You might want to post this question in both the NW and CO forum (and indicate that you did). There are highly charged opinions about NW and CO nowadays (including mine), and you should really hear all sides.

NW and CO are partners, and their programs are very similar.

Some notable differences include:

*CO allows elite qualification via segments or miles, NW miles only.
*NW has a more effective ":elite" phone line, CO merely gives you a seperate number that goes into the regular bank of operators.
*NW will process an elite upgrade for you if the automated system failed or missed you (and space is available), CO says "tough luck"
*CO serves food on most flights that had it prior to 9/11. NW cut back more severely.
*CO (for the most part) is flying newer aircraft.
*NW has done away with blackout dates on rewards, Co has not (but this is of arguably little benefit)

And, always consider that CO is run by "Gordo the liar" Bethune, who cut benefits from the One Pass program the same month that he was published in his inflight magazine saying that there will be no benefit cuts this year. He has never apologized nor owned the error. That's the kind of trust you can have in CO IMHO.


[This message has been edited by NJDavid (edited 03-19-2002).]