The FAQ explains the renewal credit deadlines but it's not clear when the new pass itself will be issued. May be helpful to add.

In my case, for example, I qualified for my first CP in late July 2004 (expires Aug. 31, 2005). By early July (this month) I had earned enough points to requalify, but my account still doesn't show anything (online or on the phone).

So I called the RR 1-800 number and the automated CP line directed me to a representative who said it looked like I had requalified but the computer wouldn't let her access the new CP; she directed me to call the customer service 1-214 number, where a representative who confirmed that I had indeed requalified but he said the postcard won't be mailed until Aug. 1 (I assume my online status will update then too).

This is useful to know, since my Companion and I are planning a Labor Day trip and I'm not yet able to make a Companion reservation online for travel past Aug. 31. This should give us a month to make the Companion reservation, which is helpful since some WN short-haul segments have been known to sell out weeks in advance.