Continental Airlines Having Success With Houston Hub Reactivation

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.