[QUOTE=wldtrvlr]If you are a Plat or Gold with NW or CO than you should have a decent chance on the flights that have first class. It looks like Pinnacle does alot of the CHS-DTW flights with CRJ's and they have no first. The mesaba flights have first and should be upgradeable. DTW-DCA is a VERY heavy elite flight especially at the times you are flying. Chances would be lower on this segment.QUOTE]

Yes, I am NW Gold, based on a US comp, and am committed to flying US and NW exclusively (based in DC, it should not be difficult). I can understand the Thursday night DTW-DCA flights being harder, going thru a NW hub.
Just wary about the automatic upgrade thing.
Guess I'll see what happens next week.