The Sky Steward thinks there may be much more room to relax at the President’s Club
Continental Airlines’ decision not to renew its partnership with American Express is not related to the carrier’s merger with United Airlines, Continental spokeswoman Julie King said Thursday. 
Effective Sept. 30, 2011, American Express’ most elite customers — those who carry the Platinum and Centurion cards – will no longer have the blue carpet rolled out for them at Continental’s airport clubs. The President’s Clubs, with their free beverages, snacks and Internet access, are some of the travel benefits offered to holders of the Platinum card, which has a $450 annual fee. The Centurion card is the black card sent to American Express’ wealthiest clients and gives customers access to the Continental airport clubs.
American Express Membership Rewards customers, also effective Sept. 30 next year, will no longer be able to redeem their points for frequent-flier miles in the Continental OnePass program. The Membership Rewards program is offered to all American Express customers, regardless of their status.
Travelers who want free entrance to Continental’s 24 clubs in airports around the world can choose the Continental Airlines Presidential Plus card from Chase, for example, King said. The card gives fliers access to the lounges and other airline perks for $395 a year. Other Continental credit and debit cards provide OnePass miles for each dollar spent and travel benefits such as waived checked-bag fees, King said.
“Despite our best efforts, we were unable to reach an agreement with Continental to continue these benefits beyond September 30, 2011,” said Lynne Biggar, senior vice president for American Express’ Membership Rewards program.
Even before the merger was officially announced, frequent fliers wondered if the Houston carrier would end its partnership with American Express, said Randy Petersen, president of Frequent Flyer Services and a frequent-flier expert. Both airlines already partner with Chase, he said.
American Express also announced several new perks for its Platinum and Centurion card members including a $200 airline fee credit on any airline for customers to use on anything from bag fees to airplane meals. “Amex has some pretty rich offers. That tells me just how important Continental was to the portfolio,” Petersen said.
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We are not happy with continental airlines as we enjoyed being able to use the presidents club. my husband is not well and the club provided us with a comfortable place to sit. We will choose now to fly jet blue. I believe this to be a bad decision Sincerely. Marlene grad
We visit relatives in the NYC area, as well as travel to Europe at least once per year. We love the Newark airport compared to JFK and Reagan, mainly because of Continental’s service and above all the club access we had at Newark. We would really go “out of our way” to book Continental. It’s really too bad they chose to end this benefit. We’ll now try just as hard to avoid Continental. I doubt that they made this decision independent of the upcoming merger. They probably realized that there is no way United was going to allow Platinum Amex members into the Red Carpet club once they merge. It’s getting harder and harder to justify the $450 annual fee – even with the new concessions. I cringe every time I get one of those “Important Information about your account” letters. It’s either a fee increase, or a retraction of benefits. Or both.
We almost exclusively flew Continental because of the membership. There is no doubt now that we will go ahead and cancel the platinum card unless they hook up with American airlines, then maybe.
I think this is bad news for both organizations. Continental will loose business travelers who are mostly forced to use AMEX corporate cards. Folks who rack up frequent flyer miles for corporate travel, will find another home to transfer points (if Continental will not accept them). On the other hand, AMEX will need to work harder at providing worthwhile benefits to warrant it’s comparatively high annual fee. The only thing that will prevent folks from getting a Chase card (at a slightly cheaper cost than an AMEX) is likely the flexibility to consolidate business and personal miles (in a single place) to transfer to an airline of their choice.
I live 10 minutes from Newark (a Continental Hub) however, I will begin planning to fly a minimum of 25,000 miles to gain priority access on an airline that will allow me to transfer AMEX points and access to their lounge. This will be a painful transition but until corporations start using chase credit cards for business travel, it’s my only option to consolidate miles and take comfortable vacations.
Maybe there is still hope? Benfits do not end until 2011. I am super disappointed and trying to decide which way to go. I really like my Amex Platium card. Have been looking at the Chase option. Living in Houston Continental is my main airline. Years ago used a Northwest card (like the Chase one Continenal) I like the Amex Platium benifits much more. At least I have a year to decide
What a disappointment. I for one will drop my Amex because the other clubs are not worth the premium. This is effective beginning today (10-1-10) and virtually no notice. If there are any organized efforts to express our collective anger I would love to know.
AMEX is partnered with American however you don’t get all the perks at the Admiral’s Club. No free internet and a cash bar.
No need to hate on Amex; the fault lies solely with United. My wife is a platinum elite on Continental because of her business travel, and we always book with them. No longer. They had the best customer service in the industry, and now it’s become just as bad as United (which has long held the position at the opposite end of the spectrum).
Anyone who believes that Continental severing its ties with Amex is not a result of the United takeover (don’t kid yourselves, it’s a hostile takeover, NOT a merger) raise your hands…