[dr.phil]

I'm a Platinum elite, and have been for several years. I got an email about CO selling extra leg room seats, and how elites would still be able to reserve them for free. If you read thru the marketing fine print of selling the extra leg room seats, it sounds like they are selling exit rows and bulkheads now, compared to re-configuring into an 'extra leg space' cabin like UA. If this is correct, As a platinum, I'm not very happy with the option of selling exit row seats; I enjoy the ability to book exit rows at the time of my reservation, and consider it a privilege for my status. Now, anyone can pay a little more and get the same privilege, which will decrease my chance that the exit will be available. It's already bad enough that getting upgraded as a Platinum is difficult. I've sent an email to Continental, and expect the typical marketing fluff reply; maybe this forum can help start changing things.

[Gromit801]

Personally, I think all exit rows should be reserved for able bodied (must be able to handle the emergency hatch) persons over 6'4" in height.

[johnsjets]

Complaining about it is not going to matter in the long run. The other major airlines are doing the same...so don't think by threatening to jump ship you'll get anywhere with CO. It's just another notch in their revenue gun which will continue unabated. I'm looking forward to pay toilets next.
My main concern is for the handicapped and physically ailing who depend on premium bulkhead seating. If the airlines don't allow special dispensation for them, it will be another hardship they will have to endure.

[mars6423]

well US based airlines keep adding all these extra fees and come up with many excuses

i cant remember what airline it is, i want to say american, that is thinking about adding a carry on charge (they already have a check in fee) to help with the overhead compartment problems, which i can see why since theres limited space up there and it can create issues if a passanger gets out of hand....so if they are going to charge for carry ons (not including purse/laptop) they shouldn't charge for check in bags

the only other way they can solve the carry on bags is to say each bag can be x by x (smaller then it is now) and enforce it, or have people put items under the seat in front of them....both against passenger wills

you can be sure that if one airline does it, every other airline will do it......a competition to who can screw the customers faster and/or more


with priority memberships airlines are cutting the benefits and its getting to the point where it means nothing, miles get you no where unless you want to use ten-fold the amount for a ticket

[mars6423]

johnsjets......i believe that disabled people are still allowed to have those seats at no extra charge if needed as its a medical/health issue and may not be the individuals choice, their doctor may state that the need the extra room

bulkhead yes, exit row no

[notahappycamper]

Since Jeffery Smisek took over; the airline has really gone down in customer service. I have traveled the same route for more than 3 years. My ticket has doubled in price, more headaches and virtually no benefits. Do they understand that we select them? I’m a loyal platinum member and don’t get me wrong I think Continental is one of the best but since Gordon left, the airline has suffered in service. The employees for the most part are great but the customer service response is non existent. The “one care” should be changed to “no one cares”. They don’t respond to emails and when they do it is simply stated that the occurrence however disrupting is simply continental policy. Does the board not realize that in about 24 months they will have lost a significant portion of their loyal customers and then be forced to spend a significant amount of money in publicity and goodwill to get them back. It’s cheaper to keep the customers happy then **** them off and attract them back.

[Gromit801]

So, if other airlines follow suit (and I hope not), then what? You stop flying?

[ChrisH]

Continental did away with their we-care-2 phone number. You can no longer call to log a complaint with Continental. Complaints must now be logged through their website. This is a strategic move, because they figure less people will take the time to send an email. This way they get less complaints, which are registered with the DOT. What is worse, is that it now takes away that person to person communication.

Someone mentione American talking about charging for carry ons. Continental is also looking at that. I would be surprised if it doesn't happen sometime in the near future.

[The_Judge]

Originally Posted by ChrisH

This way they get less complaints, which are registered with the DOT

Just a clarification....complaints received by the carrier directly do NOT have to be reported to the DOT and and are therefore not counted in the DOT stats. Only complaints made to the DOT are counted in the monthly stats.