More unannounced changes to one pass
 

Did you know:

That a reward ticket reservation can now only be held for 14 days, not 30?

I sure as heck never saw an announcement of this change. Tried to reserve a flight to Italy for my wife and mother in February. They will now only hold the reservation until 12/16/00.

More thirty day notice rules blown out of the water.

And the hits just keep comin'''....

Was the 30 day hold ever stated in writing anywhere?

I've always been successful in getting an extension on the hold, but I agree if they've change it from 30 to 14 days, you likely won't be able to get enough extensions to make it equal to what they would do when they allowed 30 day holds.

30 days is an unreasonably long time for Continental to offer for OnePass award reservations to be held. Unfortunately though, 30 days is necessary due to the extreme length of time it can take for HHONOR, Amex, and Diners transfers to take place. Will they allow account overdrafts, on a case-by-case basis to make up for this shortcoming?

Bottom line: This change is NOT welcome by me.

I booked an international award res for my parents on 12/1 - I was told I have 30 days to ticket.

I had a great CO agent who worked quite hard for my itinierary...

Are you certain it's changed to 14 days?

cpd

I booked an international award res for my parents on 12/1 - I was told I have 30 days to ticket.

I had a great CO agent who worked quite hard for my itinierary...

Are you certain it's changed to 14 days?

cpd

The hold time on a award reservations hardly qualifies as a OnePass benefit.

Frankly, I think it's time for Randy to create a new forum. Call it the whiners' board. NJDavid can complain about CO. Doc can complain about NW. Cigarman can fine people. And the annoying saveskymiles guy can complain about DL.

Maybe that way, the rest of us can get some peace.

Hey, UPGRADEME:

Just turn off your computer...the technical equivalent of burying your head in the sand. If you don't find personal experiences of award reservations relevant for the Continental forum, well...sorry.

Clearly, specifically and absolutely your problem.

Hey, I can get you Gordon Bethune's address so you can send him love notes if you like.

(1) From the title, I assumed more than one unannounced change took place. Any more?

(2) Thanks for the heads-up. I never was aware of this new unannounced 14 day policy. Of course I was not aware of the former 30 day unannounced policy.....in fact *I an unaware of almost every unannounced policy by CO or whatever or whomever*. It must be one of my many failings. I need to read more FT.

(3) I have often made CO "reservations" (freebies and non-freebies too), and failed to follow-up with "official" confirmation within the time period noted (one just happened last month). In all, or almost all cases, CO reinstated the reservations without an argument or begging. Once last year I had to pay additional $$ because I was now less than the 7 day pricing, but I got on the wanted flights. You might want to try this.

MisterNice

ANOTHER TERRIFIC CHANGE !!!! Free up seats for those who can make a decision!!!! 30 days is ridiculous - Gotta send another way to go letter to Gordon and gang -
kazman- loving recognition of revenue and Platinum status with the EUA change

However, to be consistent, CO also announced that they will not allow international upgrades until 14 days before travel... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I don't know about the others, but, in my experience, Amex Membership Rewards transfers haven't taken more than 24 to 48 hours on a business day (the official line of 3 to 5 days).

In fact, once, I put in the request to transfer miles online at 9am, and it was in my OnePass account by 5pm that same day. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

NJDAVID:

Complain all you want about changes at CO. But your attempt to tie every minor change to the OnePass 60 day notice rule (whether or not that change relates to a published OnePass benefit) is tiring.

At this rate, it's only a matter of time before you start complaining that schedule changes should require a 60 day notice too.

Yeah.. a while back you'd agreed to stop whining...why are you going back on your word? Are you the "whiner" in your family?...As illustrated, not many are sympathetic with you.I'm also tired of hearing your constant complaining everytime you read something that you don't like...please switch to UA or AA or anywhere but CO and get it over with..you're headed that way anyhow.
How about this....you book your upcoming travel using miles...and I'll pay you the cash equivalent of what the fare would've cost...we'll do this until your miles are burned up....and then you can be on your way with no complaints and off of the CO board ...go over to UA..or AA and complain about their policies. ...anywhere but CO.

And I thought others agreed to no personal attacks.

Well, in the past I have posted good things about CO, bad things about CO, helpful tips, and just commentary. I've had the pleasure of meeting many CO elites and FT members at get-togethers, had them in my home (including tonight), and had rousing discussions with them on both travel and non-travel topics.

There's no way anyone in the world could convince me that a One Pass policy change that I experienced (agree with it or not) shouldn't be shared with the FT community.

If you feel a report of a travel or booking experience has no place here, I suggest it is not I who is whining, but others (such as yourself) who are probably just a$$es.

Do some research about what FT was before you came here, or perhaps, just get a life.

NJDAVID:

Is CO required to give you 60 days notice before switching from peanuts to pretzels?

All I can say is that I've been here for 6 months now....and for the past 6 months have heard just about nothing from you but COMPLAINTS!!

For the record, as a long-time reader of this forum (and poster of countless questions)...

NJDavid's has been a public and vocal champion of OnePass' benefits for a very long time.

Recently there have been some changes which, in his opinion, have weakened the program.

