Checked Baggage
- Northwest will accept your baggage only upon presentation of a valid ticket for travel on a Northwest flight.
- Your name, address, and telephone number must appear on the outside of the baggage. We also recommend that you place the same information on the inside of your baggage.
- You should carry certain items on board with you. Northwest has a generous carry-on policy designed to allow passengers to carry on those items for which Northwest accepts no liability. These items include, but are not limited to, medicine, keys, important papers, travel documents (passport), jewelry, cash, computers, computer equipment, cameras, and other items of high personal value.
- Your baggage will only be checked to your final destination.
- Northwest also accepts pets as checked baggage for a fee. View details on traveling with your pet
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You will be able to retrieve your checked baggage from the Baggage Claim area of the airport. In larger airports, Northwest posts the flight number, the flight's origination city and the baggage carousel number on a terminal screen located in the Baggage Claim area. Baggage is generally available at the carousel approximately 15 minutes after the flight's arrival time. Since many styles of baggage are quite similar, we recommend that you inspect your baggage closely to make sure you claim your own items.
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The baggage allowance is the maximum number, size and weight of bags that each customer is allowed. We have based this allowance on many variables that influence the maximum capacity of baggage on an aircraft. These variables include size of aircraft cargo compartments, dimensions of the doors, fuel requirements, typical number of passengers on board, and government regulations. Baggage will be weighed and measured to ensure that it meets the dimensional requirements under the allowance.
As a result, Northwest has established a standard baggage allowance that applies to all flights.
Checked Baggage Weight and Measurement
Baggage is measured by adding length, width and height to determine the total number of linear inches/centimeters.
- Northwest will accept baggage up to a maximum of 50 pounds (23 kg) and a total linear dimension of 62 inches (158 cm) per piece.
- Additional charges apply for baggage weighing more than 50 pounds (23 kg) or with a total linear dimension of more than 62 inches (158 cm) per piece.
- For domestic and trans-Atlantic travel, the maximum weight accepted for any piece of checked baggage, including special baggage items, is 70 pounds. For trans-Pacific travel, the maximum weight accepted for any piece of checked baggage is 100 pounds.
Note: If you are flying on a codeshare partner, please check with the operating carrier for maximum acceptance rules as they may vary.
* Customers checking bags to a destination in Europe and beyond on KLM must request space for baggage in excess of the free allowance. Please call Reservations at 1-800-225-2525. Provide the agent with your confirmation number and the total number of pieces to be checked through to your final destination. You must provide the dimensions (length x width x height), weight and contents.
* Bags checked to or through Europe or with a connection to Continental Airlines cannot exceed 70 pounds (32 kg).
Checked Baggage Allowance
Domestic Travel (within the U.S.)** For tickets purchased on or after November 12, 2008 for travel on or after December 5, 2008 Coach Class First / World Business Class Full Coach (Y) Fare Checked Bags Cost per bag Size Checked Bags Cost per bag Size Checked Bags Cost per bag Size All Customers (excluding current WorldPerks Elite, SkyMiles Medallion members) First** USD $15 50 lbs/23 kg 62 linear in/ 158 cm up to 3 Free 70 lbs/32 kg 62 linear in/ 158 cm up to 2 Free 70 lbs/32 kg 62 linear in/ 158 cm
Second** USD $25 Fourth - Tenth USD $200 Third USD $125
Third USD $125 Fourth - Tenth USD $200
Fourth - Tenth USD $200
WorldPerks Elite, SkyMiles Medallion members up to 2 Free 70 lbs/32 kg 62 linear in/158 cm up to 3 Free 70 lbs/32 kg 62 linear in/ 158 cm up to 2 Free 70 lbs/32 kg 62 linear in/ 158 cm
Third USD $125 Fourth - Tenth USD $200 Third USD $125
Fourth - Tenth USD $200 Fourth - Tenth USD $200
Domestic Travel (within the U.S.)** For tickets purchased on or after July 10, 2008 Coach Class First / World Business Class Full Coach (Y) Fare Checked Bags Cost per bag Size Checked Bags Cost per bag Size Checked Bags Cost per bag Size All Customers (excluding current WorldPerks Elite, SkyMiles Medallion or SkyTeam Elite members) First** USD $15 50 lbs/23 kg 62 linear in/158 cm up to 2 Free 70 lbs/32 kg 62 linear in/ 158 cm up to 2 Free 70 lbs/32 kg 62 linear in/ 158 cm
Second** USD $25 Third Free 40 lbs/18 kg 45 linear in/115 cm Third & subsequent USD $100
Third & subsequent USD $100 Fourth & subsequent USD $100
WorldPerks Elite, SkyMiles Medallion & SkyTeam Elite members up to 2 Free 50 lbs/23 kg 62 linear in/158 cm up to 2 Free 70 lbs/32 kg 62 linear in/ 158 cm up to 2 Free 70 lbs/32 kg 62 linear in/ 158 cm
Third & subsequent USD $100 Third Free 40 lbs/18 kg 45 linear in/115 cm Third & subsequent USD $100
Fourth & subsequent USD $100
**For travel to/from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, the first and second checked bags are free. All other "Domestic" policies apply as indicated above.
