the major 2007 benefits enhancement will be a merger with DL.

He said 'automation' would be a big improvement. 4:1 says it's DL automated reciprocal upgrades.

Interesting idea. After all, there aren't a whole lot of areas in which NWA's automation could be improved. The only other WorldPerks-specific areas in which I could imagine improving their automation are:

• Better award travel search capabilities - more partner inventory, etc.
• Better, faster, or more predictable posting of miles from partners.

On a more general note, they could be working on better travel search capabilities overall - finding more partner inventory and allowing more than 2 connections in one direction, for example - which would benefit everyone, not just WorldPerks members.

But this would be far from the "exciting" improvements that RC promised us. I would consider these necessary improvements, as opposed to one that's exciting.

I agree they're necessary, but as a Hawaii resident who's been unable to pull up triple-connect itineraries from my home airport to Europe (e.g. ITO-HNL-MSP-AMS-EDI) or Africa (e.g. ITO-HNL-MSP-AMS-NBO), I would certainly be "excited" to be able to do so. :)

While I'd be jumping for joy if DL joined reciprocal EUA (simultaneously happy to not fly CO and their 50% airline) I'm somewhat doubtful. The topic tends to make their Elites here on Flyertalk see red. DL has learned to respect thier elites after the rebellion they staged a while back.

However, there is a LOT of opportunity for DL and NW to make automation improvements outside of reciprocal EUA. For instance it would be nice if DL automatically recognized NW Elites the way CO does (anyone had that wonderful experience trying to get Elite seating on DL). Barring reciprocal EUA perhaps they might consider reciprocal mileage upgrades or alike as well.

That's ironic... I thought all the acrimony regarding reciprocal UGs was by NWA elites. Funny if DL elites fear us as much as we fear them (overrunning the UG waitlist).

Yes, each airline's elites don't want the other's elites competing with them for FC cabins. Assuming no mergers for a moment (a big one but work with me (smile)), I just don't see an NW elite booking everything to Delta or vice versa. It will probably meet somewhere in the middle. One thing is for sure though IMHO, if it does goes through, if there is some debate now, there won't be any in the future. SkyTeam will be the superior alliance for domestic travel.

IF... and thats a big IF all the airlines play fair with their upgrades... we've seen alot of analysis concerning CO's games with the system...

Point taken and understood Zip. ^

Well if DL joined the reciprocal upgrade program I suspect CO will find itself marginalized for elite flyers. Right now for us when we can't fly NW its a choice between 100% EQM on DL and upgrades on CO. IF DL offered 100% EQM and Upgrades I know this flyer would quickly put CO as a firm 3rd choice.

Of course the other item out there is the persistent UA/CO rumor. Should that come to pass I suspect CO would probably be leaving Skyteam anyway (probably after having to pay NW off to void out the 'golden share').

My opinion is somewhat subjective since I don't have the time to go back with searches, etc. but I recall a much nastier reaction by DL Elites to the idea that NW elites. Again this is just opinion but I suspect the factors that would make DL elites less favorable to the idea are:

1. DL's FC to Y ratios are lower than ours.
2. DL elites have a lower Upgrade success ratio than us - from what I can tell their Silvers really are fighting for scraps.
3. DL's Plats are still smarting over losing free club access this year.
4. DL flyers are less likely to use NW than vice-versa for fear of experiencing NW's coach seating (I may like being a NW elite but NW's Coach is awful).

It would be nice if there was an easy way to search for award tix on CSA.

I've always had problems searching/booking flights with an overnight stay. There are other similar situations that NW's booking engine does not easily recognize. Although not strickly WP features, these are areas where the website could be enhanced.

The only good coach seats are the ones you see when you look back from your F seat :)

But I am definitely waiting on the 20-whatever.

Steve