Restricted and Hazardous Items
It's the Law . . .
You must declare your dangerous goods to Northwest. Failure to do so violates U.S. Federal Law. Violators may be subject to a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. ยง 