Just to check the water, I e-mailed Beth Shultis at NWA with my concerns about International upgrades from ALL fares. Her answer, to my question about any program changes coming in this area in 2003..."In regards to upgrades on all international fares, that's a tough one. We, like many airlines, do limit what type of international fares are eligible for mileage upgrades. We do this to manage demand for these seats as then are a limited commodity and to avoid fare dilution risk. At this point we do not plan to change this aspect of the program."

Do any of you NWA "insiders" put any hope into the "at this point" qualifier, or should I get back on my white horse and head for AA? ...and what the heck is "fare dilution risk!?!"