Rather than abide it quiety, he has chosen to do complain publicly.

That is his right. He is posting it in the correct forum, and labeling his messages accurately.

If it bothers you that much, don't click on his topic heading, or press the Page Down key when you encounter a message in the middle of a topic.

Frankly, I find I learn more about things from criticism rather than praise. And the program that he is fighting for IS YOURS TO (assumption). MORE support of his positions are what is going to change OnePass for the better. Otherwise it is going to be a "race for the bottom" among the various FF programs.

What Delta is doing to their program is worth watching. If other airlines see that Delta "got away with it", can there be any doubt that they will look to reduce benefits as well?

Go, NJDavid, go!

------------------
"I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered. My life is my own."

I agree he should "GO".....all the way over to another carrier and it's board...he's become a parasite on this one. There are many people that are growing tired of his whining. Probably comes from being teased in school...or picked last in gym class! Please..either make PLAT soon to get yout EUA upgrades and shut up.....or switch your carrier and let us have peace!!

I support NJDavid and his campaign. If CO FFers take this lying down, then who knows what change will be next? It may even be one you don't like.

At some point, NJDavid and others will switch carriers, if CO continues to water down its FFP. I suppose you'll have gotten what you wanted, but you'll also get less of what you wanted from CO.

::::chuckles to self:::: the CO board is the nastiest one on FT.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif

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How I dearly wish I was not here . . . .

Go NJDavid go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am behind you, never mind those grauchi loosers if they do not like your point of view they do not have to read them!

This is a free board!
CO has become the airline of the most free NON- anything!
To honor you I will provide the link of the year: www.denycontinentalthefreddie.com

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Viele Grüße

Oliver



[This message has been edited by Germanfflyer (edited 12-04-2000).]

eastwest writes:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif How did you get here, were you abducted? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif

Let'm speak. He is probably on to something. I think NJDavid was correct on the EAU thingee. Before it was harshly imposed I batted 98+% on upgrades and never called in before 0700 am (I prefer to sleep). Since it hatched, I am only getting up front 75% of the time.

My question is who is getting all these nice upgrades on CO? Certainly not he or me. Anyone want to confess?

Again, a plea for sanity, folks. You all have private e-mail addresses in your profiles. If you have objections to someone's post, why not take it private and spare us another flame war?

Could someone please tell me what purpose it serves to publicly blast another FT'er in public, other than to make them feel bad? Is that what we've come to these days? Sheesh.

NJDavid...want a lollipop?...Wahhhh...Wahhhh
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

When I have criticized other members, it has always been for "Off Topic" or "Personal Attack" posts. I have many reasons for doing so publicly and not via private e-mail.

The posts within this forum by NJDavid have always been On-Topic and have to my knowledge Never been personal attacks. The personal attacks in this thread are unwarranted.

IM4Travel, You have not added anything of value to this discussion, please either add something of value to this topic or stop posting to it.

NJDavid Started a GREAT thread for us to posts our thoughts on the OnePass Program. Not just complaints, but also the positives. Sadly, some of the same members who have criticized David here also criticized him there.

If you think NJDavid is wrong, please tell him so in a constructive way. He adds a lot of value to this forum, I for one do not want to see him go.

David,

I am not sure that this falls under the "Published Rules" catagory. I cannot recall ever reading this in the OnePass literature (I may be wrong, it does happen a couple of times a year).

Actually, I think this falls under the "If you don't like the answer, call back and try another agent" catagory.

I for another would be devestated if NJDavid leaves. (Yes, Dave I will see you outside the relm of Flyertalk but you add so much to this board!)

His writing is first rate. His knowledge of so much besides Continental is impecable (SP?) and helps people like myself who are leaving the ins and outs of ONe Pass.

I don't recall you NJDavid ever attacking anyone and in fact you support a lot of people.

SO I would say let's just stick to the topic of frustrations or no frustrations of the Electronic upgrades.

Thanks for your efforts NJDavid and to concur with Jon Toner's Remarks DITTO NJDAVID DITTO! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I never threatened to leave. I'm just shocked at the sophmoric tone of this place lately.

Old Gold and I discussed the original topic of this forum last night. He felt only 14 days to hold may actually be a plus, as less reward reservations will be tied up by people not actually going and waiting out the original 30 day window.

I felt that the change might be good under that perspective, but didn't feel that was any guarantee that CO would put the reward seat back into reward inventory, as opposed to just selling it - especially 14 days closer to the flight.

Hey, UpgradeMe and IM4Travel:

Thanks for helping me show a recently arriving flyertalker how this board has devolved from a strong community of folks sharing information to beat and in some instances actually change "the system" into "Just another internet forum where juvenile rudeness for its own sake is de rigueur."

If you have a cogent point to make, make it. Ad hominim attacks, particularly unprovoked ones, do far more to diminish you then they do your intended target.

