Continental Airlines

[CDeb]

Most definitely. I would think it's also encouraged, otherwise an airline employee has to escort them or their chance of getting lost or missing the flight goes up exponentially. I've seen the same done with disabled people being wheeled by someone to the gate, on the plane, then they go back.

Makes sense, which is why I wasn't sure TSA would allow it.

[KinkaidAlum]

Yes, they allow parent/guardians past security at airports. In fact, most airlines require parents/guardians to meet at the gate. They require identification and a signature before they'll release the kids too.

I flew all the time as an unaccompanied minor once my parents divorced. It is very common.

[foxmulder]

Security lets dad in without a ticket? Is there a special policy for parents dropping off children who are flying alone?

I had a friend who asked me to walk her to the gate. SW just said "if they ask it's because she's special needs." They gave me a slip, i went thru security and waited for her plane to board...Then i left.

[rsb320]

I had a friend who asked me to walk her to the gate. SW just said "if they ask it's because she's special needs." They gave me a slip, i went thru security and waited for her plane to board...Then i left.

Did she limp or rock or blurt out words for her disguise? I'm sorry, that's mean.

[foxmulder]

Did she limp or rock or blurt out words for her disguise? I'm sorry, that's mean.

No, but if i wasn't there she would've gotten on the wrong plane. Blondes are fun!

[Hartmann]

OK, so my boss had had completed two legs of a three leg itinerary. I called to cancel the last leg and was told it would involve a fare increase and a $150 change fee. HA! He just was in the restroom too long and missed his connection . Darnit!

Silliest thing I ever heard of.

What you've posted doesn't make any sense. You said that your boss needed to cancel the ticket, if that's the case he would have called and been told that he would forfeit a refund for that portion of the trip. A change is a different thing. If he wanted to change his ticket to make his second leg the end of his journey (and where he'd leave from), he may have wanted to pay the change fee and fare increase. If it was the beginning of his trip (1st half), then by missing the next leg the rest of the itinerary would be canceled because on CO's computers, he never made it to departure point for the second half of the trip.

[Fringe]

LOL. Just saw on her news. The beatch has gotten a lawyer and is looking for compensation from Continental. She says it's not about the money but I think she probably started calling lawyers as soon as she heard her kid wasn't on the right plane.

[sheeats]

LOL. Just saw on her news. The beatch has gotten a lawyer and is looking for compensation from Continental. She says it's not about the money but I think she probably started calling lawyers as soon as she heard her kid wasn't on the right plane.

I flew alone all the time when I was a kid, eight to ten times a year, starting when I six years old. It was completely commonplace and - as The Niche noted - I usually wasn't the only unaccompanied minor on the plane. Not a big deal at all.

I think if I'd been misplaced on one of the flights, my parents would have found it hilarious that I'd ended up in Salt Lake City or Tampa or wherever. As long as the kid wasn't entirely misplaced, hey...no harm, no foul. As my dad used to say, "It builds character." I seriously doubt that one of my parents would have sued the airline. WTF ever.

[rsb320]

My brother and I used to get shipped via Continental Trailways bus to my grandparent's in the summertime - never a problem. I remember that it was fun as child, trying to 'aim' in the b-room at the back of bus. Not been on such a bus in years and judging from the clientele at the Midtown station, I'd have to not recommend it (for the kids).

I have a friend who works for CO and I believe they truly are concerned with these events, even if they're on the commuter, non-commercial runs.

[musicman]

Continental captain dies while piloting international flight

The captain of a Continental Airlines trans-Atlantic flight has died en route.

New York television station WCBS reported that the plane, which took off from Brussels, Belgium, and is scheduled to land in Newark around 11 a.m., has two first officers aboard, one of whom is piloting the jet, as well as a reserve crew.

story

[citykid09]

Now a Continental pilot just died in mid flight from over seas to New Jersey. I just saw it on the news.

[VicMan]

Now a Continental pilot just died in mid flight from over seas to New Jersey. I just saw it on the news.

That happens from time to time - middle aged men can get heart attacks or strokes (even men who have to pass physicals every six months, such as airline pilots). This is why we always have at least two pilots.

This flight had two first officers and a reserve pilot, so there was no danger to the passengers and crew.

[musicman]

Continental Airlines said today it is cutting 1,700 jobs and increasing some fees after reporting a $213 million second-quarter loss and a steep drop in revenue.

"My co-workers are doing a great job of working together to focus on customer service despite signficant challenges currently facing our industry," said Chief Executive Larry Kellner, who last week announced he will step down at year's end and begin a private equity venture in Houston.

The Houston-based carrier's loss amounted to $1.72 per share. In the year-ago period, it lost $5 million, or 5 cents per share, as high fares and strong traffic balanced out record fuel prices.

Excluding one-time charges, the loss was $169 million, or $1.36 per share. Analysts expected a loss of $1.35 per share excluding charges.

