send the letter to Larry Kellner. Just about anyone else is worthless at CO. One or 2 others have been mentioned that are helpful, but can't think of the name off the top of my head. The email for Kellner is on FT, search for it.
Sep 13, 2004 | 10:50 am
#6
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Moreland Hills (CLE)
Programs: Over-entitled UA 1.3MM Gold, AA Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott L-T Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 5,526
Originally Posted by divrdrew
It will be interesting to see how many of us Platinums flee after they stop with the 100%EQMs for online ticket purchases. I didn't want to wait to see if they kept it, so I left this year.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=353138
Sep 13, 2004 | 1:55 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Tampa, FL
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Delta Platinum
Posts: 1,730
Originally Posted by Arcolaio99
Send the letter to Larry Kellner. Just about anyone else is worthless at CO. One or 2 others have been mentioned that are helpful, but can't think of the name off the top of my head. The email for Kellner is on FT, search for it.
The EQM issue was just one of many that made me decide to leave CO...simply too many lies and misleading statements from good old Gordo and the form letter response that I got to my letter to Kellner and Bethune was simply the icing on the cake.
Last edited by divrdrew; Sep 13, 2004 at 2:01 pm
Sep 13, 2004 | 2:03 pm
#8
Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Louisville, KY
Programs: Destination Unknown, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD)
Posts: 58,133
Dear OP,
WE don't care.
Sincerely,
Your Pals at NonePass.
PS: Buy some Ys, will ya???
Sad but true.
WE don't care.
Sincerely,
Your Pals at NonePass.
PS: Buy some Ys, will ya???
Sad but true.
Sep 13, 2004 | 6:30 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: CO Plat - AW Plat - AA Gold - SPG Plat - HH Gold - HY Gold - WBR - Alpha Phi Omega - GO CANES!
Posts: 558
While my situation is different than Skymaster's - I generally book at the last minute, pay extra, and get abused for it... He has made a quote which I stand behind.
"I can assure you that the first year that I fail to attain Platinum status after having flown 75,000+ miles, will also be my last year as a loyal customer."
I have said this myself repeatedly to clients, friends, and the OnePass Service Center. When CO announced they were doing 50% EQM with NW, I immediately called NW and asked them if they would transfer my status. They would. I decided to hold tight as I had some miles invested in status and I wanted to at least finish that. I have now requalified (as of a month and a half ago) for Platinum, and can take a walk when I want.
I am going to hold tight for a little while to see what the new Sky Team world looks like. We'll see what happens. But at least I am in a great position. And I'm not afraid to let CO know all about it.
"I can assure you that the first year that I fail to attain Platinum status after having flown 75,000+ miles, will also be my last year as a loyal customer."
I have said this myself repeatedly to clients, friends, and the OnePass Service Center. When CO announced they were doing 50% EQM with NW, I immediately called NW and asked them if they would transfer my status. They would. I decided to hold tight as I had some miles invested in status and I wanted to at least finish that. I have now requalified (as of a month and a half ago) for Platinum, and can take a walk when I want.
I am going to hold tight for a little while to see what the new Sky Team world looks like. We'll see what happens. But at least I am in a great position. And I'm not afraid to let CO know all about it.
Sep 14, 2004 | 12:01 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: ewr pbi
Programs: Premier 1K (Former CO Plat)
Posts: 135
CO Giveth and CO taketh away
CO has cancelled (probably temporarily) the 50% EQM, but turned around and at the same time stabbed us in the back with even higher cash penalties for upgrade to B/F class to Europe.
Revised BusinessFirst Upgrade Fees
In response to declining international fares, effective Jan. 1, 2005, Continental will raise fees to upgrade to BusinessFirst on discounted economy tickets. One-way upgrade fees for tickets booked in B or O class will increase from $300 to $350. Tickets booked in V or U class will see upgrade fees go from $300 to $400 and tickets booked in Q, I, S, W, T, X, or L class will rise from $400 to $450 each way. There are no fees for upgrades for tickets booked in H class (except for flights to or from Hawaii which remain at $200 each way) and the fee for tickets booked in K class will remain unchanged at $200 each way.
