The only time I've ever ran into a problem, when dealing with continental and rebooking to another airline is when I deal with their reservation. They seem oblivious to the fact that they actually can rebook you on another airline (especially during whether, maintenence cancellations and delays) and will either flat out refuse or say go to the service center. If the line is super long at the service center, I can usually go to the ticket counter and get the same assistance and they would not only rebook me on another airline, but will do it without my asking.
wait what was the question again?
p