Gordon Bethune

[NWgoldelite]

I was curious, does anyone know if Gordon Bethune is spanish? I notice, whenever i travel on Continental, that almost every sign for continental is written in english and then spanish. Also they have COPA airlines, which is spanish. Does anyone have a reason for these?

[dbaker]

You've hit the nail on the head. Gordon can only read Spanish and requires translations everywhere so that he can travel without confusion.

[NWgoldelite]

i'm sorry. I didnt exactly understand your response.

[steveg]

Gordon also believes that giving you a swank blue carpet and a nice 'elite access" sign will make you forget loosing all of you segments in 2004

Dont pee on my leg and call it rain.

Return all your darn rugs and get me my meal options back in first class.

or

Give me back my big jets, I'm sick of flying from Houston to anywhere taking longer than 1 hour on an ERJ

or

Dont tell me I will get a special elite access check-in line when you took that away when you put in the kiosks. Give me back something you stole and call it a gift?

Dont pee on my leg...

[Optimist1125]

I heard him speak at the annual luncheon of the Greater Cleveland Growth Association in, of course, Cleveland, and his command of English is just fine.

--Linda

[Bazz]

You've hit the nail on the head. Gordon can only read Spanish and requires translations everywhere so that he can travel without confusion.

LOL

[dbaker]

Gordon also believes that giving you a swank blue carpet and a nice 'elite access" sign will make you forget loosing all of you segments in 2004

Dont pee on my leg and call it rain.

Return all your darn rugs and get me my meal options back in first class.

or

Give me back my big jets, I'm sick of flying from Houston to anywhere taking longer than 1 hour on an ERJ

or

Dont tell me I will get a special elite access check-in line when you took that away when you put in the kiosks. Give me back something you stole and call it a gift?

Dont pee on my leg...

You could always fly another airline if they don't meet your needs.

[Optimist1125]

OK, group, your thoughts... reason[s] for retirement?

Will things improve, in the future, for Elites? I still think many of us believe they are missing the mark...

[NWgoldelite]

I think the reason Gordon's leaving is simple. He's been running the company for 10 years, he turned them around and succeeded to his goal. He served his time, and he believes its someone elses turn now.

Does this mean things will improve for elites? If the elite program works out well this year, and CO makes a bigger profit, then no. If not, then I think they will return to old ways. While many of us are upset about the changes, you have to realize that CO is trying to make money here, not friends.

[Optimist1125]

Agree.
We'll see how much the Elites vote with their credit cards, or not.

[Optimist1125]

I tuned into some of the audio online for the Q1 2004 reports... In Gordon's portion, he quoted something like $114m loss Q1, and if you factor the higher fuel prices, I think he said something around $87m loss.

As I look at summer travel, with much of my travel being regional, prices are up, options are down... forcing me onto Express jets so One Pass Elite status has no benefit...

What optimism about this airline can you guys offer for anyone who does some business, but more leisure travel, who works hard to patronize an airline and maintain a middle of the road elite status?

I'm thinking that living in a hub city is an immediate negative... because the carrier always wants you to fly direct. Some airlines still use aircraft that recognizes business and elite traveler wishes and needs, but with CO, it's strictly "loyalty", with needs be damned. I'm interested in the thoughts of anyone on this forum who travels rfairly regularly with CO -- and isn't 100% a business traveler. Feedback?