What is the first upgrade you get when you
are in bronze status and is it good for any
fare?

Well, first of all, there is no longer a Bronze level. That level is now Silver, with the qualification raised to 25k miles or 30? segments. With that level, you get unlimited day of travel upgrades on CO & HP, and four confirmed upgrade certificates on NW, with 4 additional certificates issued with each 10k miles flown. The upgrades are valid on any paid fare, but I have heard of cases where agents will sometimes upgrade non-rev passengers that are elite members if there is still space up front.

Regards,
RChavez

The four confirmed upgrades for NW: are these confirmed 24 hours prior to departure or can they be confirmed at ticketing? Thank you

I believe they are confirmable beginning 12:01 am on the day of travel, but I could be mistaken as I have never used them.

Regards,
RChavez

This may be a stupid question, but please
indulge me-why would continental give me
4 upgrades for NW, and why would I want them
if I am flying on Continental?

chauming,

Northwest is a Alliance partner with Continental. This means any time you fly Northwest, you can have your miles and segments credited to your Onepass account. (As opposed to a NW account if you have one)These miles also count towards elite status, and you earn elite bonuses and class of service bonuses as well. The reason you get the certificates from Northwest is since they are in the alliance with Continental, your elite priviliges extend to NW as well, but NW currently requires certificates whereas CO has gone completely ticketless. (Keep in mind that America West and Alaska Airlines are also part of the alliance) You can find most of this in your elite membership guide or at: www.onepass.com

Hope this helps.

Not really a stupid Question, last year Northwest bought a controlling interest in Continental Airlines, this explains the intergration of the CO and NW frequent flyer programs. (And relates to the CO and America West relationship since CO owns a portion of HP) See press release: www.continental.com/corporate/press/1998/1998-11-20-02.asp

[This message has been edited by Old Gold (edited 04-24-99).]

I guess that the situation with NW and Continental
is answered. What I am not clear about is whether
these unlimited upgrades are good for any
fare or only a certain type of coach ticket?

The upgrades are good on any published, paid fare. I do not think they are valid on tickets purchased when using a $99 companion fare though. But, it's always worth a shot.

Regards,
RChavez

MilesAndPoints,

You mention the Alaska alliance. However, I've been unable to confirm to date whether or not Alaska permits you to do Elite upgrades.

At the moment, the argument is a bit moot, as I'm also an Alaska MVP, but I want to make sure I pool my miles appropriately. Do you know for sure if Alaska will let you do an upgrade if you're a OnePass elite? If so, what's the procedure?

I don't believe you get elite upgrades - their press release doesn't say anything about that.

For more info on the Continental/Alaska alliance see:

http://www.onepass.com/newpart.htm#Codeshare

http://www.continental.com/corporate/press/1999/1999-04-08-02.asp

Although - on the flights that are codeshares, and if they are ticketed as CO, but flown by Alaska, theoritically should be able to get upgrades since it is a Continental flight. Not sure though...