Zip:

I booked the flights last spring in BusinessFirst before Continental discontinued service to SCL effective the end of Oct. Continental wanted to put us on the 4:00 am COPA 737 flight, but I screamed until we were booked on Delta in BusinessElite through ATL. I think that the only COPA planes with the ramge to fly SCL-PTY are the 737-700's, which are actually owned by Continental. According to the COPA website they have 12 F/C seats.

Old Gold: thanks. We are returning on CO9056 (COPA codeshare) leaving at 4:50 am! But at least that gets us back to CLE the same day. But I still cannot confirm the type of aircraft; image it will be the 737-700 you mentioned (12 F/C, no BF configuration).


SteveM: I flew CNS-GUM this past summer. Up front was called "BF", however it was in domestic FC configuration! Neat way to get around that "no upgrades unless no BF" thing.

On Continetal Micronesia, the premium cabin is marketed as "business class" on the narrowbody aircraft. On DC-10 aircraft, the premium cabin is "BusinessFirst." "Business class" is comparable to domestic first class, however in my limited experience (two flights in CS premium) the service is better and features sparkling wine. Their "BusinessFirst" is presumably the same as Continental's, however I have not flown BusinessFirst on a Continental Micronesia flight.

Business class seats are available for complimentary Elite upgrades. BusinessFirst seats are not available for complimentary upgrades. Business class inventory is in C/D/Z, with upgrades coming out of the Z bucket. On both of my flights, mechanics occupied the two business class seats in row one. BusinessFirst inventory is in J/D/Z, with upgrades coming out of the Z bucket.

In short, flights with J will not be eligible for elite upgrades. Flights with C inventory are eligible for elite upgrades. As for EUA, I don't know the answer and I don't think Continental's reservation sales agents' have any knowledge of the subject.

Another issue to note is that a very limited number of CS flights from GUM to Asia are on DC-10 aircraft with J inventory, such as flights to Tokyo (NRT).

Finally, make sure you carry the printed Elite guide (I did on this trip). All staffing at TPE is performed by Thai Airways International (TG). The ticket agent refused to upgrade me upon check-in. At the gate, I asked for the upgrade and presented the book, in addition to my card, and was upgraded after the gate agent telephoned a "supervisor." I assume that due to CS's limited flight schedule, travellers will be likely to encounter similar situations at many other stations. Be prepared.

Regret to report that the return segment in J from HNL-LAX on 11/13 was worse than the outbound LAX-HNL. I'd heard of Continental's lazy platinums, now I also know their lazy flight attendants. This "premium service" flight included no offer of wine with dinner, no offer of any beverage with dinner, no offer of coffee or cordials after dinner, no offer of any drinks (other than a glass of orange juice or 'ice water' off of a tray) prior to landing. I am happy <note sarcasm> to note, however, that one of the flight attendant's husband was seated across the aisle from me and received excellent service (e.g. wine with dinner, drink refills, prelanding guava juice, coffee, etc.).

Possibly me disappointment stems from the high expectations set by previous experiences in Northwest's World Business Class and recent experiences in Far Eastern Air Transport's business class for domestic flights in Taiwan. Yes, I am serious. May the record also show I received superb treatment in America West's first class cabin between LAX and PHX this morning on a 5:00 AM flight.

For further information, please read my trip report, to be posted within 24 hours.

Well I guess that Continental didn't see that picture of me standing next to JAWS, I just got my first EUA upgrade, for a flight next Saturday, on a PAPER TICKET issued by NORTHWEST AIRLINES

Old Gold,

You gotta watch the company you keep. You got the EUA because Ol' JAWs e-mailed CO and told them about it(the paper ticket, that is). Congrats on getting your first EUA. My EUA's have been plentiful since my paper ticket incident and the agent figuring it out. In fact, I've been EUA'ed on every flight that has had a FC cabin. But, then again, I've had only e-tickets since then.

Say hello to the beautiful Mrs. Old Gold.

You know, JAWS, my friend, when I'm on the plane on a $198 Q fare ticket, sitting in First, enjoying my pre-departure cocktail, watching the suits parade past on their way to the back, I often think: someone out there is looking after me!

p.s. Mrs. Old Gold says hello!

[This message has been edited by Old Gold (edited 12-01-2000).]