Kudos to NWA.

However, I was extremely surprised to see the change allowing 100% EQM on all DL flights effective almost immediately. Perhaps DL is starting to back off with their "enhancements" and will again allow DL FF's 100% EQM on discount fares. I believe I recall reading somewhere that DL has changed their policy to allow 100% EQM on most NW fares as well.

In light of these changes, I suspect improvements in the partnership might be coming (more codeshares, possible ability to upgrade ?) and I would rather see ties cut with CO. Just my opinion of course, but CO seems to be headed in the wrong direction, IMHO, when it comes to customer loyalty. DL, OTOH, seems to be learning from its mistakes.

Many FF's such as myself are of the "mixed fare" variety. I will travel on full Y fares when needed, purchase Intl Business Class on occassion, but I also travel on deep discounted advance purchase fares in addition to "middle of the road" (M, Q, H) fares. Award me extra when I fork out more $$$, but don't penalize me when I buy the cheapest fare available for the day/route I need to travel. If I were penalized for flying on the lowest fares, I wouldn't be loyal.

Getting back to NW partners:

I suspect this is a sign that NW will align closer to DL and perhaps become part of SkyTeam. I could be wrong, but it seems like a good possibility in light of the KL-AF merger and NW getting closer to DL. Other changes including new partnerships (i.e. Air Europa) seem to suggest this as well.

Best,

SDF_Traveler

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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin