Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak at length with a representative of the OPSC regarding the DL/CO alliance. Here's the info. that I was given:

1. Delta segments will NOT count towards elite status, as CO/NW segments currently do.

2. COers will earn 100% actual mileage for all Delta flights.

3. Flights taken on Delta L/U/T fares will be credited at 50% in regards to Elite qualification miles.

4. Delta flights booked in full Y/F will be credited at over 100% in regards to Elite qualification miles.

5. Gold/Platinum Elites will receive a 100% Elite bonus on Delta flights, whereas Silver Elites will receive 25%.

The agent also dropped a few hints on what aspects of the Elite program might change starting either on 01/01/04 or the 2004 Elite year(03/01/04):

1. Elite upgrades on the lowest CO/NW fares (i.e., the fares currently non-UGable by non-Elites) will be upgradeable on the DAY OF DEPARTURE only. EUA will only run for fares above a certain level; everyone else must take their chances at the airport.

2. CO will institute an Elite qualification scheme that is a combination between the NW and DL programs. Qualification will be based on either miles traveled x fare multiplier or segments flown in higher fare classes.

3. Unlimited upgrades WILL continue, at all fare levels. The agent had no comment as to whether they will be complimentary at all fares, however.

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Thank you for choosing Continental Airlines, a proud member of the SkyTeam Alliance.

[This message has been edited by avek00 (edited 05-14-2003).]

Well, I guess if lower fares aren't going to be EUA-able, this time it works to my advantage that I live in a market where I can't get lower than a V to most places....



[This message has been edited by platflyer (edited 05-14-2003).]

If lower fare class segments are not EUA-able and do not count towards elite, then hellow WN and AirTran (CAK).

The actual miles are almost worthless, it's the status that's important.

So far this year I've flown 38 segments netting only 24,712 miles. This came from 11 itineraries. The highest fare was $406 and the average is $221.

Last year I made gold with 66 segments and 36,658 miles. (Included 2 8-segment runs from CLE to BNA on NW. Each cost less than $150.)


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CO treats me like a king, Rodney King

I wouldnt bank much of any of the above being made policy...and if the upgrade and qualification changes come into effect, I can easily see a mass exodus away from CO, especially given the already somewhat uncompetitive pricing on their fares. If CO non-QT is $400 or more for most of us, and DL "K" is lower, then we could all fly K class, get full MQMs, and get full benefits if, and when, they are restored...all for less $$. If not, then all the incentive points to flying AA or JetBlue. I know that if these program changes come into effect, and are adopted by NW equally (unlikely), then I am off to AA for a good Platinum Challenge.

Let's not all get too bent out of shape on this topic until there is some real confirmation from a source in a very senior position. As business is starting to firm up, I dont see any incentive for CO to reduce the benefits in their program. It would be extremely stupid.



[This message has been edited by bocastephen (edited 05-14-2003).]

1. The fact that an agent knows about some of the possible changes tells me that CO will likely implement at least a couple of the enhancements.

2. RE: Skymiles-like changes, I wouldn't put too much stock in the belief that some disgruntled FlyerTalkers are representative of the SkyMiles Medallion membership.

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Thank you for choosing Continental Airlines, a proud member of the SkyTeam Alliance.

Wow, I WAS (past tense) actually excited about the CO/DL alliance. I moved (Jan 1) from DL to CO. I agree with the previous post it is the status (segments, etc) that matters NOT the miles.

Note to CO: Please listen to customers and don't follow the bad parts of the DL FF program.

The first half about the DL Code-Share is more than likely accurate. It mirrors what a RELIABLE source at NW indicated.

The second half about next years program is PURE SPECULATION. There is NO WAY that a OPSC Representative knows what the changes are going to be for next years program.

Sadly, I tend to believe that most all of this would be true, primarily because the CO belief system (as professed, for example, by Gordon Bethune's comments about "(paraphrase)if people need to get from EWR to SFO, they'll pay whatever it takes..."

Summed up, it's the "what have you done for me lately?" method of managing customer loyalty -- in other words, you don't believe that customer loyalty is a significant issue. Which works if you've got either a product people can't live without, or a total stranglehold.

Truth is, CO doesn't really have either. And with the barriers to entry so low in the airline business right now, what little they have can be eroded as fast as billboards can go up and commercials aired on television.

It's been said that the loss of a major airline would be good for the industry as a whole. I salute CO for stepping forth to accept that role

Steve

[This message has been edited by sllevin (edited 05-14-2003).]

CameraGuy:

Though the OPSC rep. said that the possible changes to the program are by no means final, it would make sense for the reps. to be somewhat informed about them now, as CO would (hopefully) give plenty of advance notice about such sweeping program modifications.


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Thank you for choosing Continental Airlines, a proud member of the SkyTeam Alliance.

[This message has been edited by avek00 (edited 05-14-2003).]

I hope they give plenty of advance notice on the changes, so I can schedule my AA Platinum Challenge

They (CO marketing and upper management) would not leak news of benefit reductions to anyone at the level of an OPSC "agent" until a week, perhaps two before the changes were annouced specifically to keep them from chatting with anyone about it.

CO, like all other airlines, has to throw this stuff out at point which will afford the least amount of disgruntled folks the smallest window to react to the changes (Eg, pissing off corporate contract customers, and the like).


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Saving the world, one clue at a time.

i hope you're not serious.

IMHO, the only significant aspect of CO's program that sets it apart is its RELATIVELY generous Elite upgrade policies. If they slice this as stated above, then in my mind OP will have no distinquishing advantages for me.

If they largely deny the front cabin to Elite's who don't pay F or Y, they better compete fare-wise with WN and AT every day, in every direct and indirect market.

After a gradual increase over the last five years to plat the last two years I didn't achieve any status for this year. CO comped me to silver unasked for this year. With these possible changes they have no chance of me requalifying for next year.

???
AT= Royal Air Maroc (who btw have decent F/J fares)

Air Tran is FL
ATA is TZ