I'm a DL platinum and thought I had an easy way to get over to Continental. I figured I could fly Delta and enjoy my Platinum status for the year, all the while crediting my flights/miles to my Continental account until I made platinum there.

Turns out that if I pull my Delta # out of my record and put in my Continental # -- even minutes before flying -- I lose any upgrades I might already have (or so an agent told me today).

Does anyone know a good way that I can make the switch while enjoying Platinum at Delta and earning Platinum at Continental? I would hate to be caught near the year's end with insufficient miles at either to make Platinum.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Also, while I have your attention, is coming to Continental an improvement over Delta? I assumed so, but would like to hear others' opinions.

Thanks.

If you have a laptop, change the FF number when they close the cabin door :P

That may work, but it may also may result in DL charging the difference from the coach fare paid to the highest first/business class fare. It may also result in loss of status, revocation of miles, etc. I wouldn't want to risk violating the terms of the program just to ride up front on an EUA while having miles credited to another airline's loyalty program. They are called loyalty programs for a reason. Have you approached CO about a status match? OP may bump you to gold or better based on your current DL status and then you can build towards OP elite this year flying CO metal with a chance for upgrades on CO. Just a thought.

the laptop thing seems like a good idea, but it doesn't sound too reliable.

As for CO recognizings status, I have been told that they don't do it for Delta since they're partners, etc... Has anyone ever received any reciprocal treatment between the two?

Looks like I may have to choose one or the other and fly their equipment, unless anyone else has any great ideas!!!

Only suggestion is to ask CO (or NW) for a status match - and then credit miles to their program. There is a master thread on this.

NW (does) poach from DL, but really depends on circumstances. Could not speak for CO.