May 11, 2010
Ah, the good old days when there used to be three elite levels for airlines – Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Generally, those levels were recognized at 25K, 50K, 75 or 100K respectively for miles flown annually.
I realize this is a bit of an oversimplification because not all the legacy carriers followed this strict status. Also, there are some frequent fliers who qualify for elite status through segments, not air miles. Nevertheless, the points here remain valid.
In days gone by, Silver status had some value though it varied by airline. It was considered an achievement and there were rewards. Indeed, it was very possible for Silver status fliers to get upgrades to first class as long as they flew at non-peak times.
Those days are gone. Here are the frequent flier status programs today:
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Posted by Carol Margolis under Current Affairs, Travel |
February 18, 2010
Dear Continental –
I first noticed that our relationship changed in January when the evening ‘snack’ in first class was reduced from a nice cheese and cracker plate to 2 tiny bags of pretzel sticks. That snack – so 2009-ish! – was my dinner on each Thursday night as I headed home.
Now I nab a few packets of cheese and crackers from the President’s Club to share with seatmates when they go into shock as the two pretzel bags are placed in front of them.
Our relationship further degraded when I asked for a cup of freshly brewed decaf coffee on Monday evening’s flight. The flight attendant shared with me the ugly truth – you are now serving us this:
I’m sure that decaf isn’t real popular on the morning flights, but evenings? This should be prime time for a pot of decaf coffee. Please don’t serve instant decaf coffee.
What other changes are coming in our relationship that I haven’t uncovered yet? (And yes, I did catch that increase on headset charges from $1 to $3 … sneaky, sneaky!). And different free baggage limits for Silver members compared to Gold and Platinum – who knew?
You’ve changed Continental. I’d like my old friend back.
Thanks,
Ms. Love-My-Fresh-Brewed-Coffee
Posted by Carol Margolis under Current Affairs |
December 8, 2009
I could not care less about the Tiger Woods stories running rampant through the news, but each time I read about Continental and United Airlines, I perk up. I know, it’s sick! As a Continental Platinum member, talks about how these two airlines interact are important to me. So I wonder …
United has many other airlines in their Star Alliance but all of the chatter in news reports and blogs is about their relationship with Continental, the airline who joined Star Alliance only six weeks ago. Both airlines announced enhancements to their frequent flyer programs beginning in mid-2010. If you have elite status on one airline, the other will honor it. Each will offer better seating, unlimited upgrades and the ability to accrue and redeem miles on the other’s flights. This could be in response to Delta's announcement about changes to their SkyMiles awards program, but what is significant is that these recent announcements have come from both airlines.
So why is it that we don’t hear United talking about similar programs with other Star Alliance members? Why is it that each enhancement or new program includes only Continental, the newest and brightest Star Alliance member?
We have been treated to many joint statements and photo ops, watching reps from both airlines meeting together in public, smiling – holding hands as it were, but there is no public talk about marriage, i.e., merger, because it begs the question: Which airline would be the swallower, which one the swallowee?
Would a merger even be necessary if they continue working together this way? Are they strong enough to seriously compete against the Delta/Northwest giant as it is? Lots of questions, enough to make this soap opera endure for a while.
In the meantime, we will be treated to lots of these lovey dovey stories about the two airlines working together. Publicly, they sound like a wonderful relationship. Privately, they may be sharing a bedroom more than they tell us.
And you can bet this story will go on a lot longer than Tiger Woods.
Posted by Carol Margolis under Current Affairs |
November 25, 2009
I am not usually excited about airport restaurants, but there is a new restaurant in the Houston airport that definitely has been getting my business. Le Grand Comptoir Wine and Food Bar is in Houston’s Intercontinental (IAH) airport in Continental’s Terminal C. It opened several
months ago and it has become my go-to restaurant for dinner before my typical Thursday evening flight back to Orlando. 
Not only does Le Grand Comptoir have a fabulous menu of wines and beers, but their food offers healthy choices that I love. I always order their Provencale Salad, which loads on Greek olives, cucumbers, green beans and tomatoes onto fresh greens, topped with a broiled chicken breast. If I am running late to my flight, the restaurant prepares this salad to go within about 10 minutes and I eat it while in-flight, to the envy of my seatmates. Otherwise, I prefer to sit down and enjoy my salad, while either watching one of their televisions, working on my laptop (yes, they have outlets along the wall!), or just people-watching. In the evenings, Le Grand Comptoir is packed. But wait for a few minutes and a table usually opens up, or a stool at their bar.
It’s a fun place with great atmosphere, food and wine… so check it out the next time you’re in Terminal C at IAH.
Posted by Carol Margolis under Food and Drink |
