Continental Airlines review - by Paul Arthur
30 November 2006

BHX-EWR-BHX. Checked in online. Service on the way out was efficient and friendly with good food and plenty of drinks offered. Arrival at Newark was quick and efficient. Coming back was somewhat different. Baggage drop off at Newark was not well organised, or signposted. The service was a little abrupt and not as polite on the way back with some difficulty to get drinks. The one spoiler for me was the insincerity of the "Thank you SO much for travelling Continental today, and we look forward to assisting you with ALL of your travel plans in the future (this is the best bit!) and we would like to congratulate you on your wise choice in using Continental for your flight today" what utter rubbish. Does she really think I chose Continental for anything other than cost and convenience of airport? Overall, I got a cheap seat, from the most convenient airport, and at a convenient time. For the price, and from a regional airport, you can't really expect seatback IFE, great meals, free drinks and lots of toilets.

Continental Airlines review - by Peter Quaife
25 November 2006

Continental from the UK to Belize via Newark and Houston and had a bicycle in my luggage. Continental said there would be a £10 surcharge payable at check-in. At the UK airport they said there was no charge, but when I changed planes in Newark, they told me that they don't take bikes at all. I explained that they had already carried it from the UK, but they told me I was lying and must have bought it it Newark. They destroyed the documents I had proving they had carried the bike. Eventually after arguing for several hours they agreed to take it if I paid $400. They did the same on the return trip. Back in the UK I complained, but Continental refused to return my money. I threatened them with legal action with my travel agent as a witness, and my money was returned immediately. I will never fly with Continental again.

Continental Airlines review - by Chris Derflinger
22 November 2006

EWR-CUN-EWR. Flights were above average for economy standards these days. Crew were wonderful on both legs. The only thing that I can complain about is the food. Continental states that they "feed" their passengers, but the food is nasty. I would prefer they don't feed us anything but pretzels, rather than making it sound like they serve good food. On one occasion, the food was acceptable. For the most part, however, the food is way below good standards. The aircraft were clean, seats were comfortable.

Continental Airlines review - by Dennis Myth
9 November 2006

EWR-HKG and PEK-EWR. The equipment was 777 but looked like it was the first one ever rolled out. Broken seat backs, non-functioning IFE, Air vents leaking water, freezing cold. FAs seemed as if they were performing community service rather than doing their jobs. The fare was low, so I got what I paid for. In China, I flew Southern China and Eastern China and the service was excellent in contrast to Continental.

Continental Airlines review - by Jeremy Brown
9 November 2006

A one way F ticket was £170 for MIA - Newark on Wed Nov 1. MIA was very quiet, so check in and security were very easy with no lines. The 737 cabin was clean and comfortable. The mesh curtain between F and Y was a clever security enhancement which should be adapted by ALL airlines. The meal was an excellent shrimp salad or toasted sandwich together with a very tasty beef soup. Cabin attendant serving the 8 F pax was slick and very professional. An early departure led to an early arrival & a very impressive service.

Continental Airlines review - by Stephen Marchetti
5 November 2006

HNL-LAS-SAN in Business First. Flew NWA from SAN-HNL and decided to return on CO to compare service. I must admit the 767 on this route is a very nice plane. New and clean. Very good seats and far better IFE than on NW. we were served a a snack which consisted of soup or a sandwich or both if you wished. I chose the sandwich and it was certainly adequate in size and quality. Bearing in mind that this is a 10:00 PM departure from HNL I think the cabin crew wants to get their business done and usher passengers off to sleep so service was performed very quickly and perfunctorily; nary a smile to be seen from this aging Houston-based crew.

Continental Airlines review - by Jeffrey Boen
5 November 2006

YVR-IAH: ok breakfast with several rounds of drink offered. Professional staff. IAH-EZE: seat was relatively comfortable with good legroom. F/A: a very unpleasant, drill sergeant like senior F/A. Doesn't seem like she's enjoying her work. Food: lasagna or chicken. Tasteless and small portion. "Breakfast": 5 slices of fruit and a croissant. Way too little for a ten hour flight. PTV: 9 channels but the variety and choices are still limited compared to some other carriers. GIG-GRU-IAH: again a very unfriendly, senior F/A. Delayed take-off at GRU meant it took five hours from boarding at GIG until take-off from GRU. IAH-YVR: CO's CEO brags about serving "food at meal times" unlike other carriers. With the focus on "meal times": on this 4.5 hour flight departing at 9pm we were served besides drinks, only two small bags of peanuts. All the flights were about on time except for GIG-GRU-IAH. Altogether I'm not impressed by CO, and the long-haul flights were easily the worst I've had to endure in my twentysome years of intercontinental flight experience because of the poor attitude of the FAs and poor quality of food served. As a SkyTeam elite member I'll avoid CO in the future.

Continental Airlines review - by Barry Kinsman
27 October 2006

In view of numerous shortcomings which seem to go on interminably, I wonder if Larry Kellner (CEO who speaks to all passengers at the commencement of every flight on the video screen) has ever bothered to take the time to log on to this website? My experience recently flying with a party of six on a 757-200 from Manchester-Newark-LA and returning New Orleans-Newark-Manchester experienced virtually every shortcoming already referred to on your website. IFE practically non-existent, food virtually inedible, surly flight attendants and unhelpful allocation of seats at check in on return flights.

