Northwest to elite members: Drop dead

First time here? Check out the site's "greatest hits" or read a random post from the archives. Feel free to ask a question, and consider subscribing to the latest posts via RSS or e-mail. Thanks for visiting!

Beginning today, Northwest Airlines will start selling the exit row seats and “select” aisle seats for $15. This charge will apparently also apply to WorldPerks Elite members.

The fact that the airline, struggling in bankruptcy, is trying to monetize its better seats is hardly surprising. United has been selling upgrades to Economy Plus for some time, and other airlines around the world are charging fees for everything from cold beverages to pillows.

But the fact that Northwest is charging this fee to its elite members is a slap in the face to those flyers who have shown loyalty to the airline. Thanks for flying, now give us more money.

3 Responses to “Northwest to elite members: Drop dead”

  1. Upgrade: Travel Better » Blog Archive » Debating the value of elite status says:

    […] While he is right that elite status on the major airlines is not the same today as it was even five years ago, it’s still a heck of a lot better than being a general member. My Star Alliance Gold status still gets me access to nice lounges around the globe, ability to reserve the better economy seats (without a fee a la Northwest), higher baggage allowances, faster check-in, and shorter waits at security lines. (Not to mention the bonus miles, which he says he can’t use.) […]

  2. Finding decent seats without paying the extra fee » Upgrade: Travel Better says:

    […] subscribing to the latest posts via RSS or e-mail. Thanks for visiting!I was thinking more about Northwest’s new policy of charging for exit row seats and “prime” aisle […]

  3. Bad ideas go viral: US Airways starts charging for aisle and window seats » Upgrade: Travel Better says:

    […] don’t forget that this isn’t a new idea. Sure, when Northwest did this two years ago I expressed my disdain. But that was two years ago. We’re all more jaded now, so I’ll just sigh in […]

Leave a Reply

About | Contact | RSS Feed / Subscribe
Support this Site | Policies | Greatest Hits
In the News