Why would Northwest care who he flew with? Dumb move on their part.
In the last couple of years the IRS has instituted some changes in how free flight benefits are awarded to airline employees. I'm willing to bet that the pass wouldn't have been usable by a straight guy's girlfriend, either, lest Northwest run afoul of tax regulations.
I agree. I wouldn't be eligible either--no dependents,no spouse,not an airline employee.