Continental Flight Booking

Continental Airlines Overview

Based in Downtown Houston, Continental Airlines is the fourth-largest airline in the US, based on revenue passenger miles. It operates from its three hubs at Newark Liberty International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. It started operating on July 15, 1934 as Varney Speed Lines (named after one of its initial owners, Walter T. Varney) and was renamed as Continental Air Lines on July 8, 1937. With more than 6,000 daily departures, Continental Airlines offers flights to Americas, Europe & Asia Pacific region. It is a member of Star Alliance. Continental Airlines is high on branding and its marketing slogan reads Work Hard, Fly Right. The airlines is always working on ways to improve its in flight services to offer an unforgettable flying experience to customers.

Fleet and Connectivity

Flying to 262 destinations worldwide, Continental flights serve more international destinations than any other US carrier. With its Flexible Fleet Plan, the airlines is able to cater to changing market demands with great ease. Continental Airlines operates a fleet of young and efficient, 337 all-Boeing aircrafts with an average age of 9.2 years. It is one of the most environment friendly airlines by virtue of winglets used on its aircrafts. The winglets reduce fuel consumption by up to 5 percent, which also brings down total fuel costs.

Services and Facilities

Continental Airlines has won a number of awards for providing world class service to its passengers. The airline also provides special services to customers with disabilities including wheel chairs. Passengers on its flights are treated with fresh meals, refreshments, wines and champagne(free for Business/First class) served in newly designed chinaware and serviceware. Flyers are kept entertained through the on demand audio video, in-flight magazine Continental AIRWaves, video games, and choice of feature films and music apart from the wonderful opportunity of duty free shopping.

Technology

Continuous use of innovative technology and excellent customer service are the two main pillars on which Continental Airlines has built its strong foundation. It is among the first few airlines that provided e-ticketing services for its customers and made it possible for flyers to change flights online. It also pioneered the use of an electronic boarding pass for business travelers. The airlines also provides self check-in kiosk at various airports.

Loyalty Program

Continental Airlines offers the OnePass frequent flyer program to its clients. Members are offered many privileged services and rewards for flying frequently on the airlines. OnePass miles earned by members can be redeemed for reward travel or for bidding on VIP packages and products at the OnePass Online Auction. OnePass elite tiers are Silver, Gold, and Platinum Elite which offer benefits such as priority check in, priority boarding, boarding and baggage handling, mileage bonus as well as faster security screening. Members can also accumulate more miles when using services of the airline’s partners such as hotels, car rental companies, credit/debit card companies, cruises, shopping and gift partners. The airline also maintains around 25 President Clubs that are private membership clubs that provide a quiet area for travelers to work or relax when at the airport.

Awards

Continental Airlines has won several awards and accolades since its inception. SkyTeam Global Traveler Magazine awarded the airlines with Best Airline Alliance award in 2005. In 2006 Israel’s Tourist Guide newspaper gave the airlines Company of the Year award, which was followed by Best Airline to North America award by Irish Travel Trade News Awards in 2009 and Best Domestic Airline by the readers of TravelAge West magazine.