EUAs are nice but I feel CO should do more
Oct 19, 2006, 2:20 pm
#46
Join Date: May 2005
Location: San Fran
Posts: 325
I really don't understand posts like this. I could't give a sh*t about recognition. The best recognition for my $$ spent on CO, would be a constantly improving product. Not some ego stroking that gives me some silly rush of self importance
Oct 19, 2006, 2:26 pm
#47
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DCA
Programs: Kommissar Giga-Posting Direktor, PWP; Fasano Nouveau Aristocrat; CO Platinum; BD Gold; MR Gold
Posts: 18,733
Originally Posted by ssullivan
That is really sad. Where/when do you usually fly?
As a gold this year, I had 24 upgrades out of 40 flights with a first class section, or upgraded exactly 60% of the time. Since becoming a platinum, I'm 10/10, or 100%. None of those flights were on Northwest.
As a gold this year, I had 24 upgrades out of 40 flights with a first class section, or upgraded exactly 60% of the time. Since becoming a platinum, I'm 10/10, or 100%. None of those flights were on Northwest.
Oct 19, 2006, 3:08 pm
#48
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: UAL 1K MM, AA Plat, Hyatt Diamond, Hertz President's Circle, SPG Gold, HHonors Gold, Amex Plat
Posts: 563
Originally Posted by ssullivan
That is really sad. Where/when do you usually fly?
As a gold this year, I had 24 upgrades out of 40 flights with a first class section, or upgraded exactly 60% of the time. Since becoming a platinum, I'm 10/10, or 100%. None of those flights were on Northwest.
As a gold this year, I had 24 upgrades out of 40 flights with a first class section, or upgraded exactly 60% of the time. Since becoming a platinum, I'm 10/10, or 100%. None of those flights were on Northwest.
I fly out of EWR and mostly transcon, all different dates (weekends/weekdays, Sat. mornings/mid-week/all different times)... I have used miles to upgrade when I can b/c I have not been getting EUA's this year. Up until 2006 it was another story though. It is starting to really p*** me off. And I always use the OLCI and I'm usually SEQ 1-3. I have 4 flights booked this year and will be booking more so I will keep my fingers crossed....
Oct 19, 2006, 6:00 pm
#49
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: DCA/IAD (and, reluctantly, BWI if its cheaper)
Programs: UA 1MM but covet Qatar Q-Suites
Posts: 435
Originally Posted by rapopoda
I really don't understand posts like this. I could't give a sh*t about recognition. The best recognition for my $$ spent on CO, would be a constantly improving product. Not some ego stroking that gives me some silly rush of self importance
If the airlines didn't think anybody cared about the status or prestige that they feel by being Elite members, they'd not name their tiers "Silver/Gold/Platinum" or "Premier/Premier Exec/1K" etc. They wouldn't throw words like "Executive [Platinum]" (AA's top tier) or "Chairman's [Preferred]" (US's top tier) into the mix, if they didn't think those words would resonate with Chairmen & Executives or people who aspire to be them. No, if there was no "ego stroking" necessary in life and no one wanted to feel "self important", then the programs would all have tiers called 1,2,3 or A,B,C.
But that's simply not smart, as human beings respond very actively to seek ego strokes. (Ask any psychologist; they'll tell you that all of us are "stroke deprived".) So, if an airline program can give me a label that strokes my ego every time I see it printed on my boarding pass, or displayed on My Miles page of their site, or spoken to me by an employee at a res center, then they'll most definitely do it. They stroke me, and I give them more of my business to get even more strokes in the future.
How could we explain the success American Express has had with their varying Amex cards: Green/Gold/Platinum/Centurion? Why are the cards produced in metalic colors in order of ascending value? Amex has been widely reported as creating newer, higher-level cards to respond to people who want more prestige, not just because people want more benefits.
In sales, the maxim is that people buy from people they like, and people like people who make them feel good about themselves. Further, people make buying decisions emotionally first, and only then find intellectual reasons to justify their decisions.
