My boyfriend has 4 system wide upgrades and he gifted me two of them as they are about to expire. We both are platinum elite status as we travel a lot with our work. I bought a ticket three months in advance as I thought it will give me a better chance of getting an upgrade. The business first section was empty at the time of purchase. A few days prior to departure, I was still on waitlist with a few seats remaining. The day of departure, there were two seats left. I called Continental hoping to get one of the remaining seats. I was told that the upgrade will be determined at the airport. Upon check in, I asked if I am still on waitlist. Continental representatives said that it will be at the gate at the departure area who will definitely let me know if I get upgraded. In the end, I did not get the business first seat. This is abig joke and a mockery of loyal Continental customers. I find it a scam. No one can tell me what the requirements are in order to get the upgrade. Might as well not give those system wide upgrade since you will NEVER get them anyway.
