Continental's 'FareLock' holds your price when trip isn't definite

Continental Airlines, currently operating as a subsidiary of United Airlines, has introduced FareLock, a new option that allows travelers to lock in their airfare for either 72 hours or even a full week without the commitment of purchasing a ticket. Of course, as with all airline deals that appear to be good ones, there is a catch. There are fees attached to the decision of taking advantage of FareLock; $5 for the 72-hour or $9 for the 7-day hold.
 
With airlines constantly searching for additional revenue while at the same time offering perceived value for travelers, this creative new offering from Continental is an interesting one. It will tie up inventory that could potentially be sold to another customer, but the airline apparently believes that enough customers will return to complete their booking while at the same time Continental develops a new stream of revenue.
 
FareLock will be offered on certain domestic and international itineraries with the intent of giving travelers increased planning flexibility. Potentially, if a customer is ‘on the fence’ about completing the booking, they will avoid the risk that the airfare will increase during the time of their search and the actual confirmation. In addition to the three and seven day hold options, at the time of locking in the fare a customer may choose for Continental to automatically ticket the itinerary when the lock period expires.
 
Customers will continue to be permitted to adjust their reservations or cancel without a fee within 24 hours of making a booking. FareLock customers will have the 24-hour booking adjustment policy remain in effect upon ticketing.

Continental serves Minneapolis/St. Paul from Terminal 1/Lindbergh with multiple daily non-stops to its hubs at Newark, Cleveland and Houston. Connections are then offered to cities nationwide and around the world.