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Continental Airlines was first airline I ever flew with. In March of 1989 on the evening after our wedding, my new bride and I flew from Newark Airport to the old Denver Stapleton Airport for our Honeymoon. Continental was always known for their customer service, and that day they proved it. We had picked up our tickets at the travel agent the week before the wedding, and the agent said we were all set. When we arrived at the airport to check-in, the person at the counter stated that we were ticketed on a flight that had been cancelled a month prior. My new bride was very upset and I was a bit angry. The ticketing agent however was very kind. He saw another flight was available, and should have already departed, but a storm was delaying flights. He personally walked us thru security (which was nothing like we have now) to the gate. He talked with the gate agent and once he saw we would be able to make this flight he went on his way. On board the flight, one of the flight attendants noticed rice was stuck in my bride's hair and offered us free mini-champagne bottles. I had flown Continental off and on over the years especially when they were partnered with my main airline, Northwest.
Continental was founded in 1934 in Boise, Idaho as Varney Speed Lines by Walter Varney. This is the same person who founded United Airlines which Continental eventually merged with. Continental's name came into being with a name change in 1937 with it's hQ moved to Denver Airport. In 1982 HQ was moved to Houston, TX after some other mergers. In March of 2012, Continental disappeared after its successful merger with the mighty United Airlines
Prior to the Merger with United, Continental maintained hubs in Houston, Newark, Cleveland and Guam. Prior to Denver's airprot move to the new DIA from Stapleton, Continental also maintained a hub in Denver.
After the merger, Continental may no longer exist, but it's logo on its tails lives on as United adopted the Continental Globe logo on its tails. In addition, the overall paint scheme on United's aircraft is the last Continental paint scheme. Which in my opinion is nicer that the last United Paint Scheme.
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