Report your Successes and Failures with the new Platinum SWUs on NW/KL
Feb 27, 2009, 12:13 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere but home
Programs: UA 1K/MM, DL GM/MM, HH Dia, PC Plat, MR Gold, ALL Sil,
Posts: 4,558
Report your Successes and Failures with the new Platinum SWUs on NW/KL
The 2009 Platinum Elite upgrade certificates are being issued this week, and a few FT'ers have already reported success using them on flights to/from Hawaii. Please post your successes and failures with using these certificates. In your post, I suggest you include your flight segments (as many as you feel comfortable sharing), month of travel, purchased fare class, and success/failure, as well as any other details you'd like to share (such as ease/difficulty with redemption).
Feb 28, 2009, 3:06 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Minneapolis
Programs: DELTA
Posts: 1,599
Snagged Two WBC Seats on NW 624 (HNL-MSP) Using My P503's
I'm taking the wife to Kona, Hawaii in the fall. I decided to go MSP-HNL-KOA so we could "luxuriate" in those WBC seats on the A330. I snagged two WBC seats on NW 624 HNL-MSP using my PU503's (on the same day I received them). I purchased Coach V Fare tickets and was able to snag these two seats. No seats in R Class on the outbound MSP-HNL on NW 625 yet; I'll be watching the R class availability closely as our trip date approaches. 
-A
-A
Feb 28, 2009, 10:08 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: MKE
Programs: DL Platinum; Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 1,119
Just booked MKE-PEK in April with an M fare of $1802 (cheapest coach would have half that price). I was able to get my preferred routing through DTW on the way out, but could not get it coming back -- though in reality the return given me is faster through MSP, but I get fewer miles. No problems at all. The agent said that I was second person that she had handled with the new upgrades -- she said that she had had to read through all the rules with the first person, but with me she was quick and efficient. Excellent service. I was going to make this trip in coach, but for the relatively little extra $$ to get the extra miles and the comfort it was a no brainer to me.
Feb 28, 2009, 10:38 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: You have to ask?
Programs: AA EXP 2MM
Posts: 1,102
Some of these have already been discussed in the original thread. For example:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/north...l#post11334681
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/north...l#post11334681
Feb 28, 2009, 8:18 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere but home
Programs: UA 1K/MM, DL GM/MM, HH Dia, PC Plat, MR Gold, ALL Sil,
Posts: 4,558
Failure to upgrade on M class in July BKK-NRT-LAX-DTW
I just tried to use one of these on BKK-NRT-LAX-DTW. The upgrade class U is available on NRT-LAX and R class is available LAX-DTW, but the NW agent said I could not use the SWU unless U/R class was available on all segments. Hard to believe -- I would be happy upgrading just NRT-LAX-DTW but the agent said to do this, I would have to cancel my ticket and book two tickets (BKK-NRT and NRT-DTW), which was very costly. 
Feb 28, 2009, 8:35 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,369
I just tried to use one of these on BKK-NRT-LAX-DTW. The upgrade class U is available on NRT-LAX and R class is available LAX-DTW, but the NW agent said I could not use the SWU unless U/R class was available on all segments. Hard to believe -- I would be happy upgrading just NRT-LAX-DTW but the agent said to do this, I would have to cancel my ticket and book two tickets (BKK-NRT and NRT-DTW), which was very costly.
I do not believe the entire itinerary needs upgrade space for you to use an SWU. There's really no reason why they would process these any differently than a mileage upgrade. I've used miles in the past to upgrade BKK-NRT-SEA where NRT-SEA was the only available portion. Still cost the same amount of miles.
-RM
Mar 1, 2009, 11:36 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: NYC, ROC, HNL, PEN, BKK, KUL, SIN (check out http://my.flightmemory.com/kkua)
Programs: DL Diamond charter member; 2 million miler (45% from NWA, 2MM achieved 5/2018)
Posts: 682
Anybody know if these certs are a substitute for Hawaii residents? In the past, we get upgrade certs for Hawaii-USA mainland, upgradable 7 days out.
The current upgrade certificates, PU503, are rather restrictive to international travellers (better usage out of the SWU's earned from the 120K EQM threshold, PU465). The way I see it, these upgrade certificates are just a mileage-upgrade substitute. It's a quick fix to increase revenue by requiring travellers purchasing higher fares.
*sigh* I miss the old NW program.
The current upgrade certificates, PU503, are rather restrictive to international travellers (better usage out of the SWU's earned from the 120K EQM threshold, PU465). The way I see it, these upgrade certificates are just a mileage-upgrade substitute. It's a quick fix to increase revenue by requiring travellers purchasing higher fares.
*sigh* I miss the old NW program.
Mar 1, 2009, 12:41 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: LHR
Programs: Ex-NWA Plat
Posts: 1,485
Are these certs applicable for Europe-India flights? Does anyone have experiences to share before I call up the Plat line to inquire?
