Is Gold Worth it?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Long Island, NY
Programs: CoFounder and Chairman, FFOCUS (Frequent Flyers Organized and concerned about Unacceptable Service.
Posts: 1,341
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
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
#2
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Central Coast, NSW, Australia & Scottsdale, AZ
Programs: UA Rif Raf (Defrocked 1K), CO Lead (Former Plat), QF Bronze
Posts: 1,304
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/
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?
------------------
http://www.denycontinentalthefreddie.com/
#3
In Memoriam
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA USA
Posts: 638
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.
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.
#4
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: In protest of Flyertalk's uncalledfor censoring of my point of view, I cancelled my InsideFlyer subscription. So long, and thanks for everything.
Posts: 3,325
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).]
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).]
#5
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Posts: 182
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?
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
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.
Originally posted by Applefan:
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.
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.
#7
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Akron, OH USA
Posts: 18
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.
There were seats available but EUA failed and I flew in coach.

