Mr. Cellistoo and I are looking into other FF opportunities with the NW/DL merger. Being a MSP captive is one drawback to Continental (as we would lose the NW non-stops). However, the recent DRAMATIC increase in M, B and Y Fares on NW (doubled and tripled and often more than Z fares) has made international upgrades basically a joke, and means the loss of one of our favorite benefits of the program.

My understanding on Continental is that you can upgrade tickets with $$- not sure if this also requires miles- or if you can use miles instead of $$.

Mr. Cellistoo is a NW Platinum- mainly through business travel. I am a silver- mainly through the purchase of B & Y international fares. However, one serious drawback I see to Continental is the requirement that tickets be purchased on continental.com to receive 100% EQM. Since Mr. Cellistoo's company requires the purchase of tickets through the corporate travel agent, this is a major drawback to switching. Is there any way around this?