Thanks for the update, Scott. I am speaking for myself, but I know that I am probably voicing the opinions of many - I am very grateful for the time and consideration you give to FT and its members. It is nice to know that CO values its loyal flyer base and is looking to offer enhancements to its FF program wherever possible.

I agree that most of the "changes" are enhancements. I especially am grateful for the 100% EQMs on all flights regardless of where purchased. Those of us who are restrained by corporate policy give a huge ^ to CO for this.

While I agree overall the changes are positive, yet I find there to be a large devaluation for Europe based members, it seems that all awards leaving europe have increased in value including Asia. I can't believe you can fly from New York to Singapore via FRA for less miles than FRA-SIN.

I am honestly a little disappointed, now to decide if I book tickets before October first or not.

Very appreciated of the heads up though, truly world class communications from Continental.

Cheers,

Timo

Moving closer to the competition
 

As much as I like the double segment qualificiation, it was a bit out of line from the qualification standards for other carriers. So even though it is a cut back and means that my plat qualification last weekend would have been delayed until October, I can see why CO trimmed this back. It was far easier to make Plat than similar levels at AA.

As to the improvements on qualifying miles regardless of place of purchase, CO was non-competitive on this level. Overall, this is an improvement and I want to think that this board with its compliments and critiques had some influence on the changes which have taken place. Certainly the unfairness to elites who were stuck with corporate travel departments and halfed eqm's has been addressed, for the better.

There are still a couple exceptions for VS flights or *A flights in Oceania, but overall it is pretty stable. And at least they are identifying which are which where there are exceptions. ^

I like the move to simplicity---and unlike changes on other airlines they seem to actually be positive for travelers, or at the very least not negative.

I wonder. Upper Class on VS is one of three, not two cabins, because of Premium Economy. The same applies to some of NZ, BD and SK longhaul services, where Premium Econ is one of three cabins. In all those cases, however, the forward cabin is clearly C/J class, and not F - just like CO's BF class. So it would be wrong to charge them as an F redemption, which I hope CO won't try to do. The problem is there is some ambiguity in the regulations as they stand.

I like most of the changes ^^^. I wasn't planning on crediting Q-UPs to CO anyhow, as it wasn't competitive even when earnings were 150%. However, it is disappointing that almost all long-haul international awards ex-U.S. have gone up by 5,000-10,000 miles in J.

MHO
 

As an EWR based silver, with Corp HQ in BOS (meaning frequent short trips NYC-BOS), #5 is particularly bad. While I prefer CO out EWR to BOS, the fares are sometimes ridiculously expensive. Amtrak & DL were always good fall back plans to still earn EQM's. With both of those EQM earning options going away, it looks like US out of LGA will be back on my radar.

# 6 is good.

Big ups to CO for #10!!!!

This was the biggest shortcoming OP redemption, I am very glad to see this was addressed.

Thanks for the info.

I don't see Round-the-World milage fares listed on the chart. Will they remain the same as CO's current (220k for C class RTW)? or increase to match UA's (300k for C Class)?

Cheers from SFO

Overall good changes; a couple that I am a bit disappointed in, but I think CO knew they wouldn't be batting 1000. Co Insider, thank you very much for the update.

Ooops! Sorry, RTW awards are addressed in footnote at the bottom of the bottom of the page..

"Round-the-world Reward: Create a Round-the-world itinerary for 160,000 miles in Economy Class, 220,000 miles in Business Class, or 280,000 miles in First Class."

Good news.. Stays the same as current!

Bad news for me, but on the bright side, I can now stop my irrational habit of full fare purchases on RJs just to requalify!

Y actually is going up 20K (from 140K) but the J/F are the same. CO now has the best value for RTW in the premium cabin on *A, I believe.

Maybe. But CO doesn't acknowledge the PE cabin in terms of offering a reward or tickets for sale in that cabin so I would be very surprised to see them consider it as such in determining whether the pointy end is F or C/J.

Great news. ^^^

A few days ago I called in and waitlisted for NRT-IAH BusinessFirst upgrade for 25K and $100 on a B fare. Can that be cancelled without a fee?