If Heathrow guy is correct, by tomorrow this will ALL be a moot point- let's all hold off the speculation until we see where we are on Oct. 1 so we all don't get driven crazy.

I'd say not true. If the OP can clear as a 1K on UA metal and then credit to his CO account, it would be preferable to him since 1Ks will still clear ahead of CO Plat on UA metal after the change (until the programs are combined and everything changes).

Far be it for me to defend them, but the art of the possible has got to be based on their reasonable ability to deliver. It will take time to flat line everything, as they as not yet fully combined and will not be for some time. I think that all that you can expect is reasonable accommodation given their system limitations while they figure it all out.

I hope something officially gets announced. While I appreciate people saying that change will occur on 10/01, it really leaves me in a dilemma whether to qualify for my trial UA Premier or get CO Gold. CO Gold is great if all my flying is going to be on CO but I've shifted a lot of flying to UA and all I really care about (since upgrades for me are about 1/8 on UA) is securing a Y+ seat in advance. Clearing on UA in advance as a Premier has never happened for me, so if I have to wait until I get to the gate to get on the Upgrade list it shouldnt make much of a difference.

Tomorrow either will or will not bring an announcement, at which time all of us with similar issues and concerns get our opportunity to plan to it accordingly. Without clarity of new rules, I think that one has to continue to assume YMMV and randomness of treatment. I am sticking with HeathrowGuy until proven otherwise.

Oh I realize I am not alone with my concerns. I guess what I should have said was I wonder if they are going to freeze accounts from tomorrow forward. Meaning that if miles were credited to the wrong account (because it seems that even if I book on UA using Mileage Plus, change to OnePass at check in, and reprint boarding passes, miles go to Mileage Plus) I will just be SOL. I dont remember if DL/NW had something like that in place before they merged programs whereby they wouldnt let you transfer miles until they actually merged accounts.

I have great news about E+!!

I had booked a (family) trip to Europe on co.com. Return flight includes a UA segment FRA-SFO. When I checked the seat map today E+ had open up, and was largely empty. As of 2 days ago E+ was grayed out.

As usual... changing the seat on co.com would not stick... I can access the reservation on ua.com, but the seat map does not show.

I called UA and hurray..."Yes, let me get you some E+ seats".^^
30 sec. later the E+ seats showed up on my reservation on co.com.

It appears that I will be 1/9 on E+ this year. All 9 flights were transatlantic/transpacific, and the first 8 were all in E-, including a couple of "seatguru red seats" that had me disgruntled for a while.

Now it's all good.

Wow E+ "live" is indeed great news!

I should probably start switching my transcons to United to take advantage of E+. Would not mind the extra legroom, surely.

Careful. It's not live yet (for me on UA tickets & UA metal). UA still wants the same $39 for E+.

Me too

I just called the united number and asked for E+ on an upcoming leg. She saw i was CO Elite, but said I couldn't get E+ until I got to the gate. Should I call back?

Yes, call back. I just called and had them change some seats to E+. It took 20 minutes and he had to ask a supervisor, but they changed the seats.

[I] just called twice and both times got hard to understand call center reps form India and even talked to Superviser who said she could not upgrade to E+ . Lets hope Smisek gets rid of the India call center immediatley if the new United is going to have good Customer service

from Smizsek's letter on CO/UA.com

Coming later this month, elite members will enjoy reciprocal access to complimentary elite upgrades and preferred economy seating on United and Continental flights. United elite members will have access to Continental�s preferred seating, and Continental elite members will have access to United�s Economy Plus� seating

Together, we’re creating
the world’s leading airline.

Jeff Smisek
President and Chief Executive Officer
United Airlines

DOWNLOAD THE LETTER

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Dear Customer,

We are pleased to announce that we have completed the legal closing of the merger with Continental Airlines. We can now begin our journey to create the world’s leading airline.

As a loyal customer, you might be wondering what this means for you. For now, it’s business as usual. Each airline and frequent flyer program will continue to operate separately. Rest assured, the merger won’t affect miles in your account or your elite status:

* Both United Mileage Plus and Continental OnePass miles and programs remain unchanged. You will continue to receive all current benefits and you will earn miles, points and segments as usual. You will also continue to be able to earn and use miles on 28 Star Alliance airline partners.
* When flying United, you should continue to use united.com or contact a United customer service representative for any assistance you might need. For flight check-in, use united.com, United kiosks or United ticket counters at the airport.
* When flying Continental, you should continue to use continental.com or contact a Continental customer service representative for any assistance you might need. For flight check-in, use continental.com, Continental kiosks or Continental ticket counters at the airport.
* Red Carpet Club and Presidents Club members will continue to enjoy access to each other’s lounge network, as well as the Star Alliance network and affiliated lounges around the world. Also, beginning today, Red Carpet Clubs offer free wireless Internet access and a selection of complimentary alcoholic beverages.

Coming later this month, elite members will enjoy reciprocal access to complimentary elite upgrades and preferred economy seating on United and Continental flights. United elite members will have access to Continental’s preferred seating, and Continental elite members will have access to United’s Economy Plus� seating.

Integrating two airlines is complex. We expect the full integration of United and Continental to take between 12 and 18 months. However, during that time, you will see improvements in your travel experience, and we are committed to making the new United your carrier of choice. We’ll keep you informed of our progress through e-mail and on our website. More information, including FAQs, is available at united.com.

This is an exciting time for all of us, and we look forward to serving you as the world’s leading airline.

Sincerely,