I did come up with one possibility that would be a plus. Perhaps they, and Continental, are planning to use those Transatlantic WBC seats as part of the new benefit package for elites for the year 2000. DO you think they could be that wise? http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Possibly, but it reminds me of my son explaining to our friends/business associates that "Santa must be pretty rich 'cause of the great ($100.) seats he gives him for MSG to see the Knicks and Rangers!"

Thanks for all the responses. I took the advice of several of you and sent a snailmail letter to John Dasburg and an email to the WorldPerks service center. I haven't heard anything from Mr. Dasburg, but I did get an email back from the service center. Basically it repeated the same thing they have on their web page. But they did add one interesting tidbit: "...World Business Class are no longer available from TransAtlantic coach fares beginning with the letter V, Q, H and M. This would be for European travel. The other areas, India, Middle East and Africa would not be effected by this." So, apparently you can still upgrade transatlantic - as long as you are continuing on to India, the Middle East or Africa!

I don't know. Maybe NW is going to put in business/first type of class for flights to Europe, i.e, matching up with CO. Thus more restrictive. Would make this new measure more sufferable. Well...

Of course, NW would surely improve its b class service with these restrictive measures (?)--let's just hope they don't attempt to copy CO's "30-day maybe or maybe not" upgrade policy.

My intuition is that there's got to be something else going on...let's hope so.

As many of you know, I have been NWA's cheerleader on this board. NWA has done many things for me which are above and beyond the call of duty. Individual and important NWA people know what I'm talking about.

However, I endured (1)OBNOXIOUS behavior by NWA personnel @DTW during April-August 1998 pre strike, (2) the Infamous Jan 2, 1999 DTW snowstorm upon arrival on the LAX redeye, after I had pleaded with NWA ground, goldline & worldperks people to let me take the LAX/MSP redeye - denied because I was ticketed to leave on 1/1/99 and the MSP redeye left on 1/2/99, a blackout date for perks travel.

I could have switched my allegiance to several other carriers in early 1999, but decided to stick with NWA because of the elite benefits, my flying pattern and the Alaska Air partnership.

Specifically, I have accumulated mucho miles in my ac intending to use them as I have in the past - (1)Free 1class to Japan and (2)low fare coach ticket to LGW and 40M upgrade to World Business Class.

I THINK THAT I SHOULD BE ABLE TO USE MY MILES ACCUMULATED PRIOR TO THE 10/7/99 MANIFESTO AND THOSE I WILL EARN ON MANY FUTURE TIX PURCHASED 9/99 FOR 10/99-12/99 ACCORDING TO THE PRIOR SYSTEM.

Any similar or dissenting views FTers?

There actually is some precedent for such an action as you suggest by NW, considering that years ago, many carriers including UA considered earlier/former equity miles from the pre Mileage bank stuff as "special," in that you could upgrade with any fare etc using these miles only! It helped to take away some of the sting and mitigate the changes for their then current elite flyers.

Doc- Thanks much for your comment.

The big question for me is WHERE'S MJW? In hiding?



[This message has been edited by knowitall (edited 10-19-1999).]

I'm speculating here, and a bit sanguine, perhaps.

Maybe there has been no response because the rationale for the changes (e.g., upgrade restrictions) are tied to some new benefits that cannot be announced yet. Hoping.

(Hmmmmmm, I can think of very few persons who would choose NW's business class at this point...)

Please see my e-mail posted separately. Make sure that if you have a problem with this change that you contact Northwest directly. Send a note to John Dasburg (CEO), Rick Dow, VP of Marketing and Worldperks or Raymond Vecchi, Ex. VP Customer Service.

Particularly if you are a elite memeber, Rick Dow can be called directly at (612)726-3910.

Because programs link current year travel with the following year's elite status and benefits, they should be required to give 2 years notice of any program changes, IMHO.

Absolutely! But to get not even a year?

[This message has been edited by doc (edited 10-19-1999).]

Looks like most FTers have given up on this issue & MJW has strategically disappeared, I have made a very significant NWA contact and will report asap on the results of my discussion.

[This message has been edited by knowitall (edited 10-25-1999).]

Yesterday I had a very good phone discussion with a top NWA honcho who I choose not to name.

The problem is REVENUE losses. Specifically:
1-Nearly every other airline does not permit European upgrades from low coach fares. NWA was taking a beating.

2-For example, today you can buy coach ORD/LGW for $350+ & BusClass for $5700; under the old system you could upgrade to WBC for 40M miles. Also today, coach ORD/NRT is $1200 and BusClass is $5600 & you can upgrade to WBC for 50M miles. Thus you can see that NWA was getting nearly 4x CASH revenue on the Tokyo upgrades to WBC vs London upgrades, while requiring similar miles, for the same $5600-$5700 value ticket.
I think you will have to spend in the $700+ area ORD/LGW to get a 40M WBC upgrade.

3-I mentioned all of my concerns - the abrupt announcement - desire to use miles earned prior to 10/99 under the old system - possibly extend the last flying date under the old system to 3/31/00 - possible coupons for Gold/Platinum elites allowing 2 annual roundtrip upgrades at lower fares.

4-I was told that top management is revisiting the issue & that perhaps some sort of "middle ground" will result. In the meantime, I feel that I/we have had the ear at the necessary NWA executive officer level & that we should await further communication from NWA.

[This message has been edited by knowitall (edited 10-27-1999).]

the revenue loss argument is fine but they could at least come up with a more reasonable / fair solution for loyal custoemrs. whom NW desperately need to retain.

also, NW WBC isn't that good if compared to the top airlines which restrict their upgrade classes.

well hopefully managment does revisit the issue as you mentioned and come up with this "middle ground"

thnaks for trying!

Legally you don't have much recourse, as the term and conditions of Worldperks clearly states:

"The WorldPerks program, awards, tickets and cities served are subject to change without notice by Northwest. Northwest assumes no liability for these changes."

Continental, on the other hand, has a 60 notice clause in their program.

You could always vote with you feet.