I'm looking at a probable trip next week from DTW-LAS. I normally fly CO through Cleveland or IAH but the rates are extremely high. I'm used to paying between 250 and 500 for that flight every 4 weeks or so, but the fares next week (probably due to Easter) are well over 1,000 for economy. I never fly other airlines in the U.S. so I'm curious as to how I can fly a partner airline and still receive my Platinum Elite miles and upgrades.

Out of DTW Northwest is the big airline, so I found lower fares through them. If I book online on NW's site, and provide my FF# will I receive the Elite miles? What about upgrades? I know CO upgrades NW customers b/c I often meet them in First Class. But does NW do the same? Do they upgrade the same way or do CO Plats only get upgraded after all Elites on NW are upgraded?

The way it is worded on the website is a bit confusing- could anyone else shed some light on this for me? Many Thanks!

Yes, you will receive CO miles and yes, you will get upgraded if available. NW is a good CO partner and it works rather seamlessly. When you book on nwa.com, just provide your CO FF# and all will be good.

One bit to consider, since you've asked about elite miles, is that not all NW fares will generate 100% EQMs in the OnePass program. Flights booked in V/L/T/K will only earn 50% EQM credit and 0 EQPs. Otherwise you'll get all the same benefits, including EUA, RDMs, bonus RDMs, etc.

As far as the EUA process, CO elites and NW elites are intermingled for the upgrade process, so as a CO platinum you'll go before a NW gold, not after all the NW elites.

Also noteworthy is that when you enter your CO FF# into the NW website, it won't recognize your elite status until after you buy the ticket. This means you'll have to choose regular seats right at first, but you can go back a couple of minutes later and it will have picked up your skyteam elite status and let you take any premium seat incuding exit rows. Seats marked Coach choice can't be reserved by anyone until 24h before the flight at OLCI, Skyteam elites get them free, non elites have to pay for them.

You'll most likely get upgraded for the flight, NW is generally far easier to get upgraded on than CO. My status is on CO too, but my upgrade % on NW is still 100% to date. Keep checking your reservation starting about a week out to see if you've been EUA'd, this way you can avoid the bulkhead in first (if desired) and choose aisle or window.