Ok, here it is in a nutshell:

1. She is silver elite on NW and will not be upgraded to gold elite on the 1999 plan (unless she flew the miles). NW did not have a mid-elite level like CO.

2. I spoke to Continental and they told me that the rules do not go into effect until March 1, 1999, for advance upgrades. They did say that had made some exceptions.

3. She is silver elite. Her certificates are not transferable. Even if she gets upgraded, her companion can not use one of her certificates to get upgraded.

Bottom line, she may get upgraded but the hubby is sitting in the back of the plane.