Continental OnePass Sucks
Dec 28, 2006, 4:06 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: OnePass
Posts: 1
Continental OnePass Sucks
I have been a member of the OnePass Program for about a year and a half. During my first year I earned over 25,000 OnePass miles and was elated that I would finally have my “Elite” status. So I asked them when it would go into effect.
The answer: “Never!” said with a wicked little laugh of course.
The reason: Elite Status accrues from January 1st to December 31st, so all of my miles from the previous year…. ? … well, they just went bye-bye. Sure they’re still there but not for Elite status.
Still, I trudged on. Getting to December when I had to cancel a flight, that they still have the money for but I haven’t actually flown, so it doesn’t count, and I find myself about 4,000 miles short. Darn it all!!!
But wait, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Continental just sent me an email for a chase card that gives me 5,000 miles!! Yes!
No! These miles don’t count toward elite status. Only miles from actually flying count toward elite status! I read the OnePass rules no mention of these miles not counting toward elite status. So I call customer service.
Me What do you mean these miles don’t count towards elite status? I’ve read the OnePass rules, and it says nothing about this.
CS You have to look in the elite section.
Me But, it doesn’t say anything anywhere in here about there being different rules for one or the other why would I assume that there’s a difference?
CS It explains that in your booklet.
Me ? What booklet, I never received a booklet.
CS Would you like to speak with a manager?
Me Yes, that would be a good idea.
Blah, blah, blah referral to the elite page which reads:
“OnePass Elite membership is earned by flying Continental Airlines and select airline partners. You can earn Elite status based on either Elite Qualification Miles or Elite Qualification Points in a calendar year.
The Elite Qualification Miles are based on the number of paid flight miles traveled (minimum of 500 miles or actual miles, whichever is greater) and the fare purchased. Elite Qualification Points are determined by the number of paid flown segments traveled and the fare class purchased.
Please note, Elite status is not based on your total OnePass account mileage balance. Mileage earned through promotional and partner offers, as well as certain non-qualifying mileage, does not apply toward Elite qualification. Additionally, certain fares such as industry discount, Hotwire and priceline.com do not count toward Elite qualification or mileage accrual.”
I really feel duped! I have no doubt that many others have had the same experience, and I truly believe that Continental intentionally keeps from pointing out any difference between the two. I’ve flown a lot of miles with Continental and that is about to stop.
I had a very bad experience with Delta, they offered me a $25 dollar gift certificate to make it better. I never used it and I have never flown with them again. In fact, that’s when I joined OnePass. I guess I’ll have to make another change.
The answer: “Never!” said with a wicked little laugh of course.
The reason: Elite Status accrues from January 1st to December 31st, so all of my miles from the previous year…. ? … well, they just went bye-bye. Sure they’re still there but not for Elite status.
Still, I trudged on. Getting to December when I had to cancel a flight, that they still have the money for but I haven’t actually flown, so it doesn’t count, and I find myself about 4,000 miles short. Darn it all!!!
But wait, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Continental just sent me an email for a chase card that gives me 5,000 miles!! Yes!
No! These miles don’t count toward elite status. Only miles from actually flying count toward elite status! I read the OnePass rules no mention of these miles not counting toward elite status. So I call customer service.
Me What do you mean these miles don’t count towards elite status? I’ve read the OnePass rules, and it says nothing about this.
CS You have to look in the elite section.
Me But, it doesn’t say anything anywhere in here about there being different rules for one or the other why would I assume that there’s a difference?
CS It explains that in your booklet.
Me ? What booklet, I never received a booklet.
CS Would you like to speak with a manager?
Me Yes, that would be a good idea.
Blah, blah, blah referral to the elite page which reads:
“OnePass Elite membership is earned by flying Continental Airlines and select airline partners. You can earn Elite status based on either Elite Qualification Miles or Elite Qualification Points in a calendar year.
The Elite Qualification Miles are based on the number of paid flight miles traveled (minimum of 500 miles or actual miles, whichever is greater) and the fare purchased. Elite Qualification Points are determined by the number of paid flown segments traveled and the fare class purchased.
Please note, Elite status is not based on your total OnePass account mileage balance. Mileage earned through promotional and partner offers, as well as certain non-qualifying mileage, does not apply toward Elite qualification. Additionally, certain fares such as industry discount, Hotwire and priceline.com do not count toward Elite qualification or mileage accrual.”
I really feel duped! I have no doubt that many others have had the same experience, and I truly believe that Continental intentionally keeps from pointing out any difference between the two. I’ve flown a lot of miles with Continental and that is about to stop.
I had a very bad experience with Delta, they offered me a $25 dollar gift certificate to make it better. I never used it and I have never flown with them again. In fact, that’s when I joined OnePass. I guess I’ll have to make another change.
Dec 28, 2006, 4:26 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: CLE
Programs: UA GS+LT UC, AA EXP+LT PLT, Fairmont LT PLT, Marriott PLT, Hilton DIA, Hyatt Glob, Avis CHM
Posts: 4,671
Wait for it...
Dec 28, 2006, 4:32 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: New York / Hawaii
Programs: UA Global Services, HH Diamond
Posts: 5,178
Dec 28, 2006, 4:36 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: CGK
Programs: LH SEN (LH*G), HH Diamond, AB Gold (1W Saph)
Posts: 5,677
Agreed. RTFM - it will make your life much, much easier.
And just in case, feel free to read up here on how to find out what RTFM means.
And just in case, feel free to read up here on how to find out what RTFM means.
Last edited by alex0683de; Dec 28, 2006 at 4:43 pm
Dec 28, 2006, 4:40 pm
#5
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
Not entirely true. Southwest works off of credits instead of miles. Doesn't Jet Blue do something similar? Maybe those carriers would better suit the OP if he cannot fly 25,000 miles in a year to hold status on CO (let alone AA, UA).
Dec 28, 2006, 4:40 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2006
Programs: CO Plat, UA 2P
Posts: 3
Is today 4/1/2007?
If you fail to read rules, no one else can help you.
What you described is pretty standard across all airlines and well documented on rules governing frequent flyer programs!
My only advice is to start reading rules and don't blame others for your failures. It'll help you in the rest of your life too.
If you fail to read rules, no one else can help you.
What you described is pretty standard across all airlines and well documented on rules governing frequent flyer programs!
My only advice is to start reading rules and don't blame others for your failures. It'll help you in the rest of your life too.
Dec 28, 2006, 5:20 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Orange, CA USA
Programs: CO Plat, Mariott Plat, National Exec. Elite, Hilton plywood elite, P-Club!
Posts: 228
Door - ... - bye. 
Dec 28, 2006, 5:31 pm
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta - Gold; Starwood - Platinum; HHonors - Diamond & Avis Preferred
Posts: 10,869
Dec 28, 2006, 6:13 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: CLE
Programs: UA GS+LT UC, AA EXP+LT PLT, Fairmont LT PLT, Marriott PLT, Hilton DIA, Hyatt Glob, Avis CHM
Posts: 4,671
-all airlines that offer elite status count elite miles earned in a calender year.
-all airlines that offer elite status do not count credit card miles toward elite status.
Dec 28, 2006, 6:33 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Right here
Posts: 2,940
The Platinum DL Amex gives an "enrollment bonus" of 10K base miles and a "welcome bonus" of 5K MQMs after the first billing cycle; charging on the card earns base miles, but charging more than $25K in a year earns 10K MQM (starting next year, one can earn over 10K MQMs). So, there is at least one airline card that gives miles that count toward elite status. However, the MQM provisions are very clearly spelled out; in the absence of such language, I'd never expect miles from a CC to count toward elite status, and the OP should not have assumed the miles would count toward status without explicit assurance.
Dec 28, 2006, 6:47 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 693
This is the silliest thing I've read since the ConUniHound thread, but I'm afraid the OP is actually serious. Sad, sad, sad.
Dec 28, 2006, 6:59 pm
#12
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Moreland Hills (CLE)
Programs: Over-entitled UA 1.3MM Gold, AA Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott L-T Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 5,521
Dec 28, 2006, 7:12 pm
#13
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Southern, CA, USA
Programs: UA just 8800 mi short of Silver
Posts: 2,815
If you think you're having a problem with CO, wait til you read how low Plats will stoop at the gate to get that last upgrade. The stories range from whispering sweet nothings into the ears of gate agents to kissing a concierge, ...and everything in between
Dec 28, 2006, 8:16 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Los Angeles, California
Programs: United, American, Delta, Hyatt, Hilton, Hertz, Marriott
Posts: 14,803
I have been a member of the OnePass Program for about a year and a half. During my first year I earned over 25,000 OnePass miles and was elated that I would finally have my “Elite” status. So I asked them when it would go into effect.
The answer: “Never!” said with a wicked little laugh of course.
The reason: Elite Status accrues from January 1st to December 31st, so all of my miles from the previous year…. ? … well, they just went bye-bye. Sure they’re still there but not for Elite status.
Still, I trudged on. Getting to December when I had to cancel a flight, that they still have the money for but I haven’t actually flown, so it doesn’t count, and I find myself about 4,000 miles short. Darn it all!!!
