I tried to work out a deal with NW to PAY the difference between either two discounted WBC seats (at around $1800 each) or a coach fare that would allow me to use miles for an upgrade. It all three attempts to "negotiate" this, I was advised that I would need to pay a $300 change fee for each ticket, and the difference between my $675 and a $2700 fare - a total about $4600 (!!). I know my ultra low fare that attracted me into taking Mrs. Remedy with me on this trip does not qualify me for any upgrades, but it seems with the current (as of today) interest in selling really cheap coach AND business class seats, it would really make sense to provide a better deal for a Platinum WP flyer - particularly if there are seats available. This might be a good Platinum perk if they are still interested in further differenting it from Gold.

Charging the change fee to upgrade a ticket is actually something relatively recent (they slipped this in last year).

When a customer wants to pay the difference between a lower fare and a higher fare (to qualify for WBC upgrades or date flexibility), it makes NO BUSINESS SENSE whatsoever to nickel & dime a change fee (or in this case, $100 to $300). NWA is losing out on real revenue with this policy because customers who want to upgrade to higher fare basis tickets are going to be super ticked off to have to pay the additional change fee.

This shouldn't even be thought of as a possible "perk" for elites, they should get rid of the change fee for upgrading tickets for everyone, period.

I wrote a letter to Customer Relations about this a couple months ago.

A slightly different twist. Got booked in World business on an upgrade with miles by the CO Gold Elite desk 2 days ago. Lax-bKK round trip in july flights 1 and 2.the stated fare was 1365 dollars.
When I called back yesterday to purchase and get the mles deducted the agent said she "had to" re-price it as the first agent had made a mistake. Only y, b, and m fares are eligible for upgrade. Well, it was their mistake , arent they obligated to honor their commitment. this may belong on Continentals board. i am infuriated with the gold Elite desk on Continental. She said that northwest would not have allowed me to board in first class with that ticket. sounds like hogwash. The new fare was 2000 dollars. I canceled the res - and made other arrangements .their loss, I guess.