Continental Airlines Having Success With Houston Hub Reactivation|Published: September 15, 2008
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on Yahoo!- continental.com provides latest flight information and operations
summary - Passengers and airport employees not affected by Houston
curfew - Employees from other locations fly to Houston to assist
co-workers at hub
HOUSTON, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) has resumed a comprehensive flight schedule at its Houston
hub at Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in the aftermath of
Hurricane Ike. All terminals at the airport are functioning, and
Continental is providing frequent flights for travelers originating,
arriving or connecting at IAH.
Today Continental
(including mainline, Continental Express and Continental Connection)
has more than 500 departures (and an equal number of arrivals)
scheduled at the Houston hub. Continental employees from other domestic
locations have flown into Houston to assist their co-workers in
resuming operations at the IAH hub. Normal operations are also
continuing at the carrier's other hubs.
Taxi availability at IAH is plentiful, and the Houston Airport System
is reopening its consolidated rental car facility today. Travelers
should check on hotel accommodations in Houston unless they already have confirmed arrangements.
Weekend Operations During Hurricane
Houston-based Continental succeeded in operating globally throughout
the hurricane thanks to effective advance preparations. The airline's
operations center was temporarily relocated away from downtown Houston
in accordance with the business continuity plan. On Saturday and
Sunday, although the Houston hub was closed due to the hurricane, the
remainder of Continental's system operated extremely well. During the
two-day period, 84.1 percent of Continental flights arrived on time and
the airline had only three cancellations unrelated to the storm.
In a message yesterday to Continental's 44,000 employees, nearly 20,000
of them Houston-based, Larry Kellner, Continental's chairman and CEO
said, "I know that my co-workers have gone through many sacrifices and
hardships to try to return their personal lives to normalcy after
Hurricane Ike, and they've helped each other and our customers in that
effort. I want to thank them for all they've done. I also want to thank
our customers, many of whom are sharing the same personal and
professional challenges, for taking the time and effort to express
their understanding and gratitude to our team. As always, make sure
your personal safety and the safety of our co-workers and customers is
your top priority."
Passengers and Airport Employees Not Affected by Curfew
The Mayor's Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security has informed
Continental that the curfew currently in effect for the city does not
apply to customers or employees driving or being driven to and from
IAH.
Check Flight Status at continental.com
Customers are encouraged to check the status of their flight at
continental.com before going to the airport. There will be modified
food service on some flights.
Change Flights Easily at continental.com
Customers booked on flights to, from or through the Houston hub and in
the affected region are permitted a one-time date or time change to
their itinerary without penalty for rescheduled travel. If a flight has
been canceled, a refund in the original form of payment may be
requested. Complete details are available at continental.com. The
fastest and most convenient way to change travel plans is via
continental.com. Customers should enter their confirmation number and
last name in "Manage Reservations." Customers may also call Continental
Airlines reservations at 800-525-0280 or their travel agent.
continental.com provides an overview of Continental operations as well
as up-to-date information regarding the status of specific flights.
Automated flight status information is also available at 800-784-4444.
SOURCE Continental Airlines
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