Originally Posted by nsx
The primary reason is probably not knowable, but I wouldn't jump to blaming the voting methodology, especially when the margin of random chance exceeds the gap between first and second place.
OK, then what about them finishing 3rd in best elite program when they don't even have one?
I guess some would argue that their "companion pass" is an elite benefit, but it's so difficult to obtain (100 flights in a year!) and of fairly limited benefit (they make you designate only one companion, and it's cumbersome to change it), that I can't believe "real" WN travellers are salivating over it.
I have platinum and gold elite status on CO and US and while the benefits aren't always fantastic, they are real and achievable (upgrades, companion upgrades, significant bonus miles, special check-in and boarding priority, elite seating, free lounge access on int'l flights, elite telephone lines, upgraded award availability, fee waivers, comparable alliance benefits, etc.). I don't think anyone could objectively say that "companion pass" is in that league. Indeed, if WN offered some of these real perks, I'd be happy to go for "elite" on their airline, too!
So something remains rotten in Denmark about these results.