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Continental Airlines announced new OnePass frequent-flyer benefits designed to recognize and reward its top customers. Beginning January 1, 2010, OnePass Platinum Elite members will be eligible to earn new invitation-only Presidential Platinum Elite status based on their annual spending on travel on Continental, Continental Micronesia, Continental Express and Continental Connection flights.
In addition, Platinum Elite members who earn at least 100,000 Elite qualification miles or 120 Elite qualification points will receive four one-way system-wide upgrade certificates. The certificates may be used to upgrade to domestic first class, international business class or international BusinessFirst in conjunction with any published fare on Continental, Continental Micronesia or Copa Airlines.
"Continental continues to look for ways to recognize our best customers," said Mark Bergsrud, senior vice president marketing programs and distribution. "For the first time we are offering a new OnePass Elite membership tier to reward customers based on their annual spending in addition to mileage earned. The system-wide upgrade benefit for our top mileage earners is also a first for us."
Presidential Platinum Elite benefits include top priority for Elite upgrades and flight standby, an exclusive VIP phone line, and, for members residing in the mainland U.S. and Alaska, annual fee waivers on the Continental Airlines Presidential Plus(SM) World Mastercard(R) credit card, which also includes Presidents Club membership and other benefits. Members residing in Hawaii, Guam and points outside the U.S. will receive 25,000 OnePass bonus miles.
Platinum Elite status is awarded to members who earn 75,000 Elite qualification miles or 90 Elite qualification points. The initial spending qualification to earn Presidential Platinum Elite status is $30,000.
Continental Airlines is the world’s fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,400 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 130 domestic and 132 international destinations.
Continental is a member of Star Alliance, which provides access to more than 900 additional points in 169 countries via 24 other member airlines. With more than 41,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63 million passengers per year.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For the sixth consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 World’s Most Admired Airline on its 2009 list of World’s Most Admired Companies.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
