Originally Posted by 925
The upgrading of a non-elite by an elite at no cost, based on the status of the elite, either at EUA, manual, or at the gate.
If that is true, it is not reflected in the elite benefits on nwa.com:
Platinum and Gold Elite members may upgrade one companion from any paid fare at the airport only within two hours of departure on a Northwest- or Continental-operated flight. No advance confirmation is available.
Members using the Platinum Elite Confirmed Companion Upgrade will be able to upgrade one companion booked within the same reservation...
"from any paid fare" vs. "booked within the same reservation"