ADVISORY/Family Announces Lawsuit Against Northwest Airlines At News Conference Regarding Christmas Day ``Hostage'' Situation.

News Editors

ADVISORY...for Thursday (Dec. 27)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

                          INVITATION TO COVER

   For most families, Christmas Day represents a time of joy,
nostalgia and sharing the spirit of the holidays with loved ones. In
2001, Christmas Day for the Sheldon Family of San Marino, CA conjures
up bitter memories of Christmas Day last year when they were held
"hostage" by Northwest Airlines for approximately seven hours in one
of its airplanes on the tarmac of Ontario Airport. Returning from a
brief holiday in Hawaii, the airplane was diverted from Los Angeles
International Airport on Christmas morning to Ontario Airport because
of fog. After a couple hours, when it was clearly apparent the fog
would not lift -- despite repeated pleas from himself and numerous
other passengers -- Jeffrey Sheldon and his wife and two daughters
were restricted from leaving the airplane. During their seven-hour
ordeal, there was no food, and minimal drinks. Finally, the passengers
were "released" and allowed to secure their own transportation or be
bussed to Los Angeles International Airport.
   On Thursday, December 27, a news conference will be held in the
Board Room of the Pasadena law firm of Sheldon & Mak to announce a
lawsuit that the family has filed against Northwest Airlines for False
Imprisonment, Infliction of Emotional Distress, Negligence and Breach
of Contract.
   (Note: Sheldon is one of the nation's most prominent attorneys
specializing in intellectual property law and his firm is one of
Southern California's largest in this legal field). Participating in
the News Conference will be Sheldon and his wife and daughter as well
as their legal counsel, Joe Lisoni and Steve Weinberger. Following are
pertinent details of the News Conference.

WHEN:       Thursday, December 27, at 10 a.m.

WHERE:      Sheldon & Mak Law Firm (Board Room)
            225 South Lake Avenue, 9th Floor - Pasadena

WHO:        Participating in the News Conference will be:
            Jeffrey and Pamela Sheldon and daughter Samantha, 14
             (Plaintiffs)
            Joseph L. Lisoni and Steven E. Weinberger (Legal Counsel)

INFORMATION   For additional information or advance arrangements,
CONTACT:      contact Bob Fisher or Chris Foster of Fisher &
              Associates at 818/346-1750 or by e-mail at
              [e-mail].  Mr. Fisher will be present to
              assist your reporter and/or photographer or film crew.