Revenue plunged 22.7 percent to $3.1 billion, and passenger revenue fell 24.2 percent. The company blamed lower fares, traffic declines and the swine flu scare, which caused Continental to slash its Mexico extensive schedule last spring.

The carrier also is raising all domestic checked baggage fees by $5 for those who do not prepay those online for travel starting Aug. 19. Currently the fee is $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second, each way, although there are ways to avoid it such as paying full fare, being an elite frequent flier or holding Continental-branded bank card from Chase.

Continental also is hiking its telephone reservation booking service fee by $5 to $20.

full article

[UpperWestEnder]

Wow. That's surprising. It certainly isn't my fault. I've been flying Continental weekly, sometimes even twice a week on an assignment in Florida. Also the flights to and from Orlando are always full, packed with happy Disney World vacationers.

I had no idea the rest of their sales were so bad, especially with fuel prices having come down.

The service with Continental is always great. I really like the effort the flight attendants put forward. It's a great airline.

[Trae]

That sucks, especially about those jobs. The last thing we need is more job cuts right now. Hopefully Continental gets back up. It use to be one of the more profitable airlines and service has always been great.

[lockmat]

When will people begin to choose other airlines over Continental for safety reasons? I know it's the fault of the passenger if they don't wear their seatbelt b/c the light is always on and turbulance is inevitable, but bad press is bad press, and it keeps on coming for CO.

About 35 people were hurt this morning when Continental Airlines Flight 128 bound for Houston from Rio de Janeiro encountered severe turbulence, forcing it to be diverted to Miami.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/breaking/6558509.html

[BryanS]

When will people begin to choose other airlines over Continental for safety reasons? I know it's the fault of the passenger if they don't wear their seatbelt b/c the light is always on and turbulance is inevitable, but bad press is bad press, and it keeps on coming for CO.

http://www.chron.com...ng/6558509.html

Well... at least these people got to live another day. AF 447 was an Airbus, that flew in/around that same region - and broke to pieces.

This is now the second violent weather event in that region. Global warming? ... Hmmm....

EDIT: You can't blame CO for this one. It's the weather. And they, and all airlines, need to revise their seatbelt policy. You should not turn off the light, but then say "keep your seat belt on." That's a conflicting message. The pilot should say: "PLEASE stay in your seat, keep the seatbelt tight - as tight as you can - at ALL times. The light will be ON the ENTIRE length of the flight. Only under the most pressing need to use the bathroom should you attempt to get up from your seat - at your own risk."

[lockmat]

Well... at least these people got to live another day. AF 447 was an Airbus, that flew in/around that same region - and broke to pieces.

This is now the second violent weather event in that region. Global warming? ... Hmmm....

EDIT: You can't blame CO for this one. It's the weather. And they, and all airlines, need to revise their seatbelt policy. You should not turn off the light, but then say "keep your seat belt on." That's a conflicting message. The pilot should say: "PLEASE stay in your seat, keep the seatbelt tight - as tight as you can - at ALL times. The light will be ON the ENTIRE length of the flight. Only under the most pressing need to use the bathroom should you attempt to get up from your seat - at your own risk."

I thought they already did keep the seat belt light on all the time?

[Hartmann]

Well... at least these people got to live another day. AF 447 was an Airbus, that flew in/around that same region - and broke to pieces.

This is now the second violent weather event in that region. Global warming? ... Hmmm....

EDIT: You can't blame CO for this one. It's the weather. And they, and all airlines, need to revise their seatbelt policy. You should not turn off the light, but then say "keep your seat belt on." That's a conflicting message. The pilot should say: "PLEASE stay in your seat, keep the seatbelt tight - as tight as you can - at ALL times. The light will be ON the ENTIRE length of the flight. Only under the most pressing need to use the bathroom should you attempt to get up from your seat - at your own risk."

Now we're going to start blaming turbulence on global warming?

Flights leaving Rio (and almost every flight leaving South America) to the north (or vice versa) all have to pass through the ITCZ (intertropical convergence zone), an area known for quick, isolated, and extremely violent storms and turbulence.

I'm sure we'll know more about the incident soon, but the pilot turned on the fasten seatbelt sign knowing that turbulence was a real possibility. People ignored the safety signs. End of story. I've been on numerous flights over the Atlantic where the fasten seatbelt sign is turned on and turbulence never seems to happen, then all of the sudden, we hit some windshear and drop 200 ft.

In fact, flying back from Portland last week, the pilot turned on the seatbelt sign as we approached the Rockies. People returned to their seats at first, then 15 minutes later they were up and walking around again. The turbulence did eventually come and it was violent enough that people went scurrying for their seats.

[VicMan]

AF 447 was an Airbus, that flew in/around that same region - and broke to pieces.

But we still don't know exactly how it crashed. If only they could find the black boxes...

[JLWM8609]

When will people begin to choose other airlines over Continental for safety reasons?

What exactly makes Continental so unsafe?

