wine by the color

Thursday, March 04, 2010

Just when I'm close to permanently calling it a day at Wine by the Color, my friends at Continental bring me back.

This arrived in my inbox yesterday...

We’ll soon be offering a new option for customers during check-in and wanted to advise Elite members of our plans. On March 17, 2010, we will begin offering customers the choice to purchase seat assignments for unreserved, Economy Class seats that feature extra legroom.

As an Elite member, you will continue to have the same ability to pre-assign seats without paying additional fees, for yourself and any traveling companions in your reservation, including these seats offering extra legroom.

This new offer will allow customers to purchase extra legroom seats when checking in at continental.com or at an airport kiosk during the normal check-in period, beginning 24 hours prior to flight departure. The price of these seats will vary depending on a number of factors, including the length of the flight and market.

As one of our most valuable customers, we wanted to let you know of the change and thank you for choosing Continental. We will continue to ensure that your loyalty is rewarded as we launch new offers.

Sincerely,
Mark Bergsrud
Senior Vice President
Marketing Programs and Distribution


What the hell is this? So I can still reserve a seat in these sections, but if for some reason they don't mention, if I don't reserve such a seat, I could pay extra for it later? Or even if the seats are available just before the flight departs, to get it you'll have to pay extra for it? Maybe I'm crazy or my reading comprehension skills are off-kilter, but this is nonsensical. This almost makes the luggage policy seem like a good idea. I'd love to be in the planning meetings at Continental, listening as they discuss new ways to generate revenue. You just know someone has raised the idea of paying to use the toilet.

For anyone keeping track at home, my list of Jobs I Do Not Want currently stands as follows:

1. The Person Who Picks Dead Animals Off the Side of the Road
2. Senior Vice President, Marketing Programs and Distribution, Continental Airlines

And good news for the two people still reading ... I have returned to my old department at the office, which means there will much more travel this year. Which no doubt will mean more shenanigans and stories of good times with Continental.