I was reading the Continental in-flight magazine over the weekend and it sayed Continental had ordered 25 Boeing 787's. Does anyone know if they ordered them eight or nine across (seating) ? and will they be replacing the 757's they use going to Europe, or are they for new routes.

Nothing official, but from real insider information, they will be 3-3-3. Probably a little more legroom than the current 772. Perhaps 33"-34" pitch.

The 757s will stay. CO is adding AVOD and AC power throughout the cabin for those planes.

The 787 will be for expansion, but if general demand and economy is poor, CO will retire the 767-200s when the 787s arrive.

Thanks for the info. The messages the flight attendants made on the flight were sure loud. Babies started crying and I actually moved away from the window seat to the isle because the messages hurt my ears.

Once again, I got window seats on all my four flights. I simply changed my seat during check-in at the airport.

That's why I use noise-isolating headphones. An infant was crying near me on my EWR-HKG flight from door closed for an hour. I couldn't care less.

From everything I hear, rkkwan is right - unfortunately. Little chance of the 757s going to the Arizona desert. And other airlines are now adding 757s to across the pond routes, so you really have to pay attention if you want to avoid them.

In fact, one will see even more CO 757-200s across the Atlantic. CO's receiving new 737-900ERs starting 2008, and will replace some domestic 752 routes like IAH-California.

There are still a few airports in Germany that is reachable from EWR by the 752, plus many in France and Spain. UK seem kind of saturated, but you never know. Plus additional airports in Ireland.

I make check into taking the Airbus A-380 across the pond. Free wine, better food, less loud interruptions, more room, better entertainment, better looking flight attendants. I'm comming up with quite a list, aren't I.

I noticed that several different airlines are using the 757-200's across the pond. Is it true that the 757-300's don't go as far?

Correct. The 753 is a significantly longer plane, but the same wingspan and engines. Much shorter range.

Currently, NW fly the 753 on HNL-LAX/SFO/SEA. 2,677mi on the Seattle run is pretty much longest route in the US.

rkkwan, I have another CO question. As you know, I did a lot of flying on AA before switching to CO's ff club. On AA's web page you could book flights using both AA and partner airlines, such as BA. For example, if I'm flying to Cairo, I could fly AA to London, then BA on to Cairo.

So why doesn't CO allow the same? I would be flying AUS/IAH/CDG on CO, then CDG/CAI on Air France. But CO's page gives me the following message:

Neither Continental nor its codeshare partners serve Cairo EG (CAI) using a Continental flight number. You may modify your search criteria, or call 1-800-300-1547 for assistance.

This is a load of hooey because we both know that AF is a partner of CO. I know you have an inside source at CO, could you ask if this will change anytime soon? Thanks.

P_M - I don't know why CO doesn't implement that in their website, but there will be a major update in a few months. (I've signed up to be a beta tester, and testing begins sometime in June).

Currently, you can book some NW and KL flights as a continuation of a CO itinerary.

In your case, you can try to see if Orbitz will show the CO/AF routing. But booking there will only get you 50% EQM on the cheaper fares on the CO portion. If EQM is important and you must book on continental.com, this is how you do it:

- Find your CO roundtrip flight to CDG.
- Choose the "Bill Me Later" or "Pay with Cash" option to hold the reservations
- Call Continental.com support number that you've tried to get them to <b>add the AF portion and price it out</b>.
- Hang up and then go back to the website to complete your purchase with whatever payment method.

Thanks for the info rkkwan, I knew you would find a way. I'm glad to hear about the testing, maybe this process will change soon. I wish I could be a beta tester too, that sounds like fun.

They would have to pay me to fly coach in a 757.
M

All they would have to do to get me to fly coach on a 757 across the pond is give me free wine. Actually, if you can get the front of coach or the exit rows, it isn't too bad. At least there is a toilet in coach at the front and back of the aircraft.

The 757 might be better than the 787 when they use 3-3-3 seating.

CO Question:

Looking to burn CO miles for rewards that are not tickets. Seems that it is difficult to cash in for hotels ... Would prefer the non - AMEX route as this is an extra step. Perhaps reading it wrong but can I transfer to Hilton or Marriott?

Thanks,

You cannot convert the Onepass miles directly, but you can pass them through Amtrak's Guest Reward. 1 CO mile can become 2 HH points. Can't do it for Marriott.

Webflyer.com has a converter. Note that regular Amtrak Guest Reward member can only export 25,000 points a year. Make sure you read all the fine prints, or you may have your miles stranded on AMTRAK.