I received an e-mail from NW a couple of days ago giving me comp status as of 5/15. I need to go from BOS-MSP on 5/14, and I was ticketed on Delta, but I would rather not connect, so I called Northwest.

They would not give me the comp status on the 14th, even though I told them that I was currently ticketed on Delta and would rather fly direct on Northwest. They also would not assign me coach seats - they said I needed to do it at the airport, even though I could see seats available on ITN.

I wasn't thrilled with the way the call went, given the fact that they're trying to get me to fly them more. Does anyone know who could I call about the status one day early?

Also - If I am Silver, when can I upgrade the flight?

Thanks for your help.

You can upgrade one day before the flight, if it is not done automatically.

I think your best bet is to shmooze 'em up at the airport on 5/14 (I'm really looking forward to being an elite flyer on NW...is there any way I could get a preview of what to look forward to...etc.). I too am a DL defector (PM) and have been happy overall with NW - especially domestic upgrades and electronic notification of upgrades via e mail. No more LUser fare griping!

gpension-

I'm surprised they wouldn't comp you a day earlier. I'd call WorldPerks and see if you can get that comp moved forward a day. If you get a no, I'd hang up and try again, you can get different answers from differrent people at WP. If that doesn't work, I agree pretty much with remedy. Take the e-mail with you and try to sweet-talk your way on with the gate agent.

As FYI, I was recently told by a NW gate agent that they were being monitored very closely on unwarranted upgrades to FC. She didn't assign a FC seat to my second companion (had wife & daughter as Gold) but she asked FA to move one person so we were all in FC (very empty flight). If she says her hands are tied, but there's room in FC, ask if there are any Gold or Platinum travelling on the flight, and maybe you could ask one of them to make you their companion upgrade on the flight. Explain your situation to them- I know I'd do it in those circumstances.

One final piece of advice, even if you can't get them to assign the seat now, you don't have to wait until the airport. Go to NWA.com and do online check-in 24 hours in advance. You can select your seat on the spot (plus get 2000 miles bonus if you sign up for this promotion: http://www.nwa.com/offers/echeckin/).

Thanks for the replys. I decided to book it on Delta since I probably won't be flying NW again this year and the flights were so packed in coach that if I didn't get upgraded I'd be in a middle seat in the back of the plane.

Did you happen to buy a Y fare by any chance?

If so then a Y fare is upgradeable at ticket purchase time.

My mom is only a silver and has been flying ex DCA, BWI to the midwest and is 16 for 16 on upgrades this year. On NW even Silvers have a chance. Plus, when you are Elite, they pre-block the first several rows in coach or help get you an exit row.