NORTHWEST ELIMINATES FREQUENT FLIER BLACKOUT DATES

Northwest Airlines today announced that it is eliminating blackout dates for WorldPerks award travel as part of an array of changes unveiled to enhance and simplify its frequent flier programme, adding new programme options and greater recognition of its customers' loyalty.

With today's announcement, Northwest's WorldPerks programme is the U.S. airline industry's first mileage-based frequent flier programme to eliminate blackout dates for award travel. Like all mileage-based loyalty programmes, WorldPerks previously had certain travel "blackout" dates, or specific high-demand travel dates, where customers were restricted from using their frequent flier miles for award travel. The elimination of blackout dates applies to award travel on flights operated by Northwest Airlines or Northwest Airlink booked after March 1, 2002.

"The exciting WorldPerks changes being announced today will simplify the programme for our members and at the same time provide new value and benefits," said Beth Shultis, vice president marketing programmes. "As WorldPerks evolves with our members' changing needs and travel habits, we've fashioned a programme that is easier to navigate for both our customers and the employees who serve them."

Northwest stated that while blackout dates are being eliminated, limited inventory will be available during peak travel periods. "We feel it is important for us to be candid about the availability of award seats during peak times of the year or to the most popular destinations," Shultis continued. "Finding award seats to prime destinations at peak travel periods is always challenging. It requires flexibility regarding travel dates and schedules, and sometimes using our "RuleBuster(SM)" option as a way to secure space on high demand flight itineraries." The carrier provided two suggestions to customers looking for award seats:

* Search for more than one date. nwa.com/asia, Northwest's Web site, makes it easy for customers to find WorldPerks award inventory. A recent enhancement makes it possible to search for award space over a seven-day travel window.

* Use the RuleBuster option. If award space is not available for the desired date or time, and alternate travel dates, times or airports are not an option, WorldPerks' RuleBuster option is an alternative that allows customers to bypass all inventory restrictions by redeeming twice as many miles.

OTHER PROGRAMME ENHANCEMENTS ANNOUNCED

Northwest also announced several other changes designed to simplify the WorldPerks programme and add even more value for its members. They include:

* CLASS OF SERVICE BONUSES COUNT TOWARD ELITE STATUS QUALIFICATION

Effective immediately, the 50% mileage bonus awarded to WorldPerks members that purchase a World Business Class or domestic First Class ticket will also count toward achieving Elite status, providing an additional reward to customers who purchase the carrier's premium products.

* TOP-OFF AND GIFT MILES

Many WorldPerks members expressed an interest in the option of buying a small number of miles so that they can "top-off" the miles between what they have in their account and what they need to redeem a travel award. Later in 2002, Northwest will change the WorldPerks programme to satisfy those requests by making it possible to purchase up to 7,500 miles per year as gifts for others or to top-off their own accounts. Purchases will be available only through nwa.com/asia and will be credited to accounts in real time. Programming is currently under development and Northwest will provide its members with a detailed announcement when the launch date of this benefit is confirmed.

* ONE AWARD LEVEL PER REGION

In a sweeping change to simplify the WorldPerks programme and make it more competitive within the airline industry, the carrier announced the establishment of one award level for each region by eliminating the existing "off-peak" award structure, effective June 1, 2002.