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Continental Airlines Announces Enhancements To Its Award-Winning OnePass Frequent Flyer Program in 1999

The Best Frequent-Flyer Program Is Getting Better

HOUSTON, November 20, 1998 -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAI.B and CAI.A.) today announced significant enhancements to its award-winning OnePass frequent flyer program, including a new Platinum Elite level, a lower mileage level for a free domestic ticket, more confirmed upgrade opportunities for Elite members, and the elimination of black-out dates for EasyPass rewards.

Continental also announced a reciprocal frequent flyer program with Northwest Airlines, subject to regulatory review.

"We've improved the OnePass program to give our customers more of the kind of benefits they want and expect," said Greg Brenneman, Continental Airlines' president and chief operating officer. "Our customers will have substantially more choices for redeeming rewards for free travel."

Off-Peak Rewards

One of the more significant changes to the OnePass frequent flyer program is the introduction of Off-Peak Rewards. Effective March 1, 1999, OnePass members can claim a domestic coach reward ticket during off-peak periods (Sept. - May) at a reduced redemption level of 20,000 miles. Peak domestic coach reward travel remains at 25,000 miles for peak travel (June - Aug.).

No Blackout Dates for EasyPass Rewards

Flying on EasyPass rewards (rewards with no seat capacity restrictions) is easier than before, because there will be no blackout dates. Blackout dates for EasyPass rewards have been eliminated, so members can now use their OnePass miles to fly on an EasyPass reward any day of the year, effective March 1, 1999.

New Platinum Elite Level

In 1999, program benefits and bonuses will reach a whole new level. Starting March 1, the OnePass Elite program will be enhanced to offer Silver, Gold and a new Platinum Elite level. To qualify, OnePass members must fly 75,000 miles or 90 segments for Platinum Elite, 50,000 miles or 60 segments for Gold Elite, and 25,000 miles or 30 segments for Silver Elite.

As part of the transition to the new Elite levels, OnePass customers who would have qualified for Bronze Elite in 1998 by flying 20,000 miles (or 25 segments) will automatically become Silver Elites in 1999. OnePass members who would have qualified for Silver status by flying 35,000 miles (or 40 segments) in 1998 will automatically become Gold Elites in 1999.

As the highest Elite tier, Platinum Elite members receive a 125 percent mileage bonus for every paid flight, unlimited confirmed upgrades from any paid fare, unlimited companion upgrades, capacity-free rewards at reduced mileage levels, guaranteed reservations with every full-fare coach ticket and more.

"By lowering the redemption level for domestic off-peak travel rewards, we've made it even easier for people to travel for free using their frequent flyer miles," said Bonnie Reitz, Continental Airlines' senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Northwest Alliance

Effective Dec. 6, 1998, subject to regulatory review, Continental OnePass members will be able to earn miles for travel on all Northwest, Northwest Airlink flights and Northwest designated code-share flights operated by KLM. Likewise, Northwest WorldPerks program members will be able to earn miles on all Continental, Continental Express and Continental Micronesia flights. Mileage redemptions may be requested beginning Feb. 1, 1999, for travel beginning March 1, 1999, pending regulatory review.

Customers need only participate in either Continental's OnePass program or Northwest's WorldPerks program to enjoy the benefits of both. For example, segments flown on either airline can count toward Elite qualification, and Elite members are afforded the same privileges, such as complimentary upgrades, on either airline. As always, OnePass miles have no expiration date.

When traveling on Northwest's flights, OnePass frequent fliers will earn a minimum of 500 OnePass miles or actual miles (whichever is greater) per flight, plus a 50 percent mileage bonus if traveling in First Class or World Business Class.

Under the reciprocal agreement, miles cannot be earned in both frequent flyer programs for the same flight. Members must specify which frequent flyer program they want their miles credited to and provide their OnePass or WorldPerks account number when making a reservation or at the point of check-in.

Summary of Changes to Continental's OnePass Frequent Flyer Program:

Complete details of changes to the OnePass program are available on Continental's website at http://www.continental.com/onepass/.

Continental's OnePass program, which has won Best-Elite Level Program for eight of the past nine years, was named 1997 Program of the Year, by InsideFlyer magazine.