October 24 is now slated as the date for Continental Airlines to leave the SkyTeamAlliance. Of course, there will be trickledown. What does this mean for members of Continental’s OnePass program as well as members of mileage programs with Delta and Northwest, both currently part of SkyTeam?
Continental Members: Try not to book any travel for the holidays on Delta or Northwest.You will no longer earn miles with those airlines after Continental leaves SkyTeam. Same holds for Delta and Northwest members: Do not book Continental for holiday travel if you want to earn Delta or Northwest miles for those flights.
Star Alliance Members: As of now, no date is set for Continental joining Star Alliance, although the push is to make it happen shortly after the SkyTeam departure. Continental members can probably plan for travel on United or any Star Alliance partner (such as US Airways, Lufthansa, All Nippon) and earn mileage. United and US Airways members should also keep Continental in mind for travel to destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America.
Early Credit Card Transfer and Elite Thoughts: Continental is an Amex Rewards partner, a credit card company that allows you to buy points. It also is what some consider “elite member friendly”—offering low elite upgrade fares and no co-pay for elite domestic travel. United and US Airways elite members may want to take advantage—stay tuned.