Continental Airlines review - by Alejandro Canton
27 October 2006

Round trip from Panama City, PTY, to Halifax, YHZ, with a change of planes in EWR. Both Boeing 737-800 and Embraer 145 (between EWR and YHZ) were clean. But the service was not consistent in coach. One feature film going up and two coming back. The entertainment did not follow the program offered on the airline's magazine. Headphones had to be bought , but were not charged on the return leg, perhaps to make up for the tardiness. Alcoholic beverages were sold. Special foods served first on the return leg only. But, being a few of the airlines giving out food, they get away with very dubious quality. While the Embraer is a small plane, I have never experienced bigger toilets. Though bilingüism is advertised, it seems to apply only to the ground services. FAs were pleasant in all routes, especially one who brought me a rounded up blanket to use as a pillow. This I had seen offered in-lieu of a pillow on a Copa Airlines flight to Buenos Aires some time ago. Perhaps the only downside was lack of punctuality , which makes me wonder what would happen if you have to make a connection with another airline. I chose to fly out of JFK for a future trip to Paris since I do not trust the three hour time lap I was originally offered by Continental. I had requested a wheel chair on the return trip. It was awaiting only in Panama City. Still, Continental had the only one-stop flight on this route and offered the best prices. I may fly with them again.

Continental Airlines review - by Diego Muller
22 October 2006

MEX-IAH in Coach: Very nice staff at the check in. Flight departed on time. Aircraft looked clean and new. Crew was ok. I got the first economy row, so had great legroom. Snack was nice. IAH-MCO in Coach: Flight departed with a 2 hours delay, due to lack of crew. Aircraft also looked very clean and new. Average seat, not a great legroom for a 6ft 10ins. The worst snack I've ever got: mini pretzels and that's all. MCO-EWR in Coach: Flight on time, nothing special to say about crew, aircraft, snack or anything else, just average.

Continental Airlines review - by Aaron Blinka
22 October 2006

IAH - MIA return in Economy. Checked in online, so didn't have to wait for queue's at check-in. The outbound leg was great, and although I was flying standby, by the time I arrived at the gate, the agents already had me cleared for the flight and new boarding pass with seat assignment waiting. They were probably the friendliest gate agents I have encountered in several years. The fa's were professional, not overly friendly, but did a great job. Small dinner was served, the usual turkey sandwich with chips, etc. The return flight started with a rude gate agent in MIA that was too busy to be troubled with a question. The flight ended up being delayed over four hours due to weather in Houston. However, the flight was made great with three very friendly and helpful fa's. Some of the best I have seen from CO. And again, same small meal, although this time it was "lunch". Although the meal portions in economy are getting a bit smaller, they seem to be coming more frequently, as I was served a meal on both flights that were just over two hours long. All in all, CO is still the best choice for domestic US travel.

Continental Airlines review - by Jan Perrin
12 October 2006

Gatwick to Newark and return. Very limited legroom, and I'm only 5ft 7ins. Surly cabin crew - one stewardess on return overnight trip bumped all aisle passengers as she progressed! Meal was like mushy cardboard and they had the nerve to growl "Five dollars!" when I requested a small bottle of rouge, which arrived chilled! Any French passengers would have rioted! As Bill Bryson says Continental Airlines review - suggested slogan Not quite the worst, that honour being reserved for Delta in my opinion

Continental Airlines review - by Noel Vanstone
12 October 2006

LGW-EWR return Business First. 777-200 Staff friendly and attentive. Food very good. Seat, although enough legroom at 55", looking like what it is - an 8 year old designed affair. Two passengers had faulty recliner. Entertainment poor, same as Coach. Two boring films, starting at set times. Compared to other airlines (Emirates, BA, Virgin) it is a poor product.

Continental Airlines review - by Gerry Jackson
7 October 2006

MSP-DFW-SJO return. Economy (FF ticket) on 737-800 had more padding in the seat than many others so didn't get sore for at least an hour. Cabin crew better than average. Hot meal wasn't too dry (chicken or beef sandwich) and actually had some meat in it. Salad was fresh. (why does it take 5 to 10 minutes to get the beverage after the meal is served?) Security in San Jose said one cigarette lighter is okay!!! (they have smoking lounge beyond security) but ditch it before trying to board in the US. All in all good service, filling food and comfortable plane (movie screen each 3 seats and the next one further away was easier to watch than the close one and headsets were fresh wrapped if not new).

Continental Airlines review - by Peter Pomeranze
5 October 2006

Honoloulu-Guam Manila Business first service quite good Honolulu to Guam. Very good food selection and decent entertainment. Crew seemed tired but tried to be attentive. The whole service was quite pleasant and the seats did very nicely for the 7 hour plus journey. Guam-Manila in a tired 737 was just okay. Not great room and poor entertainment with a pretty basic meal. Just a 3 hour flight so no point in complaining. A good way to get from Honolulu to the Orient avoiding Narita.

Continental Airlines review - by Derek Head
5 October 2006

IAH-LGW in Coach. Surely these were the least friendly and least helpful aircrew aloft. Not even a "hello" on boarding. Audio/video quality pitiful. Meals and their service a joke. Having read the reviews of travellers in business/first, it would seem that all the attention is devoted up front. Clearly us peasants are just ballast. Never again.

Continental Airlines review - by C Van Dreumel
5 October 2006

MSY-IAH-BWI First Class. I like the special check-in and security lines at the airport for First Class and EliteAccess. Onboard catering was good. The plane was a 737-500, so didn't have any in-flight entertainment. I enjoyed the selection of free magazines onboard. Continental Airlines rates almost excellent with me!

