Upgrade availability MSP-KOA
 

I'm going on a trip with Mrs TheViking to KOA early June, is there a way on NWA's web site I can check availability on flights with milage upgrade room prior to booking? I have to book this trip through a corporate travel agency, and I want to make sure I get them to book one with room up front.

Its my first time to KOA (second time to Hawaii) and I'm really looking forward to it.

Yes, on the nwa.com homepage, enter in the flight information as if you were goin to book your flights, check the "WorldPerks Mileage Upgrade" box and those flights listed as "First Class" are the flights that have space available. To see how many upgrade seats are available, just adjust the number of tickets to be purchased.

Upgrade chances and benefits vary on routing
 

There are three routing for MSP-KOA on NW:

1) MSP-HNL on A330, HNL-KOA on HA.
2) MSP-SEA on 757, SEA-OGG/KOA on 757.
3) MSP-(SEA/SFO/LAX/PDX) on 757, (SSLP)-HNL on 757, HNL-KOA on HA.

1: Most preferred travel method and best seat option. With WBC seating on the 330-300 series, you get the most comfortable seats, although upgrade on MSP HNL can be difficult. As Interisland portion is on HA, checking nwa.com for online availability may not be possible. You'll likely resort to calling for this option.

2: Not desirable but easiest to search nwa.com. As FC is the 757-300 version, its seats are not as comfortable as the A330 WBC seats. I wouldn't recommend it. Connection in SEA, then a stop in Maui where they refuel and clean aircraft before departing for KOA is also a bother.

3: Worst case scenario. Choose this option as a last resort. Double connection AND the 757 FC on NW metal. As Interisland portion is on HA, checking nwa.com for online availability may not be possible. You'll likely resort to calling for this option.

Jiburi

jiburi: I don't understand the statement "[a]s Interisland portion is on HA, checking nwa.com for online availability may not be possible." The OP can still check the upgrade availability for all NW flights on nwa.com. There's no hinderance there.

And just FWIW, NW mileage upgrades do not apply to HA flights.

Agreed. As you had indicated, NW mileage upgrades only apply to NW flights. I only meant that if the search was done just for MSP and KOA with " mileage upgrade option" checked, the resulting search only indicates option 2 flights through SEA. If OP wants the better option through HNL, he/she will want to add HA flight option after checking MSP-HNL direct flights.

With expert Slippahs, we're in good hands.

Jiburi

PS: Knowing Slippahs had responded earlier, I wasn't going to respond to this thread, but did so just to highlight that 330 service, in my opinion, trumps the 757 experience....which was my original intent of the message.

I see. Mea culpa, I think I misunderstood you there. But yes, your 333 < 753 < 764 analysis is spot on, IMHO.

Thanks for all the help! My preference was certainly to fly MSP-HNL-KOA but from a first glance at NWA.com in order to secure a first class upgrade on that segment, it appears I need to book B class tickets which is more than I am willing to pay ;)

So I'll have to look for less desirable options, as I'd prefer first class on a 757 to coach on a A330, but I'll take coach on an A330 over a coach on a 757 any day ;)

It wasn't my ideal itinerary, but it worked out well (since I got 1st class both ways ,and the tickets weren't pricey)

MSP->PDX->HNL on NW217 connecting to HA 248 to KOA

returning KOA->SEA->MSP on NW804.

Its 757-300 the entire way from what I can see, so I grabbed 1A-1B for me and the wife, thats my favorite seats on the 757s. A bit bummed I couldn't get the A330 and the WBC seating, but availability on those wasn't easy to get, so I settled - but I'm happy :)