FWIW, I'm off to NRT in November to make Platinum for 07. I have no need to go to NRT, I just like to be Plat. (Exit row booking would be real nice, too.) But I also don't have the $$ to go to NRT. Thats's where my Platinum Chase Continental Card comes in.
Oct 19, 2006, 6:47 pm
#50
Join Date: May 2005
Location: San Fran
Posts: 325
Originally Posted by CALfly5
I appreciate that many FTers don't care one bit about the recognition or "prestige" that other people associate with elite membership. However, this concept has real power, rooted deep in our psyche.
If the airlines didn't think anybody cared about the status or prestige that they feel by being Elite members, they'd not name their tiers "Silver/Gold/Platinum" or "Premier/Premier Exec/1K" etc. They wouldn't throw words like "Executive [Platinum]" (AA's top tier) or "Chairman's [Preferred]" (US's top tier) into the mix, if they didn't think those words would resonate with Chairmen & Executives or people who aspire to be them. No, if there was no "ego stroking" necessary in life and no one wanted to feel "self important", then the programs would all have tiers called 1,2,3 or A,B,C.
But that's simply not smart, as human beings respond very actively to seek ego strokes. (Ask any psychologist; they'll tell you that all of us are "stroke deprived".) So, if an airline program can give me a label that strokes my ego every time I see it printed on my boarding pass, or displayed on My Miles page of their site, or spoken to me by an employee at a res center, then they'll most definitely do it. They stroke me, and I give them more of my business to get even more strokes in the future.
How could we explain the success American Express has had with their varying Amex cards: Green/Gold/Platinum/Centurion? Why are the cards produced in metalic colors in order of ascending value? Amex has been widely reported as creating newer, higher-level cards to respond to people who want more prestige, not just because people want more benefits.
In sales, the maxim is that people buy from people they like, and people like people who make them feel good about themselves. Further, people make buying decisions emotionally first, and only then find intellectual reasons to justify their decisions.
FWIW, I'm off to NRT in November to make Platinum for 07. I have no need to go to NRT, I just like to be Plat. (Exit row booking would be real nice, too.) But I also don't have the $$ to go to NRT. Thats's where my Platinum Chase Continental Card comes in.
If the airlines didn't think anybody cared about the status or prestige that they feel by being Elite members, they'd not name their tiers "Silver/Gold/Platinum" or "Premier/Premier Exec/1K" etc. They wouldn't throw words like "Executive [Platinum]" (AA's top tier) or "Chairman's [Preferred]" (US's top tier) into the mix, if they didn't think those words would resonate with Chairmen & Executives or people who aspire to be them. No, if there was no "ego stroking" necessary in life and no one wanted to feel "self important", then the programs would all have tiers called 1,2,3 or A,B,C.
But that's simply not smart, as human beings respond very actively to seek ego strokes. (Ask any psychologist; they'll tell you that all of us are "stroke deprived".) So, if an airline program can give me a label that strokes my ego every time I see it printed on my boarding pass, or displayed on My Miles page of their site, or spoken to me by an employee at a res center, then they'll most definitely do it. They stroke me, and I give them more of my business to get even more strokes in the future.
How could we explain the success American Express has had with their varying Amex cards: Green/Gold/Platinum/Centurion? Why are the cards produced in metalic colors in order of ascending value? Amex has been widely reported as creating newer, higher-level cards to respond to people who want more prestige, not just because people want more benefits.
In sales, the maxim is that people buy from people they like, and people like people who make them feel good about themselves. Further, people make buying decisions emotionally first, and only then find intellectual reasons to justify their decisions.
FWIW, I'm off to NRT in November to make Platinum for 07. I have no need to go to NRT, I just like to be Plat. (Exit row booking would be real nice, too.) But I also don't have the $$ to go to NRT. Thats's where my Platinum Chase Continental Card comes in.
