It’s not exactly going to revolutionize the frequent flyer industry, but Continental OnePass has announced enhancements to its elite program.
Though the basic amenities of elite status — priority check-in, expedited security screening (where available), priority baggage handling and space-available first class upgrades — remain unchanged, Continental has trotted out two new perks, and renamed the whole package “EliteAccess.”
First is “EliteAccess Boarding,” which allows elite members the opportunity to enter a new EliteAccess lane and board a plane immediately at any time during the boarding process. Thus, if you show up at the gate when the rest of the riff-raff are boarding, you can take a quick shortcut onto the plane.
And OnePass is also offering a “no middle seat guarantee,” which promises those flying full fare a window or aisle seat in economy class every time. Continental says they have increased the number of seats reserved for elite and full-fare travelers by 35 percent system-wide, and will grant an extra 1,000 miles if they can’t come through.