Northwest recently launched an online gift registry where individuals or couples can receive cash contributions to be used toward airline tickets on Northwest and partner airlines, including all airlines in the SkyTeam alliance. To create a registry, you must be a WorldPerks member. Registrants can create a gift registry Web page and include a personal photo, travel plan description and the amount needed to meet their goal. They can also send e-mail announcements or printed announcements and electronic thank you notes.

There is no limit to the amount of money received and friends and family can contribute between $25 and $10,000 dollars per contribution with a major credit card. WorldPerks flight miles may be earned on tickets purchased with gift registry funds. The registry is offered to members living in the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Gift registry accounts expire in two years and any funds under $25 remaining in the account after the date of expiration will be deemed abandoned and forfeited. A free ticket and miles…now you just need to think of a reason to create a registry in the first place: graduation, retirement, wedding, anniversary, birthday, family vacation? Although Northwest is the latest airline to add this feature, Continental has offered a gift registry since 2005. With Continental, a member may set up one gift account but with Northwest, a member can set up as many as 10. Northwest also allows a co-registrant. A co-registrant who is also a WorldPerks member will be able to manage the gift registry. Go to http://www.nwa.com/features/giftregistry to set up your Northwest registry.