Oct 19, 2006, 7:00 pm
#51
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: CO Platinum, AA Platinum, SPG Platinum, Amex Plat,HHonors Gold, Leader - Leading Hotels of the World
Posts: 72
Couldn't agree more.
Originally Posted by CALfly5
I appreciate that many FTers don't care one bit about the recognition or "prestige" that other people associate with elite membership. However, this concept has real power, rooted deep in our psyche.
If the airlines didn't think anybody cared about the status or prestige that they feel by being Elite members, they'd not name their tiers "Silver/Gold/Platinum" or "Premier/Premier Exec/1K" etc. They wouldn't throw words like "Executive [Platinum]" (AA's top tier) or "Chairman's [Preferred]" (US's top tier) into the mix, if they didn't think those words would resonate with Chairmen & Executives or people who aspire to be them. No, if there was no "ego stroking" necessary in life and no one wanted to feel "self important", then the programs would all have tiers called 1,2,3 or A,B,C.
But that's simply not smart, as human beings respond very actively to seek ego strokes. (Ask any psychologist; they'll tell you that all of us are "stroke deprived".) So, if an airline program can give me a label that strokes my ego every time I see it printed on my boarding pass, or displayed on My Miles page of their site, or spoken to me by an employee at a res center, then they'll most definitely do it. They stroke me, and I give them more of my business to get even more strokes in the future.
How could we explain the success American Express has had with their varying Amex cards: Green/Gold/Platinum/Centurion? Why are the cards produced in metalic colors in order of ascending value? Amex has been widely reported as creating newer, higher-level cards to respond to people who want more prestige, not just because people want more benefits.
In sales, the maxim is that people buy from people they like, and people like people who make them feel good about themselves. Further, people make buying decisions emotionally first, and only then find intellectual reasons to justify their decisions.
FWIW, I'm off to NRT in November to make Platinum for 07. I have no need to go to NRT, I just like to be Plat. (Exit row booking would be real nice, too.) But I also don't have the $$ to go to NRT. Thats's where my Platinum Chase Continental Card comes in.
If the airlines didn't think anybody cared about the status or prestige that they feel by being Elite members, they'd not name their tiers "Silver/Gold/Platinum" or "Premier/Premier Exec/1K" etc. They wouldn't throw words like "Executive [Platinum]" (AA's top tier) or "Chairman's [Preferred]" (US's top tier) into the mix, if they didn't think those words would resonate with Chairmen & Executives or people who aspire to be them. No, if there was no "ego stroking" necessary in life and no one wanted to feel "self important", then the programs would all have tiers called 1,2,3 or A,B,C.
But that's simply not smart, as human beings respond very actively to seek ego strokes. (Ask any psychologist; they'll tell you that all of us are "stroke deprived".) So, if an airline program can give me a label that strokes my ego every time I see it printed on my boarding pass, or displayed on My Miles page of their site, or spoken to me by an employee at a res center, then they'll most definitely do it. They stroke me, and I give them more of my business to get even more strokes in the future.
How could we explain the success American Express has had with their varying Amex cards: Green/Gold/Platinum/Centurion? Why are the cards produced in metalic colors in order of ascending value? Amex has been widely reported as creating newer, higher-level cards to respond to people who want more prestige, not just because people want more benefits.
In sales, the maxim is that people buy from people they like, and people like people who make them feel good about themselves. Further, people make buying decisions emotionally first, and only then find intellectual reasons to justify their decisions.
FWIW, I'm off to NRT in November to make Platinum for 07. I have no need to go to NRT, I just like to be Plat. (Exit row booking would be real nice, too.) But I also don't have the $$ to go to NRT. Thats's where my Platinum Chase Continental Card comes in.
Oct 19, 2006, 7:09 pm
#52
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,955
You have to pick your FF program based on what you percieve as the benefit most important to you. I always felt the UG's were the most significant benefit to me. It trumped all others: early boarding, elite line (espeically after the advent of WWW), speedy baggage handling (OK not consistent). I therefore switched to NW were I get 100% UG as a Plat. Well almost 100%. Missed one this year and of course they gave me the 1,000 mile bonus for missing the UG ( now that's apreciation). I voted ( after 20 years as a CO ff most of those elite) with my wallet and have never looked back. Do fly CO from time-to-time, including this week when I was stranded at IAH.
