Elite Travel Services

Note: 2011 elite status and benefits, including the program details below, will be extended until our system conversion date in 2012. The benefits and features of the 2012 MileagePlus program take effect at that time. Learn more

Elite members have earned special privileges including many exclusive services to make their travel easier. Elite members can expect the following priority travel services every time you fly Continental Airlines, United Airlines, Copa Airlines or Copa Airlines Colombia.

Premier Access and Elite travel benefits include:

Elite Priority Lines: Each Elite level has its own Elite Priority Line for OnePass account information and flight reservations. The Elite Priority Line number is listed on the back of the membership card. Elite Priority Lines will be connected to an Elite Priority Desk with customer service representatives specially trained to answer questions pertaining to our Elite travelers. These highly trained representatives are our most qualified agents and will be fully dedicated to providing our Elite members the highest level of service.
Premier Access Check-in: Designated priority ticket counter check-in lines
Premier Access Security Screening: Access priority security lines (when available)
Premier Access Priority Boarding: Be among the first customers to board or take your time and use the reserved blue carpet line at any time
Premier Access Baggage Handling: Your bags will always be among the first delivered at baggage claim ensuring a quicker departure

Star Alliance Elite Benefits: OnePass Elite members are recognized around the world with special Star Alliance Elite benefits
Presidents Club and Star Alliance Lounge Access: Platinum and Gold Elite members are welcome to visit eligible Clubrooms and Star Alliance lounges worldwide. Get access details.
Elite members may ask for "Elite" seating, a window or aisle seat in the front of the Economy cabin, when they confirm their travel. Elite seating is awarded on a first-come, first served basis.
Confirmed Reservations: Platinum Elite members receive confirmed reservations — even when a flight is sold out — when purchasing an unrestricted Y class ticket at least 24 hours prior to departure. Gold and Silver Elite members must purchase at least 48 hours prior to departure. (Available on most flights operated by Continental Airlines and Copa Airlines only

Please contact the Elite Priority Desk or call Continental Reservations at 800.523.FARE (800.523.3273) to reserve and purchase your flight.
Service Recovery Assistance: Elite members may call their Elite Priority Line to confirm and verify alternative re-accommodation when their travel plans are interrupted by a delay, cancellation or flight diversion. In some cases, the ticket agent may be required to endorse the Elite member's ticket before beginning their next flight. (Available on flights operated by Continental Airlines only.)
Priority Waitlisting for Reward Travel: Elite members may ask to be placed on a reward waitlist if reward seating is unavailable on Continental Airlines at the time of booking. As additional reward seats become available, they will be allocated to Elite members first according to Elite status: Platinum Elite members, Gold Elite members and then Silver Elite members.

Waitlists for BusinessFirst upgrades are not permitted within 24 hours prior to departure. Waitlisted segments not cleared on BusinessFirst flights 24 hours prior to departure are automatically added to the standby list at check-in.

BusinessFirst service is offered on flights operated by Continental and Continental Micronesia in the following markets: Europe, Middle East, Asia (to/from the U.S.), Southern South America, Hawaii (nonstops to/from Houston, Newark and Guam)
Standby for International Rewards: Elite members who have redeemed an international reward in Continental Airlines premium cabins (First Class, Business Class or BusinessFirst) or in Copa Airlines Clase Ejecutiva cabin, but can confirm reservations only in Economy, may standby at the airport within two hours of departure. Elite members should simply notify the airport agent upon check-in. For unused First Class, Business Class or BusinessFirst rewards, the mileage difference between Economy and First Class, Business Class or BusinessFirst may be redeposited free of charge.
Better Reward Availability: Elite members have better access to EasyPass reward tickets and, beginning in the first quarter of 2012, better access to United Standard Awards, too. To get the best reward search results, Elite members should sign in to continental.com with their OnePass number and PIN when searching for travel rewards.