i haven't seen this posted in the archive, sorry if it has already been said somewhere else.
I was browsing the NWA website and found this very special offer:
Make queuing a thing of the past with our fast, efficient and easy to use nwa.com check-in service. Plus, between March 15 and April 14, 2006, every time you check in at nwa.com check-in you'll get a free cup of coffee!
Follow these simple steps for your next Northwest flight:
* Check in anytime on nwa.com/tw between 180 minutes and 24 hours prior to departure
* Change or choose your seat
* Print a boarding pass and E-Ticket receipt
* Proceed to the dedicated nwa.com check-in counter to get your travel document verified and collect your free coffee voucher
Fly smart, Fly NWA.
they simply propose us to check-in online to avoid the queue... and proceed to the check-in desk to get a free cup of coffee... after having certainly queued quite some time!