DL response to CO changes?
Dec 9, 2009 | 8:57 pm
#121
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Salt Lake City
Programs: DL PLAT and 2MM;AA EXP;MR GOLD;PC Gold
Posts: 555
DL Diamone 2010, CO Plat 2010, CO 100K 2011 - here I come
These systemwide upgrades are why I loved the last year of NW WP so much and DL took them away, EVEN for 125K Diamond tier. CO will be seeing a lot of me next year. This will certainly sway my business to CO.
Thanks CO for coming up with a truly valuable perk. Even though there are capacity controls, I use these for personal, i.e., vacation travel when not flying on the company dime. Plus, I love CO BE service.
Welcome me back!
Thanks CO for coming up with a truly valuable perk. Even though there are capacity controls, I use these for personal, i.e., vacation travel when not flying on the company dime. Plus, I love CO BE service.
Welcome me back!
Dec 9, 2009 | 9:36 pm
#122
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Beverly Hills, CA
Programs: DL DM & 2MM, UA-PE, AA
Posts: 1,077
Somewhere along the line, someone at DL determined (wrongly) that FlyerTalker = L/U/T elites and communication with them is a lower priority, meanwhile CO is communicating regularly and from what I can tell cultivating high-value and low fare customers here on FT at the same time... possibly even upselling the low's to high.
Dec 9, 2009 | 9:40 pm
#123
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere but home
Programs: AA EXP, UA Gold/MM, DL Plat/2MM, HH Dia, PC Plat, MR Gold, ALL Sil
Posts: 4,679
Platinum status match?
I don't think anyone has speculated yet about what will happen with status matches from DL to CO, specifically if they will provide high DL fliers (150K+) with the SWUs. I know they'll match platinum, but I wonder if any of the new 100K benefits will come with. I'm skeptical.
Dec 9, 2009 | 9:54 pm
#124
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Houston
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond, UA 1.56MM (fmr UA1K)
Posts: 5,774
Dec 9, 2009 | 10:44 pm
#125
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: Fallen Plats, ex-WN CP, DYKWIW; still PAL Premier Elite & Hilton Diamond
Posts: 25,429
Here is the email going out overnight (probably recv'd late evening by most in the U.S.):
Dear MikeMpls,
We are pleased to announce these upcoming OnePass Elite benefits effective for earning Jan. 1, 2010:
System-wide Upgrades
Platinum Elite members who earn at least 100,000 Elite Qualification Miles (EQMs) or 120 Elite Qualification Points (EQPs) will earn four, one-way electronic System-wide Upgrade certificates. These certificates can be used in conjunction with any published fare on Continental, Continental Micronesia or Copa Airlines flights and are not subject to additional fees.
Learn more about System-wide Upgrades.
New Elite level OnePass Presidential Platinum Elite
Presidential Platinum is a new invitation-only Elite tier designed to reward Continentals top Platinum Elite members with some exciting new benefits. Members who achieve this level will be given all the benefits of a Platinum Elite member, plus top priority in Elite Upgrade recognition and flight standby, a dedicated VIP phone line and an annual fee waiver on the Continental Airlines Presidential PlusSM World MasterCard card subject to credit approval. The Presidential Plus card is available to members residing in the mainland U.S. and Alaska.
Learn more about Presidential Platinum Elite status.
We look forward to rewarding our Elite members with these new benefits, which will be available for redemption and fulfillment mid-year 2010.
Sincerely,
Mark Bergsrud
Sr. Vice President, Marketing Programs and Distribution
*$30,000 is the inaugural spend threshold for 2010. In subsequent years, this threshold may change in order to preserve the exclusivity of this program.I'd assumed from the discussions (not enough time to follow closely right now) that the SWU's were part of the new $30K spend tier, but they are strictly mileage-based, and might actually be within reach for me in some years. ^
The last year has seen the best-in-class dismantling of SkyMiles & especially WorldPerks, while it appears CO has been taking notes, planning & comping elites. The timing is perfect, since most folks will not have purchased a lot of 2010 travel yet.
Advantage Continental, and check!
If history repeats itself, we'll have an announcement fromLeo Oscar in about a year regarding how all is well and how Delta's [dwindling] population of road warriors enjoyes paying a premium to patronize the world's premium international airline. In about 2012 Oscar & Jeff will line up at the enemployment office. Who is selected as the new CEO won't matter much in the greater scheme of things, and a new beancounter from Rev. Mgmt. will be placed in charge of SkyMiles as the cycle is repeated.
Enjoy!
