For some reason I only get smart NW elite agent during nite time hours. I made reservation again today with credit card holding it till midnite of next nite so I could use voucher. Told I could not express mail voucher despite being told by prev agent I could. So I took a trip to airport to pay with TCV as wanted to use it.

NW Ticket agent was confused. He saw first class on my ticket and asked me how I paid for it. I said they gave it to me and he couldn't understand. He had to ask his manager who reminded him of elite benefits. He then saw the flight was 3 days away and didn't realize you get upgraded 3 days before... Somehow the fare came out $10 cheaper at airport then what was quoted on web and phone. I don't know how and I didn't ask. Anyway everything worked out despite this agent who knew nothing.