I don't by CO's hype. I always laugh at the welcome video when kellener says one of the most comfortable airlines..Co has the hardest Y seats in the industry accoriding to my butt
.
Also while FC is slightly better on CO it is at the margins. I want the big seat, more leg room, and overall comfort. I show my appreciation by flying NW they show there's by getting my butt into FC seems like a fair deal all around.
I don't by CO's hype. I always laugh at the welcome video when kellener says one of the most comfortable airlines..Co has the hardest Y seats in the industry accoriding to my butt
.Also while FC is slightly better on CO it is at the margins. I want the big seat, more leg room, and overall comfort. I show my appreciation by flying NW they show there's by getting my butt into FC seems like a fair deal all around.
Last edited by otralot; Oct 20, 2006 at 8:26 am
Oct 19, 2006, 7:35 pm
#53
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Platinum, UA Million Miler
Posts: 2,596
Originally Posted by CALfly5
I appreciate that many FTers don't care one bit about the recognition or "prestige" that other people associate with elite membership. However, this concept has real power, rooted deep in our psyche.
If the airlines didn't think anybody cared about the status or prestige that they feel by being Elite members, they'd not name their tiers "Silver/Gold/Platinum" or "Premier/Premier Exec/1K" etc. They wouldn't throw words like "Executive [Platinum]" (AA's top tier) or "Chairman's [Preferred]" (US's top tier) into the mix, if they didn't think those words would resonate with Chairmen & Executives or people who aspire to be them. No, if there was no "ego stroking" necessary in life and no one wanted to feel "self important", then the programs would all have tiers called 1,2,3 or A,B,C.
But that's simply not smart, as human beings respond very actively to seek ego strokes. (Ask any psychologist; they'll tell you that all of us are "stroke deprived".) So, if an airline program can give me a label that strokes my ego every time I see it printed on my boarding pass, or displayed on My Miles page of their site, or spoken to me by an employee at a res center, then they'll most definitely do it. They stroke me, and I give them more of my business to get even more strokes in the future.
How could we explain the success American Express has had with their varying Amex cards: Green/Gold/Platinum/Centurion? Why are the cards produced in metalic colors in order of ascending value? Amex has been widely reported as creating newer, higher-level cards to respond to people who want more prestige, not just because people want more benefits.
In sales, the maxim is that people buy from people they like, and people like people who make them feel good about themselves. Further, people make buying decisions emotionally first, and only then find intellectual reasons to justify their decisions.
FWIW, I'm off to NRT in November to make Platinum for 07. I have no need to go to NRT, I just like to be Plat. (Exit row booking would be real nice, too.) But I also don't have the $$ to go to NRT. Thats's where my Platinum Chase Continental Card comes in.
If the airlines didn't think anybody cared about the status or prestige that they feel by being Elite members, they'd not name their tiers "Silver/Gold/Platinum" or "Premier/Premier Exec/1K" etc. They wouldn't throw words like "Executive [Platinum]" (AA's top tier) or "Chairman's [Preferred]" (US's top tier) into the mix, if they didn't think those words would resonate with Chairmen & Executives or people who aspire to be them. No, if there was no "ego stroking" necessary in life and no one wanted to feel "self important", then the programs would all have tiers called 1,2,3 or A,B,C.
But that's simply not smart, as human beings respond very actively to seek ego strokes. (Ask any psychologist; they'll tell you that all of us are "stroke deprived".) So, if an airline program can give me a label that strokes my ego every time I see it printed on my boarding pass, or displayed on My Miles page of their site, or spoken to me by an employee at a res center, then they'll most definitely do it. They stroke me, and I give them more of my business to get even more strokes in the future.
