Is Gold Worth it?
 

I have been offered an Elite Match with CO to Gold status--except I am based at ISP, where everything is Express or Commutair. Is it worth accepting?

Rumor has it they might start the shuttle to EWR from ISP again soon--if that were the case I would probably do it!!

Just wondering

Regards

Art at ISP

Art234,

I can't comment on the NY stuff, but as far as being Gold, I guess I can, as I'll reach that status whenever CO gets around to posting my last flight.

Your decision would have to be based on your own flying patterns and your own preferences. Both AA and UA charge for upgrades, CO domestic upgrades are free. As a Gold you can expect 33-50% free upgrades since CO instituted EUA (Electronic Upgrade Automation)...maybe more or less depending on route and time of flight. OTOH, AA and UA offer a clearly superior coach product. Your call on that one! What's more important to you...33-50% of the time in FC or 100% in a better Coach?

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http://www.denycontinentalthefreddie.com/

Art,
I for one love Continental Gold status. I made silver in March of last year and gold in October. Yes, life was better before EUA but I'm not complaining. So far under EUA, I'm batting 10 for 12 on upgrades. However, I never touch EWR so maybe that's why I don't have too many problems with it. The lack of service to ISP would be the big issue. I have no idea where express flies into from there. If you can get to CLE non-stop on a regional jet then I think you would have a good chance with upgrades since the Cleveland hub is considered the best for upgrades.

You have to decide that for yourself.

They will only give you the opportunity to match status once...(if you use it now, it's gone) - so is now the right time for you?

Gold in and of itself is a watered down version of what it used to be. If you fly popular routes to/from hub airports, it's useless and don't waste the time.

[This message has been edited by NJDavid (edited 01-23-2001).]

To my knowledge there is no first class on Continental Express or Commutair (someone please correct me if I am wrong), so I guess the only benefit would be the Gold Mileage Bonus. After all, who cares if you board first on a plane that requires you to gate check normal carry-ons anyway?

I have to respectfully disagree, CO's Cle hub is full of 737's which are not that abundant with F/C seats, I swapped from DL (Gold Match) and do enjoy CO better but not through CLE. At least DL through CVG uses 757's.

I am CLE based and the only time this year that I have not been upgraded on a flight leaving CLE was on a 757...

There were seats available but EUA failed and I flew in coach.

I miss it! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif