Hi Everyone, today we’re announcing the introduction of a first checked bag fee, as well as our 2009 OnePass program changes. Of course, we would’ve preferred to announce these policy changes along with the changes announced back in
July and
August, but unfortunately this simply wasn’t possible. Like these other changes, our rationale is the same: we are defraying the high price of fuel, which even at current levels presents a serious challenge for us. While you won’t see us making some of the changes our competitors are making, like the elimination of Elite bonuses or fuel surcharges on rewards, we did have to make some difficult program decisions that could impact you.
Here are the changes we’re announcing today:
- First Checked Bag Fee. For travel within the U.S. and between the U.S. and Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada, customers will be charged $15 for the first checked bag. This fee will apply to tickets issued effective today, Sep. 5, 2008 for travel on or after Oct. 7, 2008. OnePass Elite members, SkyTeam Elite members, anyone else eligible for EliteAccess (including full-fare Y class and Chase Presidential Plus cardmembers), and avtive military personnel traveling on orders will be exempt.
- Elimination of the 500-mile minimum. Continental will discontinue awarding a minimum of 500 base miles and Elite Qualifying Miles for flights operated by Continental, Continental Micronesia, Continental Express, Continental Connection and most OnePass partners that are less 500 miles. This applies to travel booked on or after Nov. 15, 2008 for travel on or after Jan. 1, 2009. The 500-mile minimum will still apply to flights operated by Copa Airlines, Aero República, Hawaiian Air, Island Air, U.S. Helicopter and SNCF Rail. Amtrak minimum earnings will remain the same as well.
- Elite Bonus Mile Changes. We will continue to award Elite mileage bonuses, but will be making changes to the bonuses awarded to Silver and Platinum members. Effective for travel on or after Mar. 1, 2009, Platinum Elite members will earn a 100 percent mileage bonus (instead of 125 percent) and Silver Elite members will earn 25 percent (instead of 50 percent).
- OnePass Reward Changes. We will be adjusting our reward levels for travel between Tel Aviv and North America (series 10B) and between Tel Aviv and Hawaii (series 10C). For these rewards, the SaverPass rewards for both cabins will increase by 20,000 miles and EasyPass Rewards will increase by 50,000 miles for BusinessFirst tickets.
More information about these changes will be posted on continental.com shortly.