When I booked a trip through the website on Friday, I used the "Seat Pinpointer" to request seating in 5F for all my segments.

This afternoon, I checked the website and my seat assignments have been kicked out. I tried to re-select them but the system wouldn't accept them.

I called and was told TWICE by different agents that those seats are now held ONLY for airport release and that Elites may not request them in advance. I had a similar response a few weeks ago, but I got the automated upgrade that time and it was a moot point.

The best seats available for pre-assignment was 14E (middle seat) on one segment, no seats available on two others and 18A on another. This is despite the first few rows of coach showing availability on the seat maps.

The 2001 Elite Benefits Guide states that "WorldPerks Elite members may take advantage of Select Seating preferences on all Northwest and KLM flights that offer advance seat assignments. The Select Seating benefit allows you to choose where you'd like to sit in Coach Class, such as a quiet, low-traffic area close to the front of the cabin." However, the agents just say that it applies to airport check-in only and not to advance seat reservation.

Has anyone had any success requesting these seats in advance lately?