Ironically, a few weeks ago I was seriosuly considering taking the leap over to CO. As a 100+ mile/year flyer the recent changes would benefit me. But when I drew up a list of pros and cons, the two biggest cons (and deciding factors) were, in order:

1. International upgrades and
2. The Flyertalk CO boards (and posters) are just so mean...

I have stayed relatively quiet during much of the arguing that has been going on here regarding EUA and the unannounced changes to OnePass, but feel a need to add my 2 miles here:

I agree with some of NJDavid's complaints, and disagree with some of them. I will be glad to go into much more detail on an appropriate thread.

I would like to respectfully point out to several people who have participated in this thread that the attacks have gotten too personal and, in my opinion, extremely immature, and can easily be taken offline via email.

Now, regarding the topic, I for one think this is a good change. If I can't make up my mind in 14 days, then I don't need the seats that bad, and maybe this will help free up additional seats.

Sincerely,

One NOT so very mean CO FTer,

Mike

IM4Travel & UpgradeMe - Give it up already. NJDavid has contributed more to the continental forum, in the way of factual, correct and helpful (maybe not always positive) information and advice than most others in the CO forum.

BTW, I am changing from CO to AA next year due to the fact that my upgrade percentage has drastically declined since EUA (over 50K on CO this year and 25K on AA). AA treats me better, everyday in AA coach is better than 30% of the time in CO coach, AA domestic first class tickets are only 40K each vs. 80K each, my companion upgrades at the same time as me, based on my status, not day of flight, and I prefer their international upgrade policy (i.e. confirmed, with miles, at time of booking). NJDavid's contributions to this board have certainly helped me with this decision. If you do not have anything constructive to say, rather do not say it.

TCrazy

[This message has been edited by Travelcrazy (edited 12-04-2000).]

To stay on topic, I have to agree with CameraGuy. I am not sure that the rule was that you had 30 days to make up your mind on a reward ticket (someone please show me where in the program rules it says that).

In my experience (and I have booked 4 reward trips this year alone) it has always been a 14 day hold on a onepass reward. But, IF you asked nicely (or maybe because of your elite status) you could get an extension. So if one agent won't give an extension, call back and get another "nicer" agent. However, maybe they have gotten more strict about this now.

I think it is overall a good time frame - for the reasons stated above. Remember too, if you still aren't sure about the ticket you can book it and cancel later for a (relatively small) $35 mileage redeposit fee.

I should have written this in my last post, but, for the record, 14 days seems like enough time to me for someone to make up their mind. And, if not, asking for an extension or making a new reservation is always a possibility.

So I disagree with NJDavid on this issue, but am behind him fully on the EUA thing (a bigger issue in scope, too, I might add).

Would someone be kind enough to show me where I have "attacked" anyone?

I do not dispute NJDAVID's right to complain all he wants. I simply object to his attempt to tie each and every action by CO to the 60 day rule.

Upgrade, I do believe you suggested shipping me to another board so I could fine people. I didn't think it was meant as a compliment??? I would like to point out it's a JOKE that I started because of the huge number of threads on international upgrades. (should have done it for auto upgrade threads...i'd be rich! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ). I would point out in the last month I have mentioned fines once or twice, I really don't think that is excessive. Maybe some humor (even bad humor) is not such a bad thing occasionally, especially in light of the ugly mood lately on this board.

Im4travel, you're out of line. DGOLDS did nothing to you. You should have a little more respect for others. I don't agree with him always.. BUT, he always will conceed his postions are always well thought out. I can disagree and still respect someone.
As for war against NJDAVID... lay off. He's upset. But he has EARNED it. After all his good posts, cut him some slack for a month or so. Everybody's entitled to lose it once in a while. He's not like some posters who ALWAYS are complaining. And his complaints are factual. NOT I feel i'm being screwed...etc. To quote the rodney king of CO...DGOLDS, "can't we all get along here?"

I have no beef with DGolds..never did...maybe you misunderstood where my comments were aimed..only at NJDavid.

I looked over the OnePass rules and I could not find anywhere that there is any mention of a 30 day hold time. So I think this argument probably wins: this was never something that was guaranteed within the rules, and thus there is no way to apply the "60 day change notice" rule to the "30 day hold" policy by incorporation.

To me, the rule / policy distinction has to be made. There are posted rules which CO should follow to the letter. These comprise a contract between CO and its passengers, who behave in reliance on the printed words contained therein. On top of the formal, printed rules are various policies through which CO implements the rules. CO should be allowed some freedom to exercise business judgment to modify policies in the way they desire.

The best argument I can think of, contra, would be as follows. That you should not draw the rules / policies distinction at the printed / non-printed boundary. That even some non printed rules may be of such a character that Onepass users rely, materially, upon them. You might argue this boundary would be more properly set as to those rules, printed or non printed, which have a "material effect on one's ability to acquire reward seats." So, a 30 day hold might be material, whereas elimination of the 800 elite number might not be, just as an example.

I think the latter argument, while colorable, is probably not the sound one.

One more thing. I have never commented at all on the recent flame wars, but I will say this.

NJDavid, the words you chose for this topic seem deceptive to me, as another poster suggested above. You might have more properly entitled this topic "Another unannounced change to Onepass."

The plural construction, which did cause a slight rumbling in my stomach until I read the substance of your message, was simply not supported by the content you posted.