"If your membership expires, a $50 initiation fee will apply to reinstate your membership. WorldPerks Elite members receive a one-time initiation fee waiver and also receive exclusive membership discounts, based on status. Fees and policies subject to change without notice."

"*Initiation fee is waived for WorldPerks Elite members. This fee will be required to reinstate a membership that has lapsed."

I really didn't pay attention when I renewed, but I think if your membership lapses, as an elite, you still have to pay the $50 fee again... That's how I read the above statements found here: http://www.nwa.com/services/bustrav/...bs/memru.shtml

However, I think that $50 perhaps is discretionary if doing it in person