Continental Airlines review - by Andrew Coogans
30 September 2006

GLA-EWR-PDX and PDX-IAH-EWR-GLA all in Economy. Checked in online the evening before outbound flight, no queue at all at GLA to drop bag off, airline security and check in staff among the friendliest I have ever encountered. Efficient boarding, legroom adequate for transatlantic journey. Crew were pleasant, not overly friendly. Vegetarian meal available as ordered. Crew dealt with last minute medical emergency on approach to EWR very professionally. Short wait for immigration, the transfer was very efficient. CO's Boeing 737-800s have less legroom than their 757s so EWR-PDX flight a little uncomfortable. Return flight long, only a packet of pretzels on the IAH-EWR sector. Check in staff efficient enough, but used SkyTeam Elite card to skip all the queues encountered. Crew on domestic sectors seem a little "harsher" than on international flights, on IAH-EWR were talking to passengers during the safety demo, which I thought was unprofessional. 2 complaints - The exact same vegetarian meal was served to me on all sectors offering meal service. Quite tasty but it got boring.

Continental Airlines review - by Graham Jeffery
27 September 2006

Glasgow to New York Newark in Economy. Completely full plane. Smallish 757 aircraft made boarding and disembarking painless. Seats comfortable, legroom adequate - better than Virgin/BA, not as good as United Economy Plus. Food very unremarkable, the usual charge for alcohol. Entertainment mediocre - small overhead screens. However the speed and convenience of the service, avoiding having to go through Heathrow or change planes at some other megahub is a major bonus. Cabin service efficient and friendly both ways- no complaints. Continental's Newark Terminal C very good - not overcrowded, not the usual scrum at immigration, pleasant spaces to wait in with good range of shops/catering, Airtrain then commuter train to Manhattan efficient. For £400 return really can't complain and will definitely fly with them again if the price is right. If Continental could sharpen up customer service on the ground - long, long waits to check in at GLA, long waits to reclaim bags at both ends, inefficient and vague check-in at Newark, they really would have an excellent product.

Continental Airlines review - by Alex Clements
12 September 2006

London LGW to Newark EWR. Economy class. Check-in agent very friendly and offered a number of seats to choose from. Boarded Boeing 757, and flight attendants stood chatting not even glancing at passengers when we boarded. After take-off offered a drink, gentleman sat next to me asked if he could have the whole can of soda, flight attendant then said abruptly "No" then said to colleague "people just want, want, want". Then they came through with the meal, they didn't announce what the choices where and when they got to my row the flight attendant just said "chicken or beef" I enquired what was with the meals she said "its chicken or beef" which I gave up trying to get further information as I understood I was overstepping the mark by asking any questions. The meal were small portions, and tasteless. One film was shown during the 7hr 45min flight from a 7" drop down overhead screen, followed by numerous commercials and a 1980's comedy programme. During the flight an announcement was made stating "the flight attendant button is for emergencies only, if you want anything come to a galley area". Before landing we received a snack box containing a warm sandwich, potato chips and some chocolate which was actually quite nice. I fly transatlantic twice a month, and found Continental Airlines to just do the bare minimum. During the flight there was one flight attendant who was very friendly and chatty, but the rest didn't enjoy their jobs.

Continental Airlines review - by Anna Jones
11 September 2006

My partner and I flew with Continental from LA to Newark and onto Manchester, U.K. Overall I was very disappointed with the quality of service they provided. My partner and I did not get the seats requested and when asked whether we could sit together on the flights, was told by a member of staff, 'I don't want you in my face'! The staff were unfriendly and rude, not only at the check in desk but also on the plane itself. Very disappointed with the lack of leg room and the fact that the person in front of you can almost lie flat on top of you when they recline their seat. My partner and I decided to eat at the airport instead of on the flight since the meals they served were inedible. We laughed when a tiny box appeared from above our heads showing only 1 film during a 7hour flight and they charge you for the headphones! Overall a very disappointing experience, Continental need to train their staff in manners and update their planes fast!

Continental Airlines review - by Dan Grant
11 September 2006

EWR to CGN in Business. A Boeing757-200, which seemed a bit cramped considering the length of the flight. The business cabin was clean, and the plane equipped with the new AVOD system for BusinessFirst. Main cabin video was still on overhead screens. A choice of 22 movies with a great music selection and other services. Boarding was leisurely and controlled for Business cabin. My seat was on the A/B side at the bulkhead, and Continental's 757-200's have a nice cut-out at the bottom of the front cabin closet so you can stow your briefcase or smaller bag without lifting it into an overhead bin. The food for the flight included either salmon and/or pate for an appetizer, steak/surf and turf/chicken/pasta for main dish, salad, fruit/cheese and port and then dessert. The flight itself is only about 7 hours long, so by the time the dinner service is wrapped up, you have about three hours to sleep until a light breakfast of fruit, pastries and coffee is served. Overall, the flight was great. The service was excellent and the flight attendants friendly and helpful.

Continental Airlines review - by Margaret Davidson
28 August 2006

We flew Continental 10th August, amidst all the high security. We were treated perfectly, Cabin staff and the Captain could not have been more helpful. Food was good and hot. We flew Continental last year and had a wonderful flight then too. Thanks for helping to make our holiday a memorable one.