Dear MikeMpls,
We are pleased to announce these upcoming OnePass Elite benefits effective for earning Jan. 1, 2010:
System-wide Upgrades
Platinum Elite members who earn at least 100,000 Elite Qualification Miles (EQMs) or 120 Elite Qualification Points (EQPs) will earn four, one-way electronic System-wide Upgrade certificates. These certificates can be used in conjunction with any published fare on Continental, Continental Micronesia or Copa Airlines flights and are not subject to additional fees.
Learn more about System-wide Upgrades.
New Elite level OnePass Presidential Platinum Elite
Presidential Platinum is a new invitation-only Elite tier designed to reward Continentals top Platinum Elite members with some exciting new benefits. Members who achieve this level will be given all the benefits of a Platinum Elite member, plus top priority in Elite Upgrade recognition and flight standby, a dedicated VIP phone line and an annual fee waiver on the Continental Airlines Presidential PlusSM World MasterCard card subject to credit approval. The Presidential Plus card is available to members residing in the mainland U.S. and Alaska.
Learn more about Presidential Platinum Elite status.
We look forward to rewarding our Elite members with these new benefits, which will be available for redemption and fulfillment mid-year 2010.
Sincerely,
Mark Bergsrud
Sr. Vice President, Marketing Programs and Distribution
*$30,000 is the inaugural spend threshold for 2010. In subsequent years, this threshold may change in order to preserve the exclusivity of this program.
The last year has seen the best-in-class dismantling of SkyMiles & especially WorldPerks, while it appears CO has been taking notes, planning & comping elites. The timing is perfect, since most folks will not have purchased a lot of 2010 travel yet.
Advantage Continental, and check!
If history repeats itself, we'll have an announcement from
Enjoy!
Dec 9, 2009 | 10:49 pm
#126
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: PDX
Programs: Atmos Gold, HH Diamond, IHG Diamond
Posts: 2,748
For CO Platinums, it's unlimited award changes period -- whether to routing, carriers, origin/destination, redeposit, etc. None of the "rationing" mumbo-jumbo like Delta Platinums go through (and I have both statuses through 02/2011, so I'm not speaking from ignorance). And CO/UA still have 2 award tiers in their FFPs - no 3 tier tax-code like mumbo-jumbo.
true, the way NW/DL used to be. But I was speaking as a 25k-50k flyer; or even as a non-elite - changes to dates alone are free, which for a leisure traveler is an enormous advantage of CO/UA over DL.
Dec 9, 2009 | 11:22 pm
#127
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Madison, WI, USA
Posts: 14,167
I'll make Plat on DL this weekend, and the first thing I'll do when my status is changed is try for a match from CO. I don't know what I'll do in 2010 (I wasn't planning on flying much on DL this year, but couldn't resist the bargain prices to Europe), but I'm prepared to try CO as an alternative.
It's too bad that DL bought NW, because right now it sure looks like they might drive the combined airline into the ground. That wasn't quite as likely for an independent NW, in my opinion.
It's too bad that DL bought NW, because right now it sure looks like they might drive the combined airline into the ground. That wasn't quite as likely for an independent NW, in my opinion.
Dec 10, 2009 | 8:37 am
#129
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Beverly Hills, CA
Programs: DL DM & 2MM, UA-PE, AA
Posts: 1,077
There is an interesting article at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34347871...siness_travel/. Two quotes that I found particularly interesting are:
1) "I'm not expecting strong economic growth in 2010, and likewise I'm not expecting a rebound in business travel in 2010," says Gary Kelly, CEO Southwest.
2) "A top American Airlines executive says the carrier is seeing a pickup in both leisure and premium travel, at least on international routes."
It appears to me that AA's DEQM promotion seems to have had some of the desired effects, and that the competition for the business/premium travel is going to be fierce. Hence I am not surprised at CO recent moves...
1) "I'm not expecting strong economic growth in 2010, and likewise I'm not expecting a rebound in business travel in 2010," says Gary Kelly, CEO Southwest.
2) "A top American Airlines executive says the carrier is seeing a pickup in both leisure and premium travel, at least on international routes."
It appears to me that AA's DEQM promotion seems to have had some of the desired effects, and that the competition for the business/premium travel is going to be fierce. Hence I am not surprised at CO recent moves...
Dec 10, 2009 | 8:42 am
#130
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: YYZ & OMA
Programs: UA1K, SPG Platinum, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 116
Tipping Point
I had been sitting on fence the last few months trying to decide whether I should stick it out with Delta for one more year and see if things would improve or jump ship to UA or CO. I have to say that these enhancements (actual, real enhancements 
) from CO have pushed me over the edge.
I called the OnePass number yesterday at 4pm to setup a new OnePass account and requested a status match from NW/DL Platinum. I emailed a PDF copy of my statement last night and woke up this morning as a newly minted OnePass Platinum Member. It couldn't be any easier!
