Continental Airlines has earned top honors in Latin Trade magazine’s “Best of Latin America” annual readers’ poll, published in the February 2007 issue of the magazine.The magazine conducted a two-month online survey among its readers worldwide about business travel to Latin America. The 1,283 readers who responded offered comments about airlines, hotels and restaurants in the region.

Continental ranked No. 1 in overall results of the nine airlines that made the list, scoring 8.71. Factors considered in the rankings were Business Class, Cabin Comfort/Service, Food/Beverages, Frequent-Flier Programs, and Ticketing/Boarding. Continental also scored highest of all nine airlines in the last three factors.

“Naturally, we are very happy to learn that seasoned travelers to Latin America are pleased with our service,” said Pete Garcia, Vice President, Latin America. “We have made a strong commitment to Latin America, from the number of destinations we serve, to our Latinization customer-service initiative, to our on-board experience.”

Continental Airlines offers service to 76 destinations in 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Continental serves more destinations in Mexico (30) from the U.S. and has more flights from the U.S. to Mexico than any other airline. Continental also serves more cities in Central America (10) than any other U.S. carrier, as well as nine South American destinations and 27 in the Caribbean.

“Hundreds more airlines, hotels and restaurants were included in the survey, but only those that reached minimum responses were included in the final results,” said Latin Trade editor Greg Brown. “The survey, now in its fifth year, is conducted in the same manner as the well-known travel surveys in Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler, only Latin Trade focuses specifically on business travel needs in the Americas.” The airline that came in last on the list had an overall score of 7.04.

Continental offers a number of Spanish-language services, including bilingual flight attendants on many flights to Latin America; and bilingual airport personnel, reservations agents and signage. Spanish-language functions on the continental.com Web site include flight booking, check-in, seat selection, flight and gate information, and OnePass frequent flyer program enrollment. Passengers also may make reservations in Spanish at 1-800-537-9222. Continental Airlines has been named for nine consecutive years to Hispanic Magazine’s list of “100 Best Companies for Hispanics” (1998-2006).
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