[Webster]

Reserved flight to Europe, through Continental online in January and paid for fare upgrade to Y fare, $500 per 3 tickets each way ($3,000) for family, plus frequent flier miles to upgrade to business class. Departure date is Tuesday, June 14, 2011. Have been checking frequently since January and business class upgrades were in itinerary as were seat assignments. Friday, I checked again and the return business class upgrade was missing and seat assignments were gone. Interestingly, the outbound flights to Europe still have upgrade status and are intact.

Called Continental Houston (after trying published numbers and could not connect) and spent hours on hold. First I was told that I had called and canceled the upgrades, however, I hadn't, then was told so many stories, I can't remember them all. Was told that upgrades were canceled long time ago and had been given refund, checked records and that is not true either.

From what I can gather, the return flight from Zurich to Newark was previously a Continental flight, but with the United takeover, the flight designation was changed from Continental to United and that is where the upgrades were canceled.

OK, someone did get us fairly decent coach seats on the Zurich to EWR flight, for which I am grateful.

However, I have not seen my $1,500 fare upgrade refund.

I have a sinking feeling, that I won't see this money. Just goes to show, you can steal more money with a cleaver scam, than with a gun.

Since I have flown Continental since the 70's, I have a certain loyalty but now I feel like a family member has died. It is so sad.

All those years, when I would catch flights from Florida to the West coast, give my presentation and catch the red eye back the same day, I was thinking, someday, I will be able to use these points for something special.

I realize, I have to get over my grief and get on with life, however, it is sad. Wonder if I will ever see my $1,500?
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[Webster]

Good news, checked credit card and refund is credited. However, I'd rather have the upgrade for this very special trip.

Hopefully, Continental communication will improve.