On top of that the general rep from OnePass (not an elite line) was much more friendly and helpful than what I have been receiving from the "new Delta" lately. She was more than happy to help setup my new account and get the process going for the status match. <24 hours turnaround isn't bad!
Although I will miss NW greatly, most everything I enjoyed about that airline is gone already. Now I just have to figure out how to burn the last 550k left in my account. What is that now, one biz ticket to europe in Feb?
Good luck to everyone that is still here, I honestly hope that things improve in 2010. If not, maybe I will see you in IAH & EWR next year!
Cheers,
omadave
) from CO have pushed me over the edge. I called the OnePass number yesterday at 4pm to setup a new OnePass account and requested a status match from NW/DL Platinum. I emailed a PDF copy of my statement last night and woke up this morning as a newly minted OnePass Platinum Member. It couldn't be any easier!
On top of that the general rep from OnePass (not an elite line) was much more friendly and helpful than what I have been receiving from the "new Delta" lately. She was more than happy to help setup my new account and get the process going for the status match. <24 hours turnaround isn't bad!
Although I will miss NW greatly, most everything I enjoyed about that airline is gone already. Now I just have to figure out how to burn the last 550k left in my account. What is that now, one biz ticket to europe in Feb?
Good luck to everyone that is still here, I honestly hope that things improve in 2010. If not, maybe I will see you in IAH & EWR next year!
Cheers,
omadave
Dec 10, 2009 | 10:28 am
#131
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: DL DM/MM; UA Premier 1K; AA EXP; ICH Plat Ambassador
Posts: 1,565
Dec 10, 2009 | 10:39 am
#132
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Gone to Carolina in my mind
Programs: AA ExpMM, DL 2MM, IHG Spire/RA
Posts: 1,986
2+ hour erj flights to connect in EWR or IAH are the main reasons I don't enroll in CO's program.
I may have to reconsider UA after their recent changes though.
I will only fly enough to keep top tier in 2 programs in the future. I will keep AA for the RTW trips, but I will have to decide for domestic USA and international RTs for next year.
Lots of frequent flyer program detail changes among the competition.
Dec 10, 2009 | 10:53 am
#133
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: YYZ & OMA
Programs: UA1K, SPG Platinum, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 116
The reality is I will miss connecting thru DTW and MSP but I can no longer handle the "best in class" enhancements that DL keeps piling on, they are just too much for me to handle!
Dec 10, 2009 | 1:01 pm
#134
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AZO/DTW
Programs: Marriott Gold, SPG Gold, IHG Platinum, Delta GM, CO GE
Posts: 256
I had been sitting on fence the last few months trying to decide whether I should stick it out with Delta for one more year and see if things would improve or jump ship to UA or CO. I have to say that these enhancements (actual, real enhancements ) from CO have pushed me over the edge.
I called the OnePass number yesterday at 4pm to setup a new OnePass account and requested a status match from NW/DL Platinum. I emailed a PDF copy of my statement last night and woke up this morning as a newly minted OnePass Platinum Member. It couldn't be any easier!
On top of that the general rep from OnePass (not an elite line) was much more friendly and helpful than what I have been receiving from the "new Delta" lately. She was more than happy to help setup my new account and get the process going for the status match. <24 hours turnaround isn't bad!
Although I will miss NW greatly, most everything I enjoyed about that airline is gone already. Now I just have to figure out how to burn the last 550k left in my account. What is that now, one biz ticket to europe in Feb?
Good luck to everyone that is still here, I honestly hope that things improve in 2010. If not, maybe I will see you in IAH & EWR next year!
Cheers,
omadave
) from CO have pushed me over the edge. I called the OnePass number yesterday at 4pm to setup a new OnePass account and requested a status match from NW/DL Platinum. I emailed a PDF copy of my statement last night and woke up this morning as a newly minted OnePass Platinum Member. It couldn't be any easier!
On top of that the general rep from OnePass (not an elite line) was much more friendly and helpful than what I have been receiving from the "new Delta" lately. She was more than happy to help setup my new account and get the process going for the status match. <24 hours turnaround isn't bad!
Although I will miss NW greatly, most everything I enjoyed about that airline is gone already. Now I just have to figure out how to burn the last 550k left in my account. What is that now, one biz ticket to europe in Feb?
Good luck to everyone that is still here, I honestly hope that things improve in 2010. If not, maybe I will see you in IAH & EWR next year!
Cheers,
omadave
Dec 10, 2009 | 4:11 pm
#135
Join Date: Jul 2000
Programs: Delta Gold, Delta 1M, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 168
Sent my status match request to CO last night about 10PM. By 10AM this morning I received an email congratulating me on my Platinum status with Continental! Very easy! Looking forward to the Continental experience!
Last edited by kcnwgold; Dec 13, 2009 at 2:30 pm