Jon, that post is criminally funny!

[This message has been edited by cigarman (edited 01-17-2001).]

Come on, guys, be nice.

The nature of bulletin boards is sharing of ideas and thoughts by people regardless of level of experience. In the time I've read read the board, I've learned things from others, and I have contributed things that I know. I don't think sarcasm is productive in building bonds within our cyber-community.

Frankly, I would agree with AFANG that a flight arriving 20 min. early is a definite plus. I'd rather be in coach on an early arriving flight than in FC on one that has an hour ground delay.

[This message has been edited by Viajero Joven (edited 01-18-2001).]

Does this include, say, a flight from DTW to LAX at dinnertime?

I'll take the FC seat , thank you!

What is with you guys and not flying coach? If you had to shell out money for a F ticket, would you? And I don't mean you using an upgrade, or your company's money. Is there something wrong with CO coach that's worse than the other airlines?

CO Coach is worse than other airlines (particularly AA) purely in terms of physical product. Ignoring food (which we almost never get out of MCI anyway - too many short-hauls), CO coach is simply cramped. The longer the flight, the more important that becomes.

Given equal prices and a no chance for an upgrade, would I pay for an F ticket on CO? Absolutely not. But, I would pay for a coach ticket on AA before a coach ticket on CO. The extra space is worth the lousier service. It's the free upgrades (on CO, NW, and HP) that keep me with CO, not the coach product.

(edited to correct grammar - CO coach is worse than other airlines. It is not worst).

[This message has been edited by happymob (edited 01-19-2001).]

In fact, I _have_ been on DTW-LAX flights with only peanuts in coach and a cold snack in FC-- one of those "between mealtime" flights. Yes, there's something to be said for legroom, but as far as food and the inflight experience, I'd rather pay for something in the airport than be stuck on the plane, even in FC, for an undetermined amount of time.

IMHO, upgrades are a bonus-- granted, a nice, comfortable bonus that keeps us elites coming back, but a safe flight that's on-time is by far the top priority, and I'd think that any airline that can guarantee that, regardless of inflight service, will win a loyal following. Look at Southwest: why do people bounce between the coasts in a flying bus with only peanuts?? Because WN has a great on time record and lots of frequencies.

Hi afang, just wanted to let you know I was worried about the same thing of maybe never getting an upgrade, I just made CO Silver and have not even received my card yet. But the NW agents were able to verify my status on the computer and I flew FC last weekend. Not on the leg out, though they DID upgrade my luggage! but on the flight back I got on and I didn't even call at midnight, but the morning of the flight. So it is possible ...

another thing I don't understand yet, I made a reservation yesterday for a flight a week away (so too soon to upgrade). As the reservation agent processed my ticket, she asked, "How does seat 34C sound?" I said, "It sounds pretty far back." She then said that she had "just noticed" that I was silver elite - though what difference this could make so early, I don't know, and she put me on 7C on all 4 legs. This is not FC but is pretty close and I am still hoping to get the upgrade next week. Is it possible that I would have been stuck in 34C had I not been elite? I don't know, maybe someone can tell me what happened here? Makes me think that there might be other advantages to being elite, besides of course boarding first, even if I don't get the seat.

The other thing is, there is a lot of great information on these boards. Most of the Continental agents I spoke with did not understand how to upgrade CO elites on a NW flight. I didn't either which is why I was asking ... finally, I was able to tell THEM how it was done after reading info here. 1 in 4 agents knew how to do it (the others told me that it is now automatic - wrong, not for NW!), and 1 in 3 NWA check-in agents knew that they could check Continental elite status on their computers and knew how to do it. So, don't take no for an answer when you try to upgrade, or accept the first answer you get, they may know less than we do.

As a CO elite, you are entitled to premium seating in coach when flying CO. The only thing premium about the seats is their location close to the front of the plane, but it's still a nice perk. Also sometimes when there are only middle seats left in back, you can secure an aisle or window seat in this section.

If you were flying on a NW flight I'm surprised that you got moved up. In general, CO elites do not get access to NW premium coach seating, though I have personally selected NW premium coach seating on some NW flights at time of booking, though I suspect this was due to NW unblocking those seats closer to flight time (these tickets were purchased 2 days before the flight). Your mileage may vary on NW.

I don't find upgrades to be a problem on NW. I flew them about a dozen times last year and got upgraded on every one.

Well this will be my last CO flight for the year.

I called the Reservation line to change the flight from 1-26-01 to today. Got a email confirmation as well.
At MCI (Don't know why they call it KCI), the tkt agent said that I am not on the flight and the reservation line never did change my flight. I told him that I got an email confirmation, and he said that he bet that the confirmation said 1/26 not 1/19.

At IAH, I waited for the bags for 40 min+ when the luggage arrived, my Priority Handling tag has dissappeared...

Overall, this leg was terriable, while on the plane there was a Group who had waited since 9 in the morning, why that was, no one had explained. At IAH one of the angry person from that group repeately shouted "CO SUCKS!" to all the people at the terminal.

I will be moving next week, and my new home will be AA

Al

Sometimes MOVING makes for new scenery, but nothing else changes! Life goes on as usual.

"At IAH one of the angry person from that group repeately shouted "CO SUCKS!" to all the people at the terminal."

Hang around IAH long enough and I'm sure you'll hear just about everything screamed aloud eventually!

Al,

You know I've been as hostile to EUA as anyone! Yet, I really try to be fair and balanced. Yes, CO screws up...sometimes big-time. But, on balance, it's better than most airlines today.

Don't get caught up into the "grass is always greener" trap. AA is no bed of roses! They don't call it AArrogant Airlines for nothing! Years ago, I had some dealings with AAttitude Airlines that I'd rather forget.

The prob, IMHO, is that all the airlines are too big, and the economy has been too good....and they know that we need them more than they need us.

Of course, there will be some advantages to AA. They are offering more pitch in their coach seats (35"), but they're still just as narrow (18").

CO may give fewer free upgrades for Golds with EUA, but you should still get 33-50% on average. With AA, you get 0% free upgrades...they charge you!

You have to ask yourself what's more important, free upgrades 33-50% of the time or a superior coach seat 100% of the time.

OTOH, AA gives you a bunch of more flying options, especially if you're flying out of DFW. This is why I might jump to UA...direct flights to SYD and ORD, and other flights outta LAX and SNA...flights that UA specializes.

But, I wouldn't consider jumping if I was flying out of IAH or EWR...too many good options there. And 50% upgrades are better than none.

Well Al, I wish you the best in your new home and with your new airline! Take care, and let us hear from you.

------------------
http://www.denycontinentalthefreddie.com/

afang: http://www.skygod.com/asstd/abc.html

Interesting article on the origins of airport codes. It is surprising they didn't choose KCI, as it's not being used by another city. Maybe it was when the airport was built.

Thanks SemiElite. I have been on AA flights from Hell and know very well what kind of airline i will be facing against, but like you said flying out of DFW, I will have a lot more choices flying AA or DL...

Al