Thanks for your helpful response. While I agree that my scheduling troubles do not NorthWest's problem make, I'm astounded that everyone has immediately jumped on the security bandwagon.

<rant on>

All of these security claims are absolutely bogus. Replace "my fiancee" with "my under-age companion", and magically place us on the same PNR. I could check the same bags, and there would be absolutley no need to see ID. This is just another stupid rule to support the security charade, and has absolutely nothing to do with reality. The bags will still be screened in the exact same fashion they would have otherwise. Yes, they might need to be pulled if the passenger doesn't make the flight, but I could simply walk out of the airport *after* I checked in, resulting in the same situation. Lunacy, I tell you, sheer lunacy.

</rant off>

Sounds like I'll just try the old standby: a wink and a smile.