Yesterday a really big box (maybe 24"x24"x18") arrived at my house from NWA. In it was a hand written (I think) note saying "Your loyalty to Northwest Airlines is appreciated" with these goodies: a pound of coffee beans, a stadium blanket with strap to carry, a pair of binoculars in a case, and a thermos with coffee service in a zippered case.

I'm curious about the reason...a "loyalty gift" for years as a Gold or Plat, or an apology for the most recent screw-up (last flight out of DTW cancelled for mechanical and a forced overnight resulting in a 14 hour delay in getting where I wanted to be.) In the past, I've been given "Customer Service" bonus miles in lots of 5,000 and/or coupons for X amount off my next flight for screw ups. I'm wondering if "The Box" is the new apology?