But wait, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Continental just sent me an email for a chase card that gives me 5,000 miles!! Yes!
No! These miles don’t count toward elite status. Only miles from actually flying count toward elite status! I read the OnePass rules no mention of these miles not counting toward elite status. So I call customer service.
Me What do you mean these miles don’t count towards elite status? I’ve read the OnePass rules, and it says nothing about this.
CS You have to look in the elite section.
Me But, it doesn’t say anything anywhere in here about there being different rules for one or the other why would I assume that there’s a difference?
CS It explains that in your booklet.
Me ? What booklet, I never received a booklet.
CS Would you like to speak with a manager?
Me Yes, that would be a good idea.
Blah, blah, blah referral to the elite page which reads:
“OnePass Elite membership is earned by flying Continental Airlines and select airline partners. You can earn Elite status based on either Elite Qualification Miles or Elite Qualification Points in a calendar year.
The Elite Qualification Miles are based on the number of paid flight miles traveled (minimum of 500 miles or actual miles, whichever is greater) and the fare purchased. Elite Qualification Points are determined by the number of paid flown segments traveled and the fare class purchased.
Please note, Elite status is not based on your total OnePass account mileage balance. Mileage earned through promotional and partner offers, as well as certain non-qualifying mileage, does not apply toward Elite qualification. Additionally, certain fares such as industry discount, Hotwire and priceline.com do not count toward Elite qualification or mileage accrual.”
I really feel duped! I have no doubt that many others have had the same experience, and I truly believe that Continental intentionally keeps from pointing out any difference between the two. I’ve flown a lot of miles with Continental and that is about to stop.
I had a very bad experience with Delta, they offered me a $25 dollar gift certificate to make it better. I never used it and I have never flown with them again. In fact, that’s when I joined OnePass. I guess I’ll have to make another change.
The answer: “Never!” said with a wicked little laugh of course.
The reason: Elite Status accrues from January 1st to December 31st, so all of my miles from the previous year…. ? … well, they just went bye-bye. Sure they’re still there but not for Elite status.
Still, I trudged on. Getting to December when I had to cancel a flight, that they still have the money for but I haven’t actually flown, so it doesn’t count, and I find myself about 4,000 miles short. Darn it all!!!
But wait, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Continental just sent me an email for a chase card that gives me 5,000 miles!! Yes!
No! These miles don’t count toward elite status. Only miles from actually flying count toward elite status! I read the OnePass rules no mention of these miles not counting toward elite status. So I call customer service.
Me What do you mean these miles don’t count towards elite status? I’ve read the OnePass rules, and it says nothing about this.
CS You have to look in the elite section.
Me But, it doesn’t say anything anywhere in here about there being different rules for one or the other why would I assume that there’s a difference?
CS It explains that in your booklet.
Me ? What booklet, I never received a booklet.
CS Would you like to speak with a manager?
Me Yes, that would be a good idea.
Blah, blah, blah referral to the elite page which reads:
“OnePass Elite membership is earned by flying Continental Airlines and select airline partners. You can earn Elite status based on either Elite Qualification Miles or Elite Qualification Points in a calendar year.
The Elite Qualification Miles are based on the number of paid flight miles traveled (minimum of 500 miles or actual miles, whichever is greater) and the fare purchased. Elite Qualification Points are determined by the number of paid flown segments traveled and the fare class purchased.
Please note, Elite status is not based on your total OnePass account mileage balance. Mileage earned through promotional and partner offers, as well as certain non-qualifying mileage, does not apply toward Elite qualification. Additionally, certain fares such as industry discount, Hotwire and priceline.com do not count toward Elite qualification or mileage accrual.”
I really feel duped! I have no doubt that many others have had the same experience, and I truly believe that Continental intentionally keeps from pointing out any difference between the two. I’ve flown a lot of miles with Continental and that is about to stop.
I had a very bad experience with Delta, they offered me a $25 dollar gift certificate to make it better. I never used it and I have never flown with them again. In fact, that’s when I joined OnePass. I guess I’ll have to make another change.
Dec 29, 2006, 5:01 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Some place in this wonderful world (usually at 39,000 ft in seat 1C)
Programs: CO Gold Elite / NW Gold Elite
Posts: 13,747
2) I'm going to pick up the phone and call CO & NW right now...I've earned a few hundred thousand BIS miles in my OP account over the years...where's my Platinum status CO? NW I want to be included in that "secret 2%" club with my over million BIS miles (wait...how would I know if I was already a member?)
3) The funnest post I recall was about the ERJ-145XXXXXR with 1 BF Seat