Yippee. United has changed its policy on seating upgrades for Continental elite flyers. It was too late for me (flying home the other day from Singapore), but the “new benefits will begin to roll out in mid-2010.”
For my trip to Singapore, I booked United (and spent extra to do so) because I hoped to get upgraded. Most likely into “economy plus.” (Hey, I’m a realist; certainly didn’t think I’d make it all the way into business on an international flight.) “No,” said United. “Your status on Continental does nothing for you when it comes to seating on United.” Ugh!
Oh, wait! I just reread, and it’s the other way around. United elites will get upgrade benefits on Continental. But the page says nothing about reciprocity. I can only hope (and trust?) that United will provide the same privileges for CO elites that CO is providing for United elites. Or is that a different reality?