How could we explain the success American Express has had with their varying Amex cards: Green/Gold/Platinum/Centurion? Why are the cards produced in metalic colors in order of ascending value? Amex has been widely reported as creating newer, higher-level cards to respond to people who want more prestige, not just because people want more benefits.
In sales, the maxim is that people buy from people they like, and people like people who make them feel good about themselves. Further, people make buying decisions emotionally first, and only then find intellectual reasons to justify their decisions.
FWIW, I'm off to NRT in November to make Platinum for 07. I have no need to go to NRT, I just like to be Plat. (Exit row booking would be real nice, too.) But I also don't have the $$ to go to NRT. Thats's where my Platinum Chase Continental Card comes in.
Oct 20, 2006, 1:04 pm
#54
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Quintessentially Elite, Amex Cent, UA* Lifetime Plat (2mm+), AA CK (6mm+)
Posts: 405
Flying CO, for me, has been a pretty decent experience, as they've treated me well and practically kept me in the front cabin 100% this year.
That being said, i was recently comped into the upper tier of AA's system and have been putting some of my business with them. AA has more efficient (but not friendlier) cabin crews and i actually prefer their fleet of MD-80s to CO 737s. I know, i must be insane. It's something about the seat being more comfortable for longer hauls.
This year alone, i've done 147,000 EQMs with CO. While it's not a real badge of pride for me, as it's mainly a testiment to the time i've had to spend away from loved ones, it is a decent chunk of business that i'd like the airline the recognize. A higher-tiered system is the only way to go on Continental's part at this point if they intend on keeping their top elite from heading to greener pastures. They can't afford to keep devaluing their program.
They can start by handing out systemwide upgrades... It's one of the best things about being an AA ExPlat.
For now, i'll continue flying with CO. I'm generally happy. My luggage isn't lost. My glass is always full. The team at SAT is incredible. Things could be a whole lot worse...
BN
That being said, i was recently comped into the upper tier of AA's system and have been putting some of my business with them. AA has more efficient (but not friendlier) cabin crews and i actually prefer their fleet of MD-80s to CO 737s. I know, i must be insane. It's something about the seat being more comfortable for longer hauls.
This year alone, i've done 147,000 EQMs with CO. While it's not a real badge of pride for me, as it's mainly a testiment to the time i've had to spend away from loved ones, it is a decent chunk of business that i'd like the airline the recognize. A higher-tiered system is the only way to go on Continental's part at this point if they intend on keeping their top elite from heading to greener pastures. They can't afford to keep devaluing their program.
They can start by handing out systemwide upgrades... It's one of the best things about being an AA ExPlat.
For now, i'll continue flying with CO. I'm generally happy. My luggage isn't lost. My glass is always full. The team at SAT is incredible. Things could be a whole lot worse...
BN
Oct 20, 2006, 1:39 pm
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DCA
Programs: Kommissar Giga-Posting Direktor, PWP; Fasano Nouveau Aristocrat; CO Platinum; BD Gold; MR Gold
Posts: 18,733
Originally Posted by BenjaminNicholas
Flying CO, for me, has been a pretty decent experience, as they've treated me well and practically kept me in the front cabin 100% this year.
That being said, i was recently comped into the upper tier of AA's system and have been putting some of my business with them. AA has more efficient (but not friendlier) cabin crews and i actually prefer their fleet of MD-80s to CO 737s. I know, i must be insane. It's something about the seat being more comfortable for longer hauls.
This year alone, i've done 147,000 EQMs with CO. While it's not a real badge of pride for me, as it's mainly a testiment to the time i've had to spend away from loved ones, it is a decent chunk of business that i'd like the airline the recognize. A higher-tiered system is the only way to go on Continental's part at this point if they intend on keeping their top elite from heading to greener pastures. They can't afford to keep devaluing their program.
They can start by handing out systemwide upgrades... It's one of the best things about being an AA ExPlat.
For now, i'll continue flying with CO. I'm generally happy. My luggage isn't lost. My glass is always full. The team at SAT is incredible. Things could be a whole lot worse...
