[disappointed]

my flight was just cancelled due to weather and although I understand that this is unavoidable, continental hit an all new airline low in their response to customers. They refused to transfer my family (including an infant) to another carrier (there were other flights available on other carriers). Then, when they found the first available flight on their own planes which was 6 days after we were originally supposed to fly out, they requred us to pay for our own upgrade (upgrading is free to them) in order to get on the plane. They also refused to issue any stipends for having to extend our vacation 6 days, miss work and find new places to stay as our hotel was booked. The response when I questioned to customer service representative as to whether we were supposed to sleep in the airport for 6 days was "when it is weather, we are not reponsible for transfering you or vouchers." Incidentally, I had 2 other friends who were cancelled on other airlines for the same weather. Delta gave one of them a free upgrade to fit them on a plane 2 days later, and US air transfered one of them to another carrier, proving that airlines do make accomodations... just not Continental.

[Silent Bob]

If continental doesn't get you out earlier than 6 days to your destination, either through them or through another carrier, with or without a layover you can call their customer service or reservation and state rule 240, where they CANNOT refuse you a transfer on another airline. (The rule should be in the ticket jacket they gave you or you can view their contract of carriage online) As far as your friend getting first class, I know delta will put you in first if that's all the seats they have, I think Continental does the same if the only remaining seats they have are first. If you're near a computer, look up flights going to your destination and call customer first letting them know you found a flight and would like to be booked on it, if they deny you take names (very important) definitely write a letter to DOT/FAA. (Unless we're talking one of those one flight a day type flights, since you don't state the destination and didn't get a hotel, I am guessing it's a domestic travel where, due to weather, they don't provide hotels, again also in the rule 240) You'd be surprise what you find when you read that ticket jacket. I hope this help a little.

[ChrisH]

During weather delays, or cancellations, MOST of the time, transferring between carriers is not done, because it isn't simply a "free" transfer. Continental would have to pay the other carrier for the fare of that ticket, the same as if you went to that carrier, and purchased the same ticket. Usually, however, if it would be 24 hrs or more, before they can rebook you on another Continental flight, they will find whatever means necessary to get you to your destination, including other carriers. Vouchers, etc., are not offered for weather. The airlines cannot control weather, and it really doesn't make sense to give out vouchers for something the airline has no control over, anymore than the passenger. Unfortunately, one risk of flying that is all on the passengers, is weather. If you get stuck, your stuck. I know it doesn't seem fare, but trust me, the airlines loose money, after money by cancelling a flight, and they are certainly not asking for bad weather, anymore than you are. That is one of the most stressful times to work for an airline, is a bad weather day.

[msc39nj]

Let's help get Continental to the top of the customer complaint list with the DOT, where we all know they belong. Don't submit false complaints. It's not necessary. The way this airline operates, there are too many legitimate complaints. Here is a great article about the right places to complain, and, unlike Continental's web-site, offers an email address to send complaints, and links to a web form: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/colum...woodyard_x.htm

email: Airconsumer@ost.dot.gov
form: http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/escomplaint/es.cfm