My 2 cents worth...
 

I was (surprise) traveling yesterday and was catching bits of the thread before I left the hotel/in the airport/in the WC and now catching up today.
So, IMHO, this is flat out great, no wait, I mean exciting! So here are my thoughts on the whole thing:
1. Truely exciting news for Elites and those that will become elites. Yes, the "exciting" word is part of the culture of this forum, so it's great to use when it really is exciting.
2. When the survey from Inside Flyer was being conducted a few weeks ago, the number one wish was SWU's. Done. Randy, your survey is obsolete! :p
3. I know a few associates that stop NW travel at 25k, 50k, or 75k (as well as some of you have mentioned it) and qualify on a different program before the year is out. This has got to definitely entice them to stay w/ NWA. Translation; Rev$ Pax at often good rates.
4. Putting the package together...and NO...I am not a shill for NW...but: we've all stuck w/ NW because of the magic 3 words (Unlimited Domestic Upgrades). Looking at the positive plans of the last year include; ordering regional jets w/ 2-class service to replace the beloved Avro, a snack basket in 1st even on shorter flights. Actions include a (modified) roll back of the "c/roach choice", an attempt at the elite red rug, and of course, pre - preboarding of Ft'ers on the last DC-10 flight. What's that mean? Loyal elite pax, and I have to believe more rev pax from those of use striving for an elite level and a promo level. Result; possibly one of the best FF programs in the industry....(Randy, when does the voting start????:cool: ).....which leads to rev pax AND a healthy exit from BK. Again, just my opinion.

About the time the BK was filed, I was figuring out how to burn miles and which Skyteam (or non-skyteam) partner to qual on. Now, for once, I'm thinking NW may possibly have put the right package together to push themselves over the hump for exit.

Again, just my 2 cents worth on the announcement. Yes, I realize it's a "promo" but it's also testing the waters for them... Let's prove to them it's a keeper!!!

My flights are mostly INT and in the Asia Region and CO have flights to all those cities and I have at least 7 trips to that area this year. That's the only reason I want to switch over to CO.

Last year I had 2 flights to HKG and both of those flights I received 50% EQM which sucks. I know it also have to do with which fare I bought, but that's not up to me.

Don't get me wrong, I had no problem flyings NW and I flew them many times before. It just my new role most of my flights are in CO areas.

Yes, NW does limit C availability compared to it's equivalent at AA or UA, in my experience. Still, it's pretty reasonable.

The three negatives are:
1) no waitlist
2) Cannot be done within 48 hours of flight
3) The SWU's are considered used when a ticket is upgraded, not when you fly. So if you have to change or cancel your flight -- you lose it.

It's a great perk, but it won't pull my ~150-160k EQM back from AA.

Steve

You've found what works for you... thats great! I will pass along your suggestions to WorldPerks. The waitlist issue is a big sore spot with me as well...

OK, I give up. I am having trouble thinking of places that CO flies in Asia that NW does not. Unless you mean those Micronesia islands that CO has a monopoly on! Please explain further.

And you are right....2 trips to HKG on CO at 50% EQM cost you about 20,000 EQM's. That's almost enough to make the difference between a 90,000 Award and a 120,000 Award in the new promotion! You might not want to make that same mistake again this year when it really matters!!

The only time that I chose the 50% EQM on CO was on a trip to South America, where NW does not fly. The choice was DL and 100% EQM with no upgrades, or CO and 50% EQM with almost a guaranteed upgrade. I thought long and hard about it, and opted for CO since I really wanted the upgrades for the 8 hours flights and did not need any more EQM's at that time. But this year it will be a different story! Now it is all about scoring as many EQM's as possible over the 75,000 level!!!

I agree that this is truly an "exciting" development and I am not sure that I believe it has truly applied to any other topic since becoming a member.

I flew >200k EQM last year with a mix of Domestic, Europe and Asia travel. My company pays for Biz for Asia but not Europe and I certainly don't pay for Biz for personal travel so the SWUs will comt in handy!

