As a NW PLatinum I always call the PL Elite line first when these situations come up. Although they may have booked you on the other airline flights too in this case. But at least your not waiting in line, and if you are, you already have the Plat line taking care of you.

Ive been on both ends of this. Plane is coming- it doesnt, and Plane isnt coming -it does.

Its kinda of like "FC is checked in Full" - At least 100 times over the past 10 years I hear that, tell the agent I'll wait, and guess what, there is an open seat, and since almost everyong else got on after the FC-Full announcement, Im usually in good shape.

The worst is when they tell you "its on its way" to string you along so you dont ask for another airline. Thats when you got to make a choice.

Ive learned over the years that if I get into DTW in the spring after 6pm and there is fog at AZO, its probably not lifting until the following morning. Just get a 1 way rental and save the 3-4 hours of waiting in Detroit. Many of us in west Michigan know this, so there are usually others thta are willing to go with.