In the comments thread of a previous post, Steve Kalman offered this anecdote:
I flew first class to Oslo on [Continental] a few months ago using miles (from Amex). Chief attendant (purser?) came around to all in 1st and asked if anyone had gold or better on another airline. My seatmate had SAS, so he filled out a form and got instant Gold on CO. Seems like a smart move.
Wow, that’s hustle.
Typically, requests for a status match — in which one airline attempts to poach the business of another airline by granting elite status to another airline’s upper-tier frequent flier program member — require the traveler to send in documentation proving their status on another airline. Perhaps the seatmate in this story had his SAS card handy and could be instantly verified by the purser.
Either way, that’s pretty proactive on Continental’s part. I’m curious to hear if any other travelers have witnessed a similar in-flight status matching on any airlines.
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August 28th, 2009 at 8:16 am
Twitter Comment
RT @garyleff Continental Offering Inflight Instant Elite Status Matching?: @upgradetravel reports [link to post] #travel
– Posted using Chat Catcher
August 28th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Yes, he did show his card.
August 30th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Wow, that is pretty brilliant of Continental. I haven’t had that happen to me, but Continental is one of my favorite carriers. The airline industry is suffering so much right now, I guess they’ve got to keep finding ways to maintain a competitive edge. This reminds me of how some businesses with accept coupons from competitors or will give you a discount if another merchant charges less.
August 31st, 2009 at 6:37 am
Not yet experienced, but feel it a very smart approach.
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:27 am
Not surprised. I’m certain I’m not the only one who cut up my Continental card when they announced an alliance with United. I went to CO originally to get away from the Unfriendly Skies.
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:51 pm
any member of other airlines who has silver, gold or platinum status card can ask at any Continental (airport) counter for one time only match on CO. CO staff will take a copy of the card or contact OA for verification and match the status…
September 4th, 2009 at 12:48 am
If you are on a BF flight on Continnental. A Concierge on the flight before departure is authorized to Match your status immediately upon verification of your status with your Other Airline card. Only an International Concierge can do this and you must be in The BF cabin.
October 17th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Will British Airways Match my Continental Airlines Status by giving me Gold Executive Club Level?
October 17th, 2009 at 8:19 am
I’m Platinum on Continental and a Million Miler.