Note: The same checked baggage allowance applies to children and infants paying at least 50% of the adult fare. Infants traveling free of charge are permitted one (1) carry-on diaper bag, free of charge.
- International Travel - between North America and Africa / Asia / Europe / India / Middle East)
Coach Class First / World Business Class
Checked Bags Cost per bag Size* Checked Bags Cost per bag Size*
All Customers
(including current WorldPerks Elite, SkyMiles Medallion or SkyTeam Elite members) up to 2 Free 50 lbs/23 kg
62 linear in/158 cm up to 2 Free 70 lbs/32 kg
62 linear in/ 158 cm
Third & subsequent USD $150 Third Free 40 lbs / 18 kg
45 linear in/115 cm
*Checked bags within the free 2 bag allowance that weigh more than 50 pounds and up to 70 pounds will be assessed a USD/EURO $50.00 heavy bag fee.
*Checked bags within the free 2 bag allowance whose linear dimensions exceed 62 inches will be assessed 2 excess baggage charges. See rate table. See rate table.
*(Applicable to Trans-Pacific travel between North America and Asia) Checked bags within the free 2 bag allowance whose weight exceeds 70 pounds will be assessed 3 excess baggage charges. See rate table. See rate table. *Checked bags within the first 2 bag allowance whose linear dimensions exceed 62 inches will be assessed 2 excess baggage charges. See rate table. See rate table.
*(Applicable to transpacific travel between North America and Asia ) Checked bags within the 2 free bag allowance whose weight exceeds 70 pounds will be assessed 3 excess baggage charges. See rate table. See rate table.
- Items that weigh more than 70 pounds (32 kg) for domestic or trans-Atlantic travel or more than 100* pounds (45 kg) for trans-Pacific travel, must be shipped as cargo using a known shipper/freight forwarder, or repacked to comply with baggage requirements.
- The same free checked baggage allowance applies to children and infants paying at least 50% of the adult fare. Infants paying 10% of the adult fare are permitted one piece of checked baggage free of charge. Maximum size for the one bag is 45 inches/115 cm linear measurement i.e. length plus height plus width. Maximum weight 22 lbs/10 kgs. Plus one (1) collapsible stroller/push cart.
- International Travel - with origin and destination outside United States / Canada
For travel with an origin and destination outside the U.S./Canada (i.e. within Asia or within Europe), the weight concept applies. The weight concept allows a maximum weight for baggage, per person, that can be checked free of charge. The free weight applies to the total weight of all bags checked by an individual. For travel wholly within or between Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the maximum checked baggage weight limitation is:
- Coach Class: 44 pounds (20 kg)
- World Business Class: 66 pounds (30 kg
- Infants not occupying a passenger seat: 22 pounds (10 kg)
Items that weigh more than 70 pounds (32 kg) must be shipped as cargo using a known shipper/freight forwarder, or repacked to comply with baggage requirements.
Additional Checked Allowance Items
The following items will be accepted in addition to the checked baggage allowance at no charge:
- Child car seat
- One container of fruit (maximum weight 10 lbs.) for travel from Hawaii or Florida
- Assistive devices
For information on charges for checking baggage that exceeds the allowance, please refer to the chart below.
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Northwest realizes that at times it may be necessary to travel with an item that exceeds the size or weight limitations or to travel with additional pieces of baggage. Additional charges apply in these situations.
- All charges are calculated on a one-way basis and are collected at the airport ticket counter.
- Code-share passengers will be charged as though they were traveling on one airline (fees will be that of the boarding carrier).
- Military Baggage is subject to different charges when overweight (see Military Baggage for details).
- Certain items of sports equipment may be subject to different charges when oversized (see Sports Equipment for details).
Excess Baggage Fees
International: The following charges apply to baggage in excess of the free baggage allowance:
Excess Baggage fees for Trans-Atlantic tickets (and Trans-Pacific tickets issued on or after 01OCT08):
TRANS-ATLANTIC or TRANS-PACIFIC TRAVEL
Per Excess Bag CANADA
CHECK-IN EUROPE/AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST/INDIA CHECK-IN CHECK-IN
ALL OTHER COUNTRIES*
Less than 70 Pounds and
Less than 62 Linear Inches CAD 150.00 EUR 150.00 USD150.00
Less than 70 Pounds and
62-80 Linear Inches CAD 300.00 EUR 300.00 USD 300.00
Less than 70 Pounds and
Over 80 Linear Inches CAD 450.00 EUR 450.00 USD 450.00
Any bag 70 to 100 pounds
(Transpacific only)
CAD 450.00 EUR 450.00 USD 450.00
Seasonal restrictions exist for acceptance of excess baggage to destinations in West Africa, Central and South America, Mexico and the Middle East . Please contact NW Reservations if traveling to these locations.
