Hello everyone. I have some question for the NW flyers.

My dad is going to become a WorldPerks Silver Elite this year (on August 30). What is the elite membership year?

I have chosen AA; and with AA he will become elite on August 30, 2005 and that will expire on Feb. 28, 2007. His elite status for the remainder of 2007 will be determined based on his miles/points/segments in 2006. Is this the same with NW?

The elite qualifying miles: are those the "butt in seat" miles? So if my dad flys 2,000 miles in economy, will his account be credited with 2,000 miles?

One last thing. I noticed that as a Silver Elite he can get upgraded to First one day before flight departure when flying on a discount ticket; what booking classes are considered "discount" on NW? Thanks for the help!