Is there "instant" elite
 

I was not an elite customer with continental before but starting this year I will start flying about 40k a year.
Is there a way to become elite the first year if you are not elite with anybody else ( like the elite chalenge with AA )? Is the prestige
pack going to be availiable in all 1999 or will it be dicontinued 03-01-99?

GFlyer, I think you are probably going to have to earn it first, then negotiate. How does any airline know you are going to fly 40K miles? To bad the airlines will not accept our "word" that we will fly them and attain elite status.

I guess you are right even so I hold reservations already. I just can not wait to be an elite!!!

Sorry GFlyer, even holding the reservations and/or tickets will not do it - you can always cancel a reservation or no-show.
MF

Gflyer, I did exactly what you are talking about. Here is what you have to do. Send or Fax a copy of your elite ff card from another airline and a copy of you statement to: One Pass Service Center, Attn: E. Bell,OA Match. You can get the fax number or the rest of the address of their home page.
I asked for the same thing and they were very happy to do it. They will do it one time only and will credit you with whatever level you had in another program. Try it. It makes sense for them. I did it and have switched all my business to Continental since. Good luck!

Thanks for the tip!!! But unfortunatly I did not make elite with anybody last year!

GFlyer: Do you employers purchase alot of travel?

If you can leverage them with CO it may be the way to go?
MF

They sure do!!!

But they make us fly LH and then take away the miles&more to use it towards future company travel. We do not get any miles for that! The miles I am reffering to are all leisure and paid out of my own pocket. That is why I would really like CO to get on with the alliance so I can get status miles with KLM,AZ,AF(?),Eva... that would really help!!!

that is also why I am so discusted with LH!
I just do not like the way they treat their customers.