Not really a stupid Question, last year Northwest bought a controlling interest in Continental Airlines, this explains the intergration of the CO and NW frequent flyer programs. (And relates to the CO and America West relationship since CO owns a portion of HP) See press release:
www.continental.com/corporate/press/1998/1998-11-20-02.asp
[This message has been edited by Old Gold (edited 04-24-99).]