Can you believe this. Buy a ticket, pay $900 and 40,000 miles to upgrade!!! Are they insane? What is the Reward?
Revised BusinessFirst Upgrade Fees
In response to declining international fares, effective Jan. 1, 2005, Continental will raise fees to upgrade to BusinessFirst on discounted economy tickets. One-way upgrade fees for tickets booked in B or O class will increase from $300 to $350. Tickets booked in V or U class will see upgrade fees go from $300 to $400 and tickets booked in Q, I, S, W, T, X, or L class will rise from $400 to $450 each way. There are no fees for upgrades for tickets booked in H class (except for flights to or from Hawaii which remain at $200 each way) and the fee for tickets booked in K class will remain unchanged at $200 each way.
Can you believe this. Buy a ticket, pay $900 and 40,000 miles to upgrade!!! Are they insane? What is the Reward?
Sep 14, 2004 | 12:34 pm
#11
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 8,227
CO doesn't customers. What airline would need cusotmers, especially loyal ones. 
Hello Red Tail for now. More likely AA/UA in the distant future.
Hello Red Tail for now. More likely AA/UA in the distant future.
Sep 14, 2004 | 12:46 pm
#12
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: West Hollywood, CA
Programs: CO Gold Elite, Marriott Platinum and several other elites...
Posts: 185
Looks like we have to get used to this.
Originally Posted by Arcolaio99
CO doesn't customers. What airline would need cusotmers, especially loyal ones. Hello Red Tail for now. More likely AA/UA in the distant future.
Hello Red Tail for now. More likely AA/UA in the distant future.My travel agent is always saying that the reason the airlines are in trouble is because of the Mileage Programs and elite rewards. So now we are going to be stripped of our "REWARDS".
I am mad that CO will even charge me a $100 change fee to upgrade my ticket to first class using CASH! I called and got the new India office and that is there rule and they are sticking to it!
The folks in the India office don't know anything about travel or the onepass program. It is so annoying when they answer the Elite line.
Can you tell I am getting fed up? I am right behind you with trading status to go to AA.
Sep 14, 2004 | 12:54 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 8,227
Originally Posted by JimStraz
I think that the days of enjoying travel are almost over. There is always some new rule or restriction or change. I am getting sick of it.
My travel agent is always saying that the reason the airlines are in trouble is because of the Mileage Programs and elite rewards. So now we are going to be stripped of our "REWARDS".
I am mad that CO will even charge me a $100 change fee to upgrade my ticket to first class using CASH! I called and got the new India office and that is there rule and they are sticking to it!
The folks in the India office don't know anything about travel or the onepass program. It is so annoying when they answer the Elite line.
Can you tell I am getting fed up? I am right behind you with trading status to go to AA.
My travel agent is always saying that the reason the airlines are in trouble is because of the Mileage Programs and elite rewards. So now we are going to be stripped of our "REWARDS".
I am mad that CO will even charge me a $100 change fee to upgrade my ticket to first class using CASH! I called and got the new India office and that is there rule and they are sticking to it!
The folks in the India office don't know anything about travel or the onepass program. It is so annoying when they answer the Elite line.
Can you tell I am getting fed up? I am right behind you with trading status to go to AA.
Jun 20, 2005 | 8:11 pm
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: new york, ny, usa
Posts: 13,536
Originally Posted by xyzzy
Last edited by fly co to see the yanks; Jun 21, 2005 at 2:49 pm
Jun 21, 2005 | 2:49 pm
#15
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: new york, ny, usa
Posts: 13,536
Originally Posted by fly co to see the yanks
is this the latest and greatest email address? i thought it was more basic like [email protected] or something like that, no?