I use a lot of Alaska miles and had a horrible time getting through. My trick was to call about 1 minute before they opened in the morning and then just hit redial so I would be the 1st one in. This resulted in a wait of only 2 minutes. Otherwise it could easily take an hour.
They have recently installed a special line which requires an MVP Gold status number so I get through immediately.
I do not remember waits with NWA or UAL, but for them I am Silver Elite and PremEx respectively.
[This message has been edited by Punki (edited 08-29-1999).]