Continental Airlines review - by Amardeep Lall
12 August 2006

BHX-EWR-SFO return. Overall, flights were not too bad. Seats slightly uncomfortable. The food was average inbound. Complimentary soft drinks and juices served throughout the flight, alcohol at a cost. Flight attendants helpful and friendly. IFE wasn't as good as British Airways or Virgin, they had small 7" drop down televisions which showed 1 film on a 7 hour flight, the rest of it news reports from CNN or the world map. On the outbound flight, we were delayed at San Francisco for 1 hour 25 mins due to the bad weather. Once again, flight attendants very helpful by serving drinks and small snacks during the wait. Continental were very apologetic about this delay, and issued everybody with a complimentary headset, which usually costs $5 on a domestic flight. Food was excellent on the outbound flight. IFE was better, as the movies shown on both flights were good. Overall, Continental are a pretty good airline, the major point of complaint is the narowness of the aisle and the plane being so small. There are 3 seats either side of the aisle on the 757-200 aircraft, if you are on a window seat which means you will have to disturb the other two passengers. Personally I would rather travel 2 hours to London and go direct to SFO in 11 hours than doing a 35 min journey to Birmingham and flying two 7 hour flights plus a stopover at EWR.

Continental Airlines review - by James Christopher
30 July 2006

Being a Houston resident, Continental naturally is the preferred airline. I have taken continental on several occasions ( about 30 trips in the last 2 years or so) and service is what it is. In other words, its nothing special. When flying you get the basics, the seat, the drink, the movie, the $5 headphones, and on certain long flights, the bad snack. The food generally isnt good ( or edible). But on long- hauls, CO has a very good economy product on 777-200's and an exceptional BusinessFirst product, probably my favorite business class of the US carriers. IAH generally is an easy-going airport, check-in and baggage claim are never to crowded, and there hardly ever are delays. So all in all, Continental probably is on the higher spectrum of legacy carriers in the US, but by no means anything special.

Continental Airlines review - by Janek Kroon
24 July 2006

STO-EWR flight with CO. The worst longhaul flight that I have ever taken. Aircraft old B752 which had configuration 3-3. FAs were just doing their job, no extra service provided or they just gave that fake smile to you. There was no IFE entertainment onboard, except very small TV screens.

Continental Airlines review - by S Iqbal
1 July 2006

YYZ-EWR-DEL. I flew economy to New Delhi and back from Toronto via Newark in May-June 2006 and had a pleasant experience. EWR-DEL was completely full. 777 has a 3-3-3 configuration and I had the window seat so I had to request two passengers to get up whenever I went to the bathroom which was a pain. Also, the window seats have some electronic equipment under them so your leg space is somewhat reduced. All the meals served during the flight had some Indian vegetarian options and I found them to be quite decent. They served two full meals, one soon after takeoff and one closer to landing with a snack served in between. The flight attendants were overall very friendly and courteous. They did get frustrated by some of the elderly passengers who spoke little English but never lost their cool. Seats have personal TVs with 9-10 channels. I slept for much of the flight so I didn't really feel that the flights were too long (approx 14hrs). On the return journey, the Continental staff at Delhi was efficient. This time the flight was not full so many passengers took the opportunity to stretch out across three seats and sleep. I cleared US immigration in Newark which was painless and caught my connecting flight back to Toronto.

Continental Airlines review - by Mike Daly
26 June 2006

I have flown Continental for years out of Newark. Recently, I have to flying out of the IAD with Continental and have found the service and flights to be at a lesser level. Not sure if it's the routes and types of planes they use out of Houston, but I found it quite noticable. As for some of the accounts here for security issues with Newark, that's just a fact of life these days - especially for international flights.

Continental Airlines review - by Michael Pryor
12 June 2006

Continental is trying hard to be the premier US based airline so I give them some credit, but thats not saying a whole lot these days - however, this recently happened to me also, IAH-SAN couple of months ago, flying in first on a mileage upgrade, gate agent came to my seat and said "Im authorized to move you", I said "to where" and gave her a searing look - I said "come closer", she bent down and I said "youll have to pick me up and move me yourself", never heard back from her again and was on our way. Other airlines such as Southwest and American routinely ask for volunteers in any seat change situation, and Ive never seen any problems. But CO retains the bully factor in several areas, including removing passengers for no reason which they call "enhanced security", taking away upgrades, and forced seat changes - not exactly sure how to stop this unacceptable behavior, but with the recent newsworthy removal of a noted Houston citizen after she complained her seat was wet and "voluntarily" left the aircraft, the situation ended quietly, but it was an ugly television exposure for CO (at least in Houston and it didnt look good) - so one can only hope CO learned something from this and will nicely request passengers assistance rather than treat them in this disorderly fashion.

Continental Airlines review - by Veronica Hay
10 June 2006

LGW - Houston 30 March. I cannot believe the attitude of this airline! I had pre-booked my seat with ease on the web, all passengers had boarded and I knew the aircraft was full. A flight attendant, not even addressing me, looked in my direction and said "you'll have to move" She then spoke to a lady behind me and turning round I could see she was standing whilst her family was sitting in the row behind me. She told this lady "don't worry, you will get this seat" I explained I had booked this particular seat some months ago but she insisted rudely, "you will have to move". I said I would only if I could have another window seat. At that she retorted " you will move ok. the flight is full, you will sit wherever there is a place, go and see...." (some other crew member). By now, both upset and getting angry I suggested this other member come to me, fearing that if I moved I would not get my seat back. At that that she said "I'm going to get Security, they will move you .You can be put off the plane" She then reassured the lady behind me she would have my seat. I was quite frightened by now, fearing that Security might actually evict me. I waited with fear for what seemed like an eternity with everyone staring at me. Eventually she came back whispered something to the other lady who followed her. Not a word to me and I was still wondering if Security would come until the airplane took off. It upset me for most of the 9+ flight especially as this Flight Att. was of course serving my area. I complained to the Senior FA on disembarking and wrote to Head Office in Houston. Nothing. On my return to UK I e-mailed several times, called their offices three times and eventually faxed a copy of my original letter to London. Eventually received a very non-committal reply wishing me a pleasant flight next trip. Unbelievable. Does anyone know of a name or manager I could write to/take this further?