My only disappointment (other than they could always increase rewards at every level, of course) is that there is really nothing of any significant value for the high mileage traveller at 60k. I don't need the EQM, if I really want to enter the sweepstakes I can do so for the cost of postage so the 10 entries is only worth maybe $6.00 including envelopes. I am already a WC member so that only leaves the $50 Marriott coupon. And that requires a 2 night stay with reservations made through a special number (so probably not very good rates). I would like to see the option of a WP mileage bonus at the 1st level as well. Easy for NW to do and at least gives something of universal value.

I am also a little bit confused about whether or not an SWU can be used for HI or not. Since it requires booking into C, I guess not AND would explain the reason for a special HI upgrade. But it would be good for them to clarify better in the T&Cs so those people that don't have knowledge equal or superior to the average NW Ticket agent (like so many people here) can understand!

SO.... overall I am actually excited about it. HUGE improvement over Platinum Points where I will not get to the 600 pt level.

Isn't this the point of a promotion?

It appears we finally have a promotion that will do what a promotion is supposed to do... retain and encourage existing and (potentially) new customer. The past promotions were starting to be yawners, if not downright insulting. Miles Safari was not as good as 100,000 Mile Dash. And what's with this 5000 RDM bonus for flying TATL... in Q+ fare. We're starting to see TATL promotinos for V-fare travel, promotions that work with K-fares, and promotions based on EQM, not $. Some of us can't afford YUP fares, but still like to travel... and heaven forbid we don't mind, or even prefer, NW.

So keep these promotions coming!

Steve B.

I'm confused...
 

If I understand the extra perks promotion correctly, you get two SWUs after flying 120,000 EQMs.

This is what's got everyone in such a flurry of excitement? TWO SWUs? Which you have to fly 120K miles for??

Doesn't UA give a lot more than two (and after only 100K miles)?

Hell, even JAL gives more SWUs than this (and for fewer miles).

Am I the only one who finds this a bit underwhelming?

:confused:

Actually you get 2 at 120 and 2 more at 160. Yes, not as generous as UA relative to SWU's but UA does not give you unlimited free domestic upgrades for you and a companion. The combination is what is "exciting". I spend more seat time in the US so I am always up front and it is automatic. I also travel 150k+ EQM's so my Int travel will now be exclusively on NW. It's all about what works for you but in my opinion NW has the best all-around program now, hands down. (for me;))

I agree. 75k for Plat qualification + 85k more for 4 swu's (thats like 4 rt's to singapore in coach) UA and AA have a better program for swu's. I think once all the hoopla is over, most people will realize just how far 160k really is. (3077 miles per week, every week for a year) Most NW flyers are scrambling at years end to make their 75K.

as far as avidflyers comment about "free UGs, and companion UGs too." UAs UGs are free too. For someone that flys 160k a year. UA would give you "free"
8 swu's, 8 CR-1s, and 64 500 milers for UGs. You would have enough UGs to basically be UGed on all(including Intl) your flights. (your companion too) Plus on NW your UGs are on all dc9 319 320 and 757. On UA you can UG in US on many 767s and 777s with 55 inches of pitch and better food. Mark my words; come NOV all this "excitement" will turn into wow, 5 more MRs and I'll make 120k, 160k is just too much. ;)

I agree that it is possible to get upgraded on every flight (dom) with UA but I found as a 1K that I was lucky to get to 75%. That is in-fact why I left. I remember it well, I got to the ticket counter at MHT, was told I actually could have the upgrade, then found out I was 1 500 miler short. Had to buy a book of 4 ($200 I think) right then and decided to see what NW had to offer. I have been here ever since with the exception of bleeding down miles from my account, mostly Int flights. It really does depend on your travel paterns but for me this works well. I will get to 160 this year (would actually rather not but I have no choice ;)) so 4 freebies in WBC is huge for me. I may even still buy a B fare and use mile in one diection and an SWU in the other.

I don't work for a company that spends money in this way, so I can't relate, I guess.

I agree but you are one of few that do the 160k so it works for you. My time as plat with NW gave me 100% UGs. Last year on UA I was 100% This year I have a flight mco-sin feb 12 and was UGed both ways with 2 swu's. for 960 bucks NWs mileage ug on the same trip is double that. BTW flying out of manchester isnt really a good barometer for UGs :D

anyone else unable to register for this promo? when i try it says:

" Member does not meet eligibility criteria listed below and may not register for this promotion."

i am platinum and registered to receive NWA emails. any ideas?

Suggest that you call them.