Things in the Sky

Continental announced a couple of changes to OnePass yesterday, and it looks like a couple of moves that align the program with United’s Mileage Plus. The first change is that passengers who earn 100,000 EQMs or 120 EQSs will get four systemwide upgrades, which is kind of similar to United’s 1K – though those who reach the 100,000 mile mark there will get six upgrades (United requires 100 segments instead of 120, too).

The other interesting change is the addition of a new elite tier, Presidential Platinum Elite – which seems like a blend of United’s Global Services and 1K programs. It sounds like Global Services in the sense that it’s an invitation-only program where revenue is a factor. It’s not like Global Service status, though, as there are published requirements – 75,000 EQMs or 90 elite qualification points plus annual spending of $30,000 with Continental.

The new tier does have some nice benefits. For example, members on United flights will board right after Global Services and 1K, which is a nice perk as Continental Platinum members are behind United’s Premier Executive members with the current system. Another great perk is a Presidential Plus World MasterCard with the annual fee waived, and that is an attractive benefit as the card includes a free membership to the Presidents Club.

You can see all of the details here on FlyerTalk.