Continental Airlines review - by Robyn Schonhofer
1 June 2006

Have been avoiding Continental for the past 5 years after a particularly awful flight. In summary I was supposed to be an assisted passenger as I'd had surgery a few days before. They ignored me for the entire international part of the journey. Not checking if I was ok once. The flight took off late and I although I arrived with just enough time to make my ongoing connection I was told by a surly woman that I'd been rebooked on a later flight and that if I really wanted to make the original one I should run!! Pointed out I was an assisted passenger and needed transport to the other terminal and her response was "you don't look like you've had surgery - you better run if you want to make that flight". Complaints produced the offer of an upgrade on my return flight but check in staff played dumb when it came to the crunch. Complaints on return to the UK led to flowers being delivered and onepass points that were never put on my account and were pointless as vowed never to use them again. That was until last week. I've been forced to book them for a trip stateside at the end of June and am very very anxious about how it's going to go.

Continental Airlines review - by Esteban Perekalski
1 June 2006

FLL-IAH , Smooth flight, all female FA's. We departed on time and arrived 20 min early. The "breakfast" was a little muffin and your choice of coffee, tea etc. The plane was a 757 - seats are cramped, I don't recommend this airplane for claustrophobics! The return flight was on a 737-900, a little more spacious (or maybe because the middle seat was empty), FA's casual and friendly. Dinner was Sandwiches and choice of sodas, juices etc. A good experience in general, the cost of the ticket RT was only $194, cheaper than Southwest, Air Tran and AA.

Continental Airlines review - by J Stephenson
18 May 2006

MAN-EWR in business-first. Now flying the tired and ageing 757-200's which are much too small to provide a decent transatlantic service. Generator packed in half way across the Atlantic, knocking out the IFE for 10 mins. Then the backup generator failed, taking with it all IFE, power to the seats and the ability to provide hot meals for the rest of the flight. Comedy scenes ensued with attendants unable to fix reclined seating which kept collapsing under passenger's weight. Food was ok but all we got was a thanks and a sorry from the flight manager. Not impressed - what has happened to Continental? Would suggest avoiding this route and the 757s.

Continental Airlines review - by Niteesh Sharma
18 May 2006

Newark to New Delhi on Mar 24, 2006. Check In was a disaster - with the gate staff not able to handle the passenger as everyone made a rush to board the aircraft. Our seats were in Row 42 - luckily we got called first as they started boarding from the rear of the aircraft. The plane was new and seats were comfortable. Did not watch any IFE, therefore cannot comment. There was enough leg space and the seats reclined a bit. The flight was noisy as there were a lot of infants aboard. Food was OK - the best meal was the Vegetarian (Non Dairy) Selection as my wife had ordered that. The Flight Crew was helpful. Make sure you carry a lot of water as the flight is long (13 Hrs) and they ran out water after 9/10 hrs!

Continental Airlines review - by Ron Darling
28 April 2006

I just recently made a trip from GSP-EWR-LGW in business first and had a wonderful experience. I usually make this trip on another skyteam member but decided to try something new; and found that Continentals 777 was clean had a new feel about it and the seats were very comfortable. It seems that Continental knows what customer service is and has made the flight more of a experience, more than just riding on a bus as some other airlines have. After this great experience I am taking this trip again next month with my family.

Continental Airlines review - by Guy Millington
22 April 2006

London Gatwick to Houston. Could not believe I had to pay $5 for beer and wine! What's that all about? Quite a bit of leg room though.

Continental Airlines review - by Phil Large
20 April 2006

Continental Airlines have been using narrow-body 757 aircraft on its Manchester UK - New York Liberty flights for several months now. These are to be avoided! Single aisle with cabin staff struggling to give at-seat service whilst blocking the aisle for everyone. Inadequate luggage stowage and narrow pitch seating all make this flight the worst transatlantic experience to be had from Manchester outside of charter and not particularly cheap either ! Complaints to the Airline elicited a polite but apathetic response. Use someone else - they might change then.

Continental Airlines review - by David Stephenson
7 April 2006

EWR - MAN in Business Class. Newark gave a fair impression of a third world airport with bad-tempered security and gate staff, and the CO lounge was incredibly hot. 'This is the Summer weather you've all been waiting for' was perhaps not the most intelligent comment from the staff. Flight ran close to time with good cabin service and food. IFE bore scant relationship to what was in the brochure. Plane (B767) was showing its age.

Continental Airlines review - by Rob Levinson
7 April 2006

EWR-HKG business class 777. Flight was fine. Service was above average for typical US carrier, but not on par with Asian airlines. Seats reclined to about 170 degrees, but didn't feel that way. Far cry from lie-flat seat, but was able to get sleep. If Cathay not available for this long flight, then this is an acceptable alternative.

