Welcome to the Continental Insider. Each month, the Insider gives you the inside scoop on a topic related to travel on Continental - maybe one you've wondered about. This month, the Insider answers questions about Star Alliance Gold benefits.

What is Star Alliance Gold?
In October, Continental entered Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive airline network. With 25 carriers, Star Alliance offers our customers the largest variety of seamless connections around the world, as well as dramatically expanded opportunities to earn and redeem OnePass miles. In addition, our Platinum and Gold Elite OnePass members now have access to a whole new level of Elite recognition, known as Star Alliance Gold, that carries across the entire alliance. Most notably, Star Alliance Gold includes access to over 800 lounges worldwide when traveling on an international Star Alliance itinerary, extra complimentary baggage allowance, and priority airport services.

How does lounge access for Star Alliance Gold members work?
A valid Star Alliance Gold Elite card, along with proof of a same-day international Star Alliance ticket, will get you and a guest access to most lounges offered by our Star Alliance member carriers, including Continental's Presidents Clubs. While certain lounges may not be eligible, such as those reserved for First Class customers, most of them are. In total, there are over 800 lounges in the Star Alliance network. For more information about participating lounges, go to continental.com > Products & Services > Presidents Club Lounges. In October, our OnePass Platinum and Gold Elite members were sent replacement Elite cards that include the Star Alliance Gold emblem.

What baggage allowance and airport services do Star Alliance Gold members get?
As a Star Alliance Gold member, you and anyone else traveling on your reservation will each get up to three complimentary checked bags when traveling on all Star Alliance airlines, including Continental. In addition, you will be entitled to priority airport services, where offered. This includes priority check-in, separate security screening lanes, early boarding, and priority baggage handling. In many cases, these services are comparable to EliteAccess when traveling on Continental.

Will Silver Elite members get these benefits when traveling on Star Alliance airlines?
No. While our Silver Elite OnePass members will continue to enjoy EliteAccess priority airport services and up to two complimentary checked bags when traveling on Continental, these benefits will not apply when traveling with any other Star Alliance member.

Learn more about Star Alliance member carriers and benefits at continental.com > About Us > Global Alliances. For other important terms and conditions, please refer to continental.com. Comments or questions? Send them our way to insider@coair.com