*Excess charges to/from the Philippines are higher during peak travel seasons. To PH December, January, May and June. From PH December, January, March, April. Please check with NW reservations for actual charges.
NOTE: For tickets issued on/before 11Nov08 and for travel on/before 04Dec08 International Charges are not cumulative. If more than one charge applies, only the highest charge will be collected. For example, if you are checking an excess bag that is over 62 linear inches, only the charge for "Over 62 Linear Inches" will apply.
For Trans-Pacific tickets issued on/before 30Sep08:
TRANS-PACIFIC TRAVEL
Per Excess Bag Between Hawaii and Japan
CHECK-IN Between
U.S. and
Philippines
CHECK-IN US/Japan/Asia
CHECK-IN Canada
CHECK-IN
Less than 70 Pounds and
Less than 62 Linear Inches USD 84.00
JPY 16,200 USD 160.00* USD 130.00 CAD 130.00
Less than 70 Pounds and
62-80 Linear Inches USD 168.00
JPY 32,400 USD 320.00* USD 260.00 CAD 260.00
Less than 70 Pounds and
Over 80 Linear Inches USD 252.00
JPY 48,600 USD 480.00* USD 390.00 CAD 390.00
Any bag 70 to 100 pounds
USD 252.00
JPY 48,600
USD 480.00* USD 390.00 CAD 390.00
* Excess charges to/from the Philippines are higher in the months of December, January, March, April, May and June. Please check with NW Reservations for actual excess charges if traveling to/from the Philippines in these months.
Domestic: The following charges apply to baggage within the domestic allowance. Domestic travel includes the 50 United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean
DOMESTIC COACH CLASS TRAVEL+
For tickets purchased on/after November 12, 2008 for travel on/after December 5, 2008
Number of Pieces Fee (USD) per Piece each-way
1st $15.00
2nd $25.00
3rd $125.00
4th-10th $200.00
DOMESTIC COACH CLASS TRAVEL+
For tickets purchased on/after July 10, 2008
Number of Pieces Fee (USD) per Piece each-way
1st $15.00
2nd $25.00
3rd and subsequent $100.00^
DOMESTIC COACH CLASS TRAVEL+
For tickets purchased between March 29 and July 9, 2008
Number of Pieces Fee (USD) per Piece each-way
1st Free
2nd $25.00
3rd and subsequent $100.00^
DOMESTIC COACH CLASS TRAVEL+
For tickets purchased prior to March 29, 2008
Number of Pieces Fee (USD) per Piece each-way
1st Free
2nd Free
3rd and subsequent $100.00^
+Northwest Airlines' Silver, Gold and Platinum WorldPerks® Elite customers, SkyTeam Elite customers and passengers booked in full fare classes (Y or B) may check two bags free of charge. Customers booked in First Class may check up to three bags free of charge. Baggage in excess of these special free allowances will be charged excess baggage fees according to the excess baggage policy.
^Effective for all travel on/after May 5, 2008, regardless of date of ticket purchase.
Excess baggage fees apply, in addition to any applicable overweight or oversized fees.
Exception: For travel between the United States mainland and Hawaii, and to and from Florida, one container of fruit will be allowed in the normal baggage allowance for a fee of $10.00. The maximum weight permitted is 10 pounds.
Overweight Baggage Fees
International: The following charges apply to baggage exceeding the international free baggage allowance weight:
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Weight of Baggage Fee (USD) per Piece each-way
51 - 70 lbs. $50.00
Over 70* lbs. Not Accepted*
*Up to 100 pounds is accepted for Trans-Pacific travel ( see rate table).
Domestic: The following charges apply to baggage exceeding the domestic allowance weight:
For tickets purchased on or after November 12, 2008 for travel on or after December 5, 2008
DOMESTIC TRAVEL
Weight of Baggage Fee (USD) per Piece each-way
51 - 70 lbs. $90.00
71-100 lbs. $175.00
For tickets purchased prior to November 12, 2008
DOMESTIC TRAVEL
Weight of Baggage Fee (USD) per Piece each-way
51 - 70 lbs. $50.00
Over 70 lbs. Not Accepted
Overweight baggage charges apply in addition to any applicable excess or oversized charges.
Oversized Baggage Fees
International: See rate table.
Domestic: The following charges apply to baggage exceeding the Domestic allowance size limitation:
For tickets purchased on or after November 12, 2008 for travel on or after December 5, 2008
DOMESTIC TRAVEL
Size of Baggage Fee (USD) per Piece each-way
63 - 80 inches $175.00
Over 80 inches Not accepted
For tickets purchased prior to November 12, 2008
DOMESTIC TRAVEL
Size of Baggage Fee (USD) per Piece each-way
63 - 160 inches $100.00
Over 160 inches Not accepted
Oversized baggage charges apply in addition to any applicable excess or overweight charges.
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