Mar 1, 2009, 3:25 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,369
Anybody know if these certs are a substitute for Hawaii residents? In the past, we get upgrade certs for Hawaii-USA mainland, upgradable 7 days out.
The current upgrade certificates, PU503, are rather restrictive to international travellers (better usage out of the SWU's earned from the 120K EQM threshold, PU465). The way I see it, these upgrade certificates are just a mileage-upgrade substitute. It's a quick fix to increase revenue by requiring travellers purchasing higher fares.
*sigh* I miss the old NW program.
The current upgrade certificates, PU503, are rather restrictive to international travellers (better usage out of the SWU's earned from the 120K EQM threshold, PU465). The way I see it, these upgrade certificates are just a mileage-upgrade substitute. It's a quick fix to increase revenue by requiring travellers purchasing higher fares.
*sigh* I miss the old NW program.
From the T&C:
Valid for use on international one-way travel on published fares to/from Europe. Japan, Asia and Micronesia are valid via Northwest's transpacific flights only.
KLM: KLM designated and operated flights are only permitted on flights between the U.S. and Europe, India, Africa and the Middle East.
That says to me if you want to use them on KL flights that you have to originate in the US or be going to the US. It also says that if you want to use them to Asia you must be on NW TransPac flights; in other words, AMS-BKK/NRT/ICN, etc. is not valid on KL.
You can always call and ask the agent. It doesn't hurt.
-RM
Mar 1, 2009, 3:28 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: LHR
Programs: Ex-NWA Plat
Posts: 1,485
Thanks Rob, had missed that one...
Mar 1, 2009, 6:38 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: MT - China
Programs: DL-DM
Posts: 27
Got my upgrades today.
Was able to upgrade NRT-SEA on my outbound in mid March, but no seats available yet on return from SEA-NRT. Return is toward the end of March, so will try back later.
Was able to upgrade NRT-SEA on my outbound in mid March, but no seats available yet on return from SEA-NRT. Return is toward the end of March, so will try back later.
Mar 1, 2009, 7:09 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: NYC, ROC, HNL, PEN, BKK, KUL, SIN (check out http://my.flightmemory.com/kkua)
Programs: DL Diamond charter member; 2 million miler (45% from NWA, 2MM achieved 5/2018)
Posts: 682
Sorry RobOnLI, I didn't understand since I've been away from this forum for over 3 months. I know the PU465 vs the PU503 discussion; however, does anybody know if this is going to replace the PU464 Hawaii-mainland upgrades or will Hawaiian residents get an additional set?
Regards,
KK
Mar 4, 2009, 2:24 am
#13
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Minneapolis
Programs: DELTA
Posts: 1,599
Bapri-Bap!
-A (a.k.a "Kamchor")
Last edited by Poopdeck90210; Mar 4, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Mar 4, 2009, 4:43 am
#14
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: DTW
Programs: DL 0.22 MM, AA 0.34 MM, PC Plat Amb, Hertz #1 GC 5*
Posts: 7,511
I just tried to use one of these on BKK-NRT-LAX-DTW. The upgrade class U is available on NRT-LAX and R class is available LAX-DTW, but the NW agent said I could not use the SWU unless U/R class was available on all segments. Hard to believe -- I would be happy upgrading just NRT-LAX-DTW but the agent said to do this, I would have to cancel my ticket and book two tickets (BKK-NRT and NRT-DTW), which was very costly.
If you are required to have availability for all segments in one direction, this make it near impossible, especially if you're on 3 or 4 segment routing.
Mar 4, 2009, 7:44 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere but home
Programs: UA 1K/MM, DL GM/MM, HH Dia, PC Plat, MR Gold, ALL Sil,
Posts: 4,558
This would make sense if this were a single flight number (same thing, at one time, with domestic EUAs?). Is it a single flight number?
If you are required to have availability for all segments in one direction, this make it near impossible, especially if you're on 3 or 4 segment routing.
If you are required to have availability for all segments in one direction, this make it near impossible, especially if you're on 3 or 4 segment routing.
Dear FlytheTail,
Thank you for your recent e-mail.
When reservations checks for upgrade space, they need to view your point
of origin to destination for availability and then upgrade you based on
the inventory available. Individual segments are not viewed for the
upgrade space.
Thank you for choosing Northwest, KLM, Delta and our SkyTeam Alliance
airlines. We value your patronage and consider it a privilege to serve
your travel needs.
Sincerely,
-omitted-
Executive Staff Assistant
Northwest Airlines
So, I guess it's all or nothing?!?! When I get back to the US in a few weeks, I guess I'll try again. A real bummer.
Thank you for your recent e-mail.
When reservations checks for upgrade space, they need to view your point
of origin to destination for availability and then upgrade you based on
the inventory available. Individual segments are not viewed for the
upgrade space.
Thank you for choosing Northwest, KLM, Delta and our SkyTeam Alliance
airlines. We value your patronage and consider it a privilege to serve
your travel needs.
Sincerely,
-omitted-
Executive Staff Assistant
Northwest Airlines