I think searching the NWA website for award flights is a lost cause. I will have to phone. I just liked browsing the website because I don't always know where I want to go and I wait to be inspired. But the value of the miles and availability of award flights has been severely devalued since the beginning of this year if my searches are any guide. I even posted a request for suggestions of Saver award flights with easy availability from the United States and didn't really get any serious replies.

I had the same experience with Delta. Nothing on the web site but when I phoned they did put me and my husband on an award flight MSY-YYC at the Saver price of 25,000 miles each -- which finished off our miles with Delta. Whew!

The loss of value of miles, combined with the reduced value of being an Elite because of the undignified scramble for good seats, has caused me not to book a flight on Northwest since Coach Choice was announced. I can no longer justify sticking with Northwest. The only real, immediate criteria for making a flight purchase is the price savings I have in the hand. Elite privileges and award flights seem to be quite illusory these days.

Even my husband is flying the dreaded Southwest next week.

Pardon my vent. I know Northwest is trying to fix the Coach Choice thing but once trust is broken, it's hard to get it back.