In past years, between 1,000 and 2,000 people have taken part, a Northwest spokesman said.

A Northwest spokesman said last night that the company planned to file an appeal today.

A Northwest spokesman said the airline declined to comment beyond the filing.

"Never a dull moment," said Bill Mellon, a Northwest spokesman.

"Today we closed, signed and sealed all the loan agreements with our banks and vendors," a Northwest spokesman said.

A Northwest spokesman said, "Commission figures are a private matter between us and our partners."

This is the compelling reason for a Northwest spokesman's calling e-tickets "a big deal."

Robert Gibbons, a Northwest spokesman, also declined to comment.

"We are facing a much bigger challenge rebooking our passengers," a Northwest spokesman said.

But a Northwest spokesman said that 10 times as many people have made reservations as have canceled because of the restriction.