[__bobby_]

First off, let me say hello officially. A longtime HAIF "lurker", I have followed these threads for years while living away from Houston for my college years. After moving back and being in grad school for architecture, I sort of drifted away. But now I'm back--with a mission.

I'm sure everyone on these forums, more than the general public even, understands the immense importance of Continental airlines' headquarters remaining in Houston, from an economic, cultural, corporate, and social standpoint. As such, I thought fellow HAIFians would be (hopefully) among the first to help with a peaceful, yet highly visible public demonstration against the possibility of Continental relocating to Chicago.

I plan on reaching out to other Houston interest groups and forming a team of people to coordinate this event, and get it exposure in local media outlets. Ideally, you would have connections and networks we could tap into to create even more exposure for the event and to recruit people. If possible, we would want to stage this demonstration during the business week, before the Continental board meets on Friday--otherwise Saturday would have to work.

I know people that are vaguely attached to different stakeholders in this situation who might be able to help with, or would tacitly endorse such a demonstration. If you are interested, please feel free to send me an email at rhadley08@mac.com, or instant message me on AIM at rhadley08. I will get back to you.

Thanks,

Bobby Hadley

[Trae]

Better hurry as a deal is to be announced on Monday. According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, Houston won't even be left with an operation HQ and the deal is completely one-sided in Chicago's favor.

[__bobby_]

Better hurry as a deal is to be announced on Monday. According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, Houston won't even be left with an operation HQ and the deal is completely one-sided in Chicago's favor.

Yeah, I believe the word is that the board will meet on Sunday to decide. This will be really really bad. They're not even giving the MAYOR the time of day. And I'll tell you what it's all about right now.. considering that she's offered to match Chicago's incentives package... it's all about perceived municipal prestige I think.

[VicMan]

I would also suggest contacting city politicians and urging them to try to offer better deals to Continental/United than those offered by Chicago. Obviously the Texas state government and the city government are struggling to keep the airline, but it wouldn't hurt to suggest ideas and/or encourage them to match Chicago.

[BryanS]

While I believe in fighting to the bitter end, for some things...

CO management is well accustomed to dissent - which they have in the past just ignored.

You're not changing anyone's minds.

Pilots: http://www.theloanisdue.com/ ... the loan is past DUE. They've been down to 1600 Smith, protesting (about their plight).

Mechanics? - or some other group was down at the base of 1600 Smith hollering and yelling, protesting (about their plight).

Nothing new.

The time to have done any of this was when US Air was trying to work the deal.

It's too late, now.

Next week, as early as Monday... done deal.

[LTAWACS]

UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!UHG!

[Trae]

While I believe in fighting to the bitter end, for some things...

CO management is well accustomed to dissent - which they have in the past just ignored.

You're not changing anyone's minds.

Pilots: http://www.theloanisdue.com/ ... the loan is past DUE. They've been down to 1600 Smith, protesting (about their plight).

Mechanics? - or some other group was down at the base of 1600 Smith hollering and yelling, protesting (about their plight).

Nothing new.

The time to have done any of this was when US Air was trying to work the deal.

It's too late, now.

Next week, as early as Monday... done deal.

I really don't see how Houston and Texas leaders could have been so blind to this. Of all people, Sheila Jackson-Lee had to get the ball rolling in the media. Now that's pretty sad. It's a shame and pretty embarassing that Continental won't even return any of the messages/calls that Mayor Parker has sent them (among other people). I guess being in Chicago really does mean that much to Smisek. They aren't leaving Houston with anything, except for some more Latin American flights.

[GovernorAggie]

I'd hate to see them go, but one thing I've learned about Houston is that it is resilient and will look back on Continental moving as a footnote. Especially after Delta buys them when they fail after becoming United.

And furthermore, just thinking outside the box (and waiting for a HAIFer to slap it down with the truth of its impossibility), maybe some of the veterans (like a Kellner-type or someone else) reposition ExpressJet (which is still based here IIRC) or set up another low-cost carrier based out of IAH that specializes in Latin American flights. Or maybe JetBlue uses the opportunity to upgrade its operations in this part of the country.

I'm just trying to find what opportunities this may actually allow, especially given the muti-billion dollar expansion that IAH is starting.

Then again, maybe I'm over-valuing Latin America, but it would seem that Houston would be in position to receive any benefit of an airline's desire to increase service to that area. I don't think any airlines are based in California at all, but LA and SFO seem to be key access markets to the Pacific Rim.

*ducks while waiting on the slice-and-dice from the more economically-savvy, airline-expert HAIFers in 5...4...3...2...*

[TheNiche]

I thought fellow HAIFians would be (hopefully) among the first to help with a peaceful, yet highly visible public demonstration against the possibility of Continental relocating to Chicago.

Please do not protest Continental. Houstonians need to be showing them their love, not their hate.

If you want to make a positive statement, march on the Office of the Governor, march on an active meeting of the City Council, and also on a meeting of the County Commissioners. Show Continental that they have citizen allies.