Flying with Continental Airlines

[Mystic]

Given all the current chaos at Canadian airports with US bound flights and no one telling us what constitutes a "Small Purse", since that's all we're allowed to carry on the flights now, we're considering an alternate route to Orlando for our trip in December 2010.

There is a small airline that flies out of our Island Airport here in Toronto that has flights to Newark. We were thinking of flying to Newark on Porter Airlines the afternoon before our Disney arrival, spending the night in a hotel near the Newark Airport and then switching to a Continental flight from Newark to Orlando. Continental has direct flights from Newark to Orlando. Has anyone ever flown with Continental and can speak to their experiences?

We've only ever flown Air Canada so don't know much about Continental. Also this will be at the start of December, our travel dates are Nov 30 - Dec 8 2010.

This would be our first time on a US domestic flight. We'd be looking at doing the 6:45am or the 7:45am Continental flight out of Newark.

Thoughts/experiences with Continental Airlines? What are the flights like? What about the check in process etc.

Thanks :wave:

 

[maelstrom]

Continental is fine. We just flew them from Newark to Phoenix. Continental has their own terminal in Newark because it's one of their hubs, so be prepared for a huge area in which to find your gate.

 

[Mystic]

Continental is fine. We just flew them from Newark to Phoenix. Continental has their own terminal in Newark because it's one of their hubs, so be prepared for a huge area in which to find your gate.

I don't think it can compare in size to Terminal 1 at Pearson here in Toronto, which is Air Canada's hub airport in Ontario. Terminal 1 is ginormous. It can take you 10 minutes minimum to get from the security escalators to your gate and that is using the moving walkways.

Thanks for letting me know about your experience with Continental.

 

[maelstrom]

I can't speak to Toronto, but yes, Continental's terminal is HUGE.

 

[NeverEnufDisney]

Be prepared for flight delays and sitting in line for takeoff for 20 min. Other than that Newark is fine. We flew with Continental from Ithaca, NY to LA on 12/22 and returned on 12/30.

 

[TTATraveler]

You should have no problems with Continental. I have found their flight attendants to be both courteous and professional. They still serve snacks and small meals, depending your flight time. This could consist of a muffin or cereal for breakfast, a small sandwich at lunch and dinner times, or pretzels at non-meal times. Depending on the aircraft type, you may see a movie or other programming. Yes, Terminal C is large, but easily navigable.

 

[trixie21]

Why not fly out of Buffalo? We are planning on doing that in May and the price is exceptionally cheaper than Pearson.
We did this once before and all was good. Airtran ans SW seem to be the cheaest from BFO

 

[m&mmom]

We always fly Continential from Newark. I have to say they are the most friendly and the prices have always been the best whenever we have booked. You can bring 1 carry on per person and if you have a Chase Continential master card or Chase continential debit reward card, you just show it and you can also check one bag per person for free. In all the years we've used them, we have rarely experienced more than a 20 minute delay. Plus, Continential is one of the airlines which uses Disney's magical express where you luggage "magicially" arrives in your room.

 

[mkt]

Continental is one of the US legacy carriers, and conveniently for you, it's a Star Alliance member so you can get AC miles on them. Newark is their NYC hub, so it's extremely busy to say the least.

Among the US legacy carriers (AA, Continental, Delta, United, US Airways), IME, Continental is the only decent one left. Delta is getting better, but I still wouldn't recommend them. United and US Airways are just terrible, and you can tell that AA barely survived last decade without having to file for bankruptcy... their cost cutting measures are that obvious.

That being said, I'd recommend waiting for Jetblue (a trendier, American version of Westjet) to release their November/December itineraries, as they have a 7am flight that departs Newark to Orlando.

 

[kasey1988]

I fly continental regularly from Halifax-Houston throug Newark and have had very few problems. If you are flying in the newark and out on the same day make sure you atleast have an hour to change terminals if needed. That is the only situation where i have missed flights is when having to transfer from terminal A(where continental express flights leave/arrive at) to C via the bus....But the terminals are easy to navigate and i find the staff to be friendly. Continental still offers a meal as well. Depending on the time/length of flight i have been offered cerial,milk,banana and raisins for breakfast. A sandwhich, chips, twix bar for "snack". Or hot personal pizza, tossed salad and twix bar for dinner.. I really enjoy continental and would defintally reccomend them!
Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Monty]

Given all the current chaos at Canadian airports with US bound flights and no one telling us what constitutes a "Small Purse", since that's all we're allowed to carry on the flights now, we're considering an alternate route to Orlando for our trip in December 2010.

There is a small airline that flies out of our Island Airport here in Toronto that has flights to Newark. We were thinking of flying to Newark on Porter Airlines the afternoon before our Disney arrival, spending the night in a hotel near the Newark Airport and then switching to a Continental flight from Newark to Orlando. Continental has direct flights from Newark to Orlando. Has anyone ever flown with Continental and can speak to their experiences?

We've only ever flown Air Canada so don't know much about Continental. Also this will be at the start of December, our travel dates are Nov 30 - Dec 8 2010.

This would be our first time on a US domestic flight. We'd be looking at doing the 6:45am or the 7:45am Continental flight out of Newark.

Thoughts/experiences with Continental Airlines? What are the flights like? What about the check in process etc.

Thanks :wave:

It may be cheaper to travel that way, but don't blame airport security issues. It's very easy to find the definition of what constitutes a "small bag". You're also allowed two carry-on bags in addition to the following list.

From the CATSA website:

Any of the following:

• small purses no bigger than 25 cm x 30 cm x 14 cm (10 in. x 12 in. x 5.5 in.)
• cameras (both still and video) in bags that contain no other items
• medication or medical equipment (oxygen tank, doctor’s bag)
• coats and outer garments
• crutches
• canes
• walkers
• containers carrying life-sustaining items
• special needs items
• diplomatic or consular bags
• strollers and child restraint systems
• all duty-free items purchased after the security check

Travel to and from the U.S. by air is not problematic at all. I do it at least 6 times a year. :shrug: