This article from NYTimes.com has been sent to you by psa188@xxxxxxxxx /-------------------- advertisement -----------------------\ Explore more of Starbucks at Starbucks.com. http://www.starbucks.com/default.asp?ci=1015 \----------------------------------------------------------/ Continental Selling Scrip for Purchases May 13, 2003 By JOE SHARKEY Coach passengers on Continental Airlines who want to buy a headset or an alcoholic drink can now purchase scrip and use it as cash on flights. So-called Continental Currency can be bought using a credit card at 700 eService Center kiosks in 177 airports, Continental said. The idea, an outgrowth of the e-ticket revolution, is to spare passengers from having to fumble around to pay for a drink or headset, said Julie King, a Continental spokesman. Also, flight attendants have always disliked the chore of collecting money and making change. "It's very time-consuming," Ms. King said. The Continental scrip comes in packages of one, two, three or six coupons, each worth $5. The three-coupon and six-coupon purchases are discounted at $13 and $25. Several airlines that have tested selling in-flight meals this year have found the added cash transactions to be a bother, and some are studying the use of scrip. Continental, though, has largely maintained its in-flight meal service, and Ms. King said the scrip idea did not mean Continental was considering doing away with free meals. "We feel that providing meals at mealtimes, when people are hungry, fits us well," she said. Room Service May Go Self-Service Room service meets the Automat? This summer, three Embassy Suites hotels will begin testing "self-service room service as an alternative to standard room service," said David Greydanus, senior vice president for brand management. The food will be dispensed from display cases in hotel lobbies. "But it won't be day-old sandwiches," Mr. Greydanus said. Rather, the chain, a Hilton Hotels subsidiary, is planning to work with a high-end caterer to provide "high-quality fresh food, attractively packaged," he said. Guests can take the meals to their rooms and warm them in in-room microwave ovens. JOE SHARKEY http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/13/business/13MEMO.html?ex=1053832854&ei=1&en=7d92f004e53ac7b8 HOW TO ADVERTISE --------------------------------- For information on advertising in e-mail newsletters or other creative advertising opportunities with The New York Times on the Web, please contact onlinesales@xxxxxxxxxxx or visit our online media kit at http://www.nytimes.com/adinfo For general information about NYTimes.com, write to help@xxxxxxxxxxxx Copyright 2003 The New York Times Company