Continental Airlines review - by Alan McKee
25 March 2006

EDI-EWR-IAH-MEX 757-200 and Embraer 145. I normally fly EDI-MEX with either KLM or AF but decided to try another Skyteam partner. I flew BusinessFirst EDI-EWR. The seating was comfortable and the food was surprisingly good, but the inflight entertainment was poor. EWR-IAH was coach class which is well named. Cramped with meagre service. I would definitely not fly the EDI-EWR route in this class. IAH-MEX was comfortable with very good service considering it was a short flight on a small aircraft. Overall, neither particularly good nor bad.

Continental Airlines review - by Paul Honeywell
15 March 2006

BHX-EWR-MIA. Business First Transatlantic, First Class in US. BHX is a convenient airport with fast access through check-in, security. The Servisair Lounge is a weak offering, not comfortable, limited snacks, and poor coffee. On board, the 757 is reasonably spacious up front. The service is friendly, food good, and the seats are OK if travelling by day but overnight leave a lot to be desired compared to bed-style competition. 1B is the best seat. There is plenty of space and no seat to recline in front of you. The movies are on a relatively limited on- demand touch screen if you are lucky to be on an updated aircraft, if not movie times are fixed and choice poor - the pre-updated seats have no laptop power either. Immigration at EWR is generally good. Priority bag tagging is meaningless on Continental, as mine always comes out well down the pile. The EWR lounges are quite good, free wi-fi being a good way to catch up on emails. First Class in the US is much the same as other airlines. I sat in row 4 to Miami and the lunch choice was steak or leave it by the time the attendant got to me.

Continental Airlines review - by Michael Leslie
6 March 2006

IAH-LAS-IAH. After reading many positive comments about Continental, we were very disappointed. The best thing about the airline is their website and on-line check in. Flight attendants on both sectors seemed inconvenienced to be on board, no welcome on board or goodbye. Flight to LAS on a 737-800 that appeared pre historic. Return flight on a 757-300 was far more comfortable. Self service check in at LAS badly located next to main check in desks. Small snack on a 3 hour flight is not good. Will avoid Continental in future.

Continental Airlines review - by Kenneth Mackie
5 March 2006

LGW-EWR-SEA. The first leg was on a 767-200 from Gatwick to Newark in Economy. I have never been on a transatlantic flight with so few passengers, plane was less than a third full. So, very comfortable, the FA's were fine, friendly and unharried, so the passenger experience was better than on a full flight. Meals so so, but overall a good flight with no complaints. The connecting flight to Seattle was completely full and 30 minutes late leaving and arriving, but there was a light meal offered and drinks service, and another drinks service prior to arriving. The FA's were fine again. Overall a better than average experience.

Continental Airlines review - by Henry Breitrose
26 February 2006

SJC-HOU-GRU return in Business First, thanks to frequent flyer points earned mostly on other Skyteam partners. Domestic flights on newish 737-800's were good but not great. Lunch on outbound and breakfast on backhaul were quite adequate, and at least on a par with other US domestic carriers biz class. IFE seemed okay, but not preferable to a good book. HOU-GRU and back were spectacular. Food excellent (I'd never had a veal chop on a plane) and cabin crew were solicitous and thoughtful throughout. Aircraft an immaculate 767-400. Can't remember much about backhaul, except for excellent salad, great pillow, real blanket, and being awakened after 8 hours sleep as we neared Houston by a crew member offering me a cup of coffee. After having done a similar route on United last year (SFO-ORD-GRU RT) I'm a convert to Continental - unless my experience was unique. Continental lounge in HOU terminal E was architecturally impressive. Lots of space, free WiFi, decent coffee excellent showers (but no razors or shaving cream) and what looked to be a good assortment of booze, but munchies were minimal.

Continental Airlines review - by Stan Rydelek
16 February 2006

EWR-LAX 757-200 First Class. The 757 is a Business/First set up as it is a continuation of an international flight. Continental brings back all the nice touches of flights of years ago - menu selection, warm towels, etc. Food excellent, I had the salmon my wife a really good steak. Seat pitch great, seats comfortable, FAs excellent. CO deserves kudos for a job really well done. They are my choice for my transcontinental commute.

Continental Airlines review - by Dave Levine
7 February 2006

I'm a Platinum Elite status with CO and find the service first rate. True their domestic service doesn't compare favorably to many European or Asian carriers, but they lead the pack amongst US carriers. Last flight was LAX-EWR in coach (F was full, no upgrades for me), and the flight attendants were efficient and friendly. Food wasn't much, but at least their was some - no other US carrier provides free meals on trans- con flights except CO.

Continental Airlines review - by Viktorie Kafka
6 February 2006

PRG-AMS-HOU-SAI and PRG-AMS-JFK-HOU-DFW with Continental and after the first experience with them I have found taking extra food on board was necessary - unless you are not on extremely strict reduction diet. On 12 hours flight from Amsterdam to Houston I was starving - and while you cannot expect much from airline food gastronomically, you should not starve. The staff was in many cases arrogant. There was no chance to get even a soft drink during the course of the flight, they simply, without uttering a word, indicated to the back of the plane where water dispenser and plastic cups were placed if you asked them. Thirsty? Serve yourself. They also ignored my pre-assigned seats in the front and at the aisle, placing me to the rearest part and in the middle, greatly ignoring my Elite status and FF card. I had the same experience on every single flight with CO and the only improvement was my own meals - I felt sorry for other passengers, who were not aware of the quality and size of CO meals and were virtually drooling over my lunch boxes when I unpacked them. Add the typically unfriendly and arrogant counter staff at the US airports and top it with hostility and transfer mess at Houston International and you have a flights from hell. I have decided not to fly with CO anymore and I switched to KLM/NorthWest for EU-US flights. The food is not better, but at least you are not dying of hunger, staff more friendly and their home-base, Detroit, beats Houston in every regard.

Continental Airlines review - by Paul Niven
6 February 2006

Newark - Oslo Business/First. I used the self service check in and was disappointed not to get the seat I wanted - this was rectified later. The lounge is ordinary - very ordinary. By European and Asia Pacific standards it was little more than a lounge away from other passengers - sure it had free drinks, but other than that crisps or nuts, not great before a transatlantic flight where all I wanted was sleep. Boarding was messy, seating was the old style seat which was comfortable - but not great compared to the lie flat seats. TV monitor was tiny, the headphone poor and IFE generally what I remember from 15 years ago. Why would I use Continental again - service, food and a very good ticket price.

Continental Airlines review - by David West
2 February 2006

In 20 years of flying with lots of airlines, Continental Airlines managed to give me the worst experience to date. I will never fly with them again. I was booking in at Montreal to fly via Newark where we would pick up an Air France flight. Our baggage was checked through but we were not. The lady at the departure gate realised she had made a mistake and said not to worry, but get on the flight and she would make sure boarding passes would be waiting for us at the gate in Newark. When we got to Newark we had to change terminals, so couldn't get through passport control in the second terminal to get to our boarding passes. By the time my wife, 4 year old daughter and myself got to the ticketing desks the flight had closed. We then spent the next 4 hours trailing round the airport trying to sort out flights. Eventually we did mange to get flights for 24 hours later and after pushing a lot were given a hotel voucher at an awful hotel. Of course our luggage had disappeared into the system - Continental told us it was in Birmingham - so we didn't have a change of clothes or anything. 24 hours later we went to check onto the plane to Paris very early, only to be told that there were no seats together and that we were to be seated several rows apart - with our 4 year old girl not even sitting with either of her parents! They then gave us boarding passes but again did not check us through to the next flight, saying it couldn't be done. Fortunately we went to the Air France desk who sorted out the last leg of our journey. By pleading with other passengers on the flight we did eventually get to sit together. After a sleepless flight with stewardesses waking everyone in the middle of the night to try and sell duty free goods, no wine with the meal, and poor food, we eventually made it home. Our baggage of course was not there, it caught up with us late the next day. I spent 40 minutes on the phone to Continental's customer services, most of the time on hold listening to a recorded voice telling me how wonderful their customer service was! Eventually they offered me $125 of vouchers to fly with Continental in the future - I was left severely out of pocket by the experience and very distrustful of Continental.

Continental Airlines review - by Matt Eden
2 February 2006

BHX-EWR-DEN-EWR-BHX The B757 out of BHX is just not adequate for a transatlantic flights - simply not enough room for everyone to get up and move about. Flight attendants surly and doing the minimum required. Food not bad. EWR-DEN a lot better, quite a full flight, but attendants helpful and actually smiled! DEN-EWR a week later was again up to scratch, no complaints here. EWR-BHX was hit and miss. Lots of people allocated seats in first 10/12 rows of economy, which left lots of lucky people towards the back with 3 seats to themselves, not impressed! Flight attendants helpful again, to help banish the memory of the outward flight. Legroom was just about adequate if you didn't have someone in front of you trying to recline. All flights mostly on time. Have to fly CO because its company trip, overall 7/10

Continental Airlines review - by Peter Pomeranze
26 January 2006

Honolulu-Guam-Cairns, Business First. Service out of Honolulu on a 767-400 was top notch. Food was plentiful and good, seats extremely comfortable and staff friendly and helpful. Guam to Cairns a 737-800 was used - not as comfortable and food service nothing special, but fine. This flight is designated regular business (not business first) so the service was at an appropriate level. Transit in Guam was seamless and painless .A good alternative to via Sydney for Cairns travel!

Continental Airlines review - by Alberto Gaitan
23 January 2006

LAX to EZE (Buenos Aires), Continental has better service than others "American" airlines. The checking in LAX was with the new automatic self service - nice but we need more instruction prior to arrive to airport. Flight LAX to IAH was 737-700, full in coach, service very good with meal (enough if you compare with a peanuts and soda). IAH-EZE aircraft (767-200) was new, with interactive screen in each seat, nice movies and games - but few spaces between seats, so uncomfortable for 10 hours flight. Food was fair but small portions, breakfast was a joke - (five pieces of honeydew melon & two grapes as a fruit salad and a croissant). Beverages plenty and offered twice. Continental has better service than others, but we can notice those details that put in scene the budget to gave a good service for international travels, and 10 hours flying too much for few food.

Continental Airlines review - by Gerry Small
17 January 2006

Travelled to New York from Bristol Economy. Staff were friendly and efficient, probably the best airline food we have experienced and the plane was clean and comfortable.

Continental Airlines review - by Paul Richardson
13 January 2006

LGW-IAH-LAS. The cabin crew worked hard and provided good service although the meals were only adequate. Entertainment on the LGW-IAH leg was excellent on the 777 with individual monitors and a wide choice of up to the minute movies and TV. IAH-LAS was much less comfortable and was operated by an older aircraft. Transfers were also no problem and despite a problem with the baggage labelling system at LAS my bags made to LGW with me. Would not hesitate in flying CO again particularly as their fares were very competitive for this trip.

