As I noted in another thread, I had left a voicemail message for Gordon Bethune bascially praising CO's efforts to stay afloat pre- and post-9/11.

Well, about 15 minutes ago, I got a call back...from Gordo himself.

He began the conversation, and basically thanked me for my business and my loyalty to Continental over the years and during this difficult time. Gordon also stated that the measures CO has implemented or will implement in the near future came about after much research and debate, and that the company is aware of the difficulties or inconveniences that they may cause.

I responded by first thanking him for the unexpected but certainly welcome return of my call. I then told him that I understand that the decisions being made by CO weren't done lightly and serve an important purpose: namely, keeping CO around to fight another day. I also stated that while I'm not a fan of some of the new policies, like the HKY fare restrictions, I'd rather take those and have a strong airline behind it rather than have United's or US Airways' policies supported by a bankrupt airline (we both laughed at that one).

After that, I thanked him for all of the work he has done at CO over the past eight years, and that I look forward to partaking in CO's future success as a shareholder and Elite member. He thanked me again for my call, hoped to see me on another CO flight in the very near future, and said goodbye.

I must say the Gordon was very cordial and friendly during the conversation, and never once showed a hint of arrogance or "disconnect". Even as I type this, my mind still has only one word in it: "WOW!" I truly feel honored for him to have taken a few minutes out of his just to let me know that he cared.

THIS, ladies and gents, is the type of stuff that keeps me firmly planted at CO...

WOW indeed.

Double WOW!

How did he reply to your comments regarding HoKeY restrictions?

He really didn't reply, other than to say that CO only makes these sort of tough decisions after much research and debate.

I'm sure Gordo the Liar wouldn't call back anyone with a complaint.

What do you say to a guy that doesn't read his own book, that publically states there will be no program changes to one pass and then makes changes and doesnn't even apologize, and that believes his own hype that everything is everyone else's fault?

...I mean other than "...you're great, I adore you, thanks, I'll bend forward to be enhanced more..."

Gimme a break. You called him announcing yourself as a cheerleader for him and you are surprised he called back? Now he can claim that his changes have been welcomed by his loyal customers that he has personally talked too.

Did you have to wipe your handset to get rid of the drool after you had finished?

What color were the Emperor's clothes?

Edited for typos

[This message has been edited by venk (edited 09-03-2002).]

Hope you didn't tell him how many shares you have.

Like I said, I'd rather have the changes with a strong airline behind it vs. an entitlement state supported by a bankrupt carrier...

I didn't.

As a shareholder, more power to you!

As a passenger and customer, I'll sit in a seat with more legroom and better service on a carrier that has loan guarantees from my taxes, than in the smallest seat in the air on a carrier with an attitude and still have to pay the taxes to bail out the carrier with better service and larger seats.

As I've said before, Gordo the Liar can't raise your prices if you don't buy his tickets.

You mean the same airline that's about to go into Chapter 11 and get broken into pieces, most of which will probably be acquired by Delta? No thanks, I'd rather stick with an airline that's good enough to not have to go on the dole...

Hey, I've got a hundred-dollar bill, I can own the whole company!

C'mon people.... Give Avek a break...

I'll say it. I'm impressed that the CEO of a major US corporation would call a customer back. ANY major corporation. Of course Gordo called a supporter back (a supporter who will likely be sitting in coach next year), it's always better to find positive reinforcement.

Avek, I wish you woulda been a little tough on him, at least politely asked where the press release regarding the "Use it or lose it enhancement" press release was, and asked him not to follow US. But at least you know that your comments were heard by the person they were intended for.

Ironically, those of you who "went negative" when you left a message were probably deleted. Funny how an airline can "go negative" in how it treats cutomers (sticks rather than carrots), but you have to sprinkle some sugar around in order to get a CEO to hear customer feedback.

OK. But when you don't get your upgrade and the jerk in front of you reclines and smashes your notebook computer screen, and the FA tells you it'll be $25 for a napkin to wipe up the mess...I hope your portfolio makes you feel better....that is until Gordo the Liar alienates all of his passengers, has no equity in his aircraft to keep it together, and shrinks again eliminating your route (oh, did you have plans to fly to Oakland, Stanstead, etc.)

NJDavid: That would suck, but seeing the former UAers beg DL gate agents to honor their 1K SWUs on an insULT fare would brighten my day...

[This message has been edited by avek00 (edited 09-03-2002).]