Agreed, excellent perk. I used it just today. I was returning from MEL through LAX and was scheduled for a 5hr layover. My flight arrived a little early to LAX so I knew if I hustled I could try to go standby on the flight that was just about to leave for MSP. With 45 minutes left before take off, I arrived at the counter and got on the standby list. I'm plat and had a paid first class seat for the later flight. I was told at the gate that the flight was oversold and I was waitlisted for first along with 30 other people. But I was at the top of the list. 1 person was a no-show, so I got on - and in first. Countless others did not.

I know it is frustrating when you don't get on a flight. But I have to agree - for those who fly more often, this is a necessary perk. It seems I spend a lot of time flying (and the associated travel tasks), and the last thing I have time for is to sit in a terminal for X hours waiting for a later flight. Especially when I'll be back there in a couple days doing it all over again. NWA recognizes this and I thank them for it.