Continental Airlines review - by Luke Smith
10 January 2006

BWI-PHX. Coach outbound; seats were average, and meal service was good for coach, on the Newark to Phoenix segment. Two current movies were shown in flight. A wide selection of audio programs was available. Stewardess on Baltimore to Newark needed an attitude adjustment, as does much of the staff on CO Express flights; staff on Newark to Phoenix was friendly. First class return via Houston; seats were comfortable, though one meal service was inedible: steak sandwich, mostly fat, with cheese soup. Yuck. No movies shown at all, despite TV screens on one segment. I fly Continental a lot, and it strikes me as a very average airline, though the best of a dismal selection of domestic legacy carriers, with quality of staff and service varying widely (and randomly) among flights.

Continental Airlines review - by Nigel Lancashire
8 January 2006

4 Jan 2006 - the last time I ever use Continental. Sorry - did I say 4 Jan - make that 5 Jan, after they bumped me off my return flight to Manchester from Newark. The ground staff talked to me like I was dirt - I apparently have no right to return home unless they want to let me. Be warned, being polite does you no good - someone arriving after me got seats through shouting and harassing staff. After being bumped at 7.45, Continental sent me on a tour round the airport to queue to get vouchers for free accommodation, a travel kit and other sundries that to my mind, they should have brought to me. Now it's 9.50pm. After the fight (seriously) to get on a bus to my hotel, I had a 40 minute journey around hotels that Continental also overbooked. The third one has rooms - after an HOUR queuing to check in. I finally got to eat at 11.45pm - others behind me missed the restaurant completely, which closed at 12. The final insult - after being promised places and given confirmed seats, the next day, the ground staff (amazingly, with a guy even ruder than the day before) denied having me listed and tried to bump me again. This time, I shouted, snarled, insulted... and got my seats. On take- off, I was treated to an infomercial on the quality of the Continental experience. No wonder my in-flight meal was hard to swallow. As I said, Continental, never again.

Continental Airlines review - by Fiona Bailey
8 January 2006

Man-EWR. 6 adults, 1 infant travelling. Manchester staff were excellent. Infant was on booking form, we were given bulkhead seats for sky-cot. Was told this was automatic when travelling with a baby. FA's very helpful and attentive. However, Newark ground staff were, without a doubt, the rudest, most unhelpful bunch of people I have ever had the misfortune to meet. Check-in was a joke. Despite being there 6 hours before departure we could not request seats together for our group. Wouldn't even have mattered if we could have sat in groups of 2, but no. We were all split and seated all over the plane. Thankfully, some kind travellers switched so 3 of us could sit together. At check-in I requested the bulkhead, as I had been told in Manchester I could. Was told in no uncertain terms that bulkhead could not be requested, it was basically a lucky dip for who sat there. I requested a sky-cot for my 6mth old son. Nope, couldn't have one of those either - there is only 1 per aircraft and it has been reserved by someone who was connecting to the flight. After trying again at the boarding desk downstairs with the same requests I ended up in tears at the atrocious customer service. Once on the aircraft and in the air, the FA's noticed I had a baby on board and asked me why wasn't I in the bulkhead seats! After explaining what had occured at the airport the ladies were absolutely brilliant. Even they could not believe the way we had been treated by ground staff. They checked the flight details and I was the only passenger listed as travelling with an infant. There were no other babies on the entire plane. Unfortunately I had to hold a 6mth old child in my arms for the 7 hour flight home and I paid £60 for that privilege!! Have flown with Continental twice previously but will be looking for another airline before returning to the states this year.

Continental Airlines review - by Chris Beer
1 January 2006

BRS-EWR return. A fantastic flight in both directions, this new service is an excellent and inititive idea from Continental and they should be congratulated for providing such a great service. I flew Business First on this trip and service was impeccable. Onwards from EWR to Las Vegas in First Class, great food and service although lacking ch

Continental Airlines review - by Kenneth Mackie
19 December 2005

LGW/EWR/PTY. Having a Silver Elite membership is a bonus for check in and early boarding, so no problems there. The flight was full, but the 777-200 was clean and comfortable and the FA's were reasonably friendly, the food acceptable - the IFE is still behind others however. Arrival in Newark was relatively painless, although I now find that it pays to stereotype those ahead of you in the Immigration lines to avoid unnecessary delays ! The connecting flight baggage drop was painless. I was upgraded to First Class to Panama on a 737-900, comfortable. 2 FA's for 14 passengers so the service was attentive, although the pursers face would have cracked if he had attempted a smile. However the food service was good and the flights on time. Arrival was also painless. I returned PTY/EWR/LGW on 24th Nov. The PTY/EWR portion in economy, with a friendly crew. The flight was full. The food service was adequate and all in all not bad. Again a relatively painless connection in EWR, the London bound flight was full, so early boarding was appreciated. The FA's were very good on this leg, maintaining a sense of humour - the food service was again adequate. Continental is my choice to the USA and connections, and the One Pass programme suits me - in these days of cut backs they don't seem too bad, although I think that their in flight staff aren't all that they are cracked up to be by the Chairman and CEO is in his introductory speel on each flight.

Continental Airlines review - by James Oh
8 December 2005

EWR-SAN Economy on 737-800. Check in was easy, I received an email notification of the fact that I could check in online. Surprisingly, Continental managed to serve economy passengers breakfast - where other domestic carriers now charge $5 for tasteless sandwich. The food was ok. There were frequent drink service during the 6 hour flight and overall good flight.