ALL continental flights can accrue Northwest mileage credits and are upgradeable for Northwest elites. However, your Northwest Worldperks number MUST be in the reservation and you must be an elite member at the time. Also, your experience will vary as a silver elite. You're less likely to get that upgrade as a silver elite than as a gold or platinum.

Continental used to have the same deal with America West where all flights on America West could earn One Pass miles, but that deal is ending. Continental will NOT match your status with Northwest due to their partnership.

If you actually prefer America West and they can actually get you where you want to go, then by all means contact them. They will almost certainly match your status with Northwest. You'll need to mail or fax them a copy of your 2002 Silver elite card and a mileage statement showing that you've exceeded 25,000 flight miles this year.