Thoughts

(Pun only slightly intended.)

As of my trip to Las Vegas early last month I have surpassed the number of miles needed to be flown to qualify for WorldPerks Silver Elite with Northwest Airlines. Even though it has been official since that trip, it was not until today that I can say that I am an actual card carrying member of the Elite program.

Fly 25,000 miles (or 30 qualifying segments) in one calendar year (January 1 - December 31) and you gain your Silver Elite status. For Gold Elite it is 50,000 miles or 60 segments. Platinum Elite is 75,000 or 100 segments. It is nice that even though 2005 is not over, they have grandfathered me into the Elite program which I will now keep until February 28, 2007. My status for 2007 is dependent upon solely my travel in 2006. So I need to keep flying or I will lose my status.

A few of the "Perks":
- 1.5 miles per mile flown. (Makes it easier to retain status)
- Unliminted complimentary first class upgrades (from coach seat)
- Priority reservations
- Select seating
- Priority check-in
- Priority boarding
- Priority reservation waitlisting (your name on top)
- Priority standby (priority over other passengers when on standby)

I look forward to the priority seating, but not as much as the complimentary upgrades. Though that is contingent upon there a) being open seats and b) not being anyone with a higher elite status who has priority over me. So now I sit and wait (im)patiently for the e-mail I will get in advance telling me I have been upgraded.