Northwest WorldPerks Platinum elite members will receive 1,000 bonus miles if they do not receive their complimentary upgrade on flights operated by Northwest Airlines, Compass Airlines and Mesaba Airlines with a first class cabin. The offer is only valid on paid itineraries that are eligible to earn miles between the U.S. 48, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America until Feb. 28, 2009. Bonus miles earned through this offer do not count as EQMs. Although the bonus miles might pale in comparison to the comfort and amenities of first class, hats off to WorldPerks for offering this perk to Platinum members who don’t receive the coveted upgrade.

Northwest offers automatic complimentary upgrades to elite members on its domestic flights and prioritizes upgrades based on the fare purchased, elite status, class of service and date and time of booking. Platinum members purchasing full-fare tickets will be upgraded first and Platinum members purchasing discount fares will be upgraded after Silver and Gold members flying on full-fare tickets.