The above announcement is buried at the frequent flyer center page, and the only way you will know what it says is to read the "Northwest Feature" stating "Effective October 8, 1999 WorldPerks Award upgrades to World Business Class are no longer available from transAtlantic Coach fares beginning with the letter V, Q, H or M."

As a Gold Elite, I recently enjoyed a $300+ RT fare ORD/LGW, receiving around 20M miles, while using 40M for the WBC upgrade. I'm sure this was not such a good deal for NWA, but it was a good deal for me. Fortunately for me, there are numerous other airlines which will START me as of 1/1/2000 as an elite member (free upgrades, 2X miles, etc) based upon proof of 3+ years similar status at NWA.

Obviously, the "suits" decided to STOP THE CHEAPIE LGW UPGRADES IMMEDIATELY, and TO YOUKNOWHERE WITH CUSTOMER GOODWILL!

Continental recently went from "worst to first" but it looks like NWA wants to assume CO's prior status.

Now on Oct 8, 1999 I notice that the announcement has been changed to include a "reason", which is "specious", or in plain English just "BS". Next, I'm going to go to NWA.com & see if the low fares have "mysteriously Disappeared" only to reappear on October 12, 1999. Not a lot of trust & confidence here, NWA.

[This message has been edited by knowitall (edited 10-08-1999).]