Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced additional flexibility that will enable customers holding tickets for all domestic and international travel to make schedule changes without paying administrative service charges in the event of military action against Iraq or the issuance of a “Level Red” advisory by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The new policy enables customers with tickets for travel commencing within 60 days of the start of military action or the “Level Red” advisory to make a one-time schedule change to their travel plans without paying the standard change fee. That change may be made up to 30 days after the start of the military action or the “Level Red” advisory, but not later than the originally scheduled date of travel.
Travel may be rescheduled for any date, provided travel is completed by Dec. 31, 2003. This policy applies to travel on Continental, Continental Express, Continental Connection, Continental Micronesia and on codeshare flights operated by Virgin Atlantic. In the event of military action or a “Level Red” advisory, Continental will communicate publicly the effective dates of this new policy.
Separately, customers who purchase tickets between March 5, 2003, and March 31, 2003, for all international travel (except between the United States and Canada, between the United States and Guam, Saipan, Micronesia, Palau and Marshall Islands, and within Guam, Saipan, Micronesia, Palau and Marshall Islands) on Continental, Continental Express, Continental Connection, Continental Micronesia and on codeshare flights operated by Virgin Atlantic may make changes to tickets through May 31, 2003, or by the originally scheduled departure date, whichever is earlier, even absent any military action in Iraq or a “Level Red” advisory. Tickets purchased during this period may be exchanged one time for travel to any destination in Continental`s worldwide network. Customers may opt to change their destinations, travel dates or class of service without penalty, provided the new travel is completed on or before Dec. 31, 2003.
Customers will be charged for any difference in fares applicable to peak travel periods, day of week, booking class availability or cabin, and where taxes have been increased. The original ticket will be used as a credit toward the higher fare. Travel credit will be given to the customer when changes result in a lower price.
Customers must adhere to any advance purchase, minimum stay and maximum stay requirements. The names of passengers traveling must remain the same as the original tickets. All changes to dates and destinations are subject to availability. In the event of a no-show, the customer will not be eligible to rebook or have the original ticket reissued under this policy. Applicable cancellation penalties will be applied. Refunds are not allowed for nonrefundable tickets. Applicable change fees will be waived if all conditions of the travel policy and fare rules are met.
Continental Airlines is the world`s seventh-largest airline and has more than 2,000 daily departures. With 131 domestic and 93 international destinations, Continental has the broadest global route network of any U.S. airline, including extensive service throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and carries approximately 41 million passengers per year on the newest jet fleet among major U.S. airlines. With 48,000 employees, Continental is one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America. In 2003, Fortune ranked Continental highest among major U.S. carriers in the quality of its service and products, and No. 2 on its list of Most Admired Global Airlines. For more company information, visit continental.com.
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