BN
That being said, i was recently comped into the upper tier of AA's system and have been putting some of my business with them. AA has more efficient (but not friendlier) cabin crews and i actually prefer their fleet of MD-80s to CO 737s. I know, i must be insane. It's something about the seat being more comfortable for longer hauls.
This year alone, i've done 147,000 EQMs with CO. While it's not a real badge of pride for me, as it's mainly a testiment to the time i've had to spend away from loved ones, it is a decent chunk of business that i'd like the airline the recognize. A higher-tiered system is the only way to go on Continental's part at this point if they intend on keeping their top elite from heading to greener pastures. They can't afford to keep devaluing their program.
They can start by handing out systemwide upgrades... It's one of the best things about being an AA ExPlat.
For now, i'll continue flying with CO. I'm generally happy. My luggage isn't lost. My glass is always full. The team at SAT is incredible. Things could be a whole lot worse...
BN
Oct 20, 2006, 6:25 pm
#56
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NYC and SFO
Programs: UA 1MM (former 1K, Delta Platinum))
Posts: 1,244
Originally Posted by BigPoppaCO
[..] well written!
Oct 20, 2006, 7:27 pm
#57
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,955
Originally Posted by Syzygies
I'd give up all of the ego strokes I've gotten in the last month for some editing (shortening) of quotes in this thread!
I'd forgo my last 30 days of ego strokes for shorter quotes in these threads.
Oct 21, 2006, 12:08 am
#58
Join Date: Jul 2006
Programs: Hilton D, UA 1MM LT 1K-, LT UAClub, DL MS, DL 1MM, Former LT PClub, CO Infinite Elite
Posts: 98
Continental free upgrades
Originally Posted by mollyhatchet
Continental already gives FREE upgrades!
Second, while the promise to Plat OnePass (and NW Plat) is to release "some" seats 5 days prior to the flight for discount fare tickets, in practice, in most markets that I fly, no seats are released until the day of departure, if any are left. Since I seldom get upgraded, I suspect there are none left.
Empty seats have no value. I have often gotten "old" veggies either steeply discounted or free. The stores I frequent smile when I walk in and I always get the best service in the store, even for small purchases.
In addition to the failure to release seats, CO has moved many flights of up to nearly three hours to CO express, where "everybody is first class!" No upgrades there!
Gord is gone
Oct 21, 2006, 12:26 am
#59
Join Date: Jul 2006
Programs: Hilton D, UA 1MM LT 1K-, LT UAClub, DL MS, DL 1MM, Former LT PClub, CO Infinite Elite
Posts: 98
Originally Posted by TLVorbust
I agree with the school of thought that says that when checking in, either online, at kiosk, or with agent, provide a free drink coupon, if not upgraded.
Oct 21, 2006, 12:47 am
#60
Join Date: Jul 2006
Programs: Hilton D, UA 1MM LT 1K-, LT UAClub, DL MS, DL 1MM, Former LT PClub, CO Infinite Elite
Posts: 98
Lounges in NRT
Originally Posted by CALfly5
FWIW, I'm off to NRT in November to make Platinum for 07. I have no need to go to NRT, I just like to be Plat. (Exit row booking would be real nice, too.) But I also don't have the $$ to go to NRT. Thats's where my Platinum Chase Continental Card comes in.
Continental decided 1/1/06, without notice (they are very quick to point out that they have that right) to exclude economy class PClub members from the affiliated lounge (bus class px are invited to the JAL bus class lounge - only first class gets the JAL first class lounge) in terminal 2. Their argument on the sitiuation is that they ahve the right to reduce services as they want to PClub members. Apparently, that includes exclusion. If I hadn't already trusted them and bought a lifetime membership, I wouldn't touch any Continental or Delta lounge purchase.
CO has never invited any elite plus FF flying economy.
Gord is gone.
Last edited by ContPlat; Oct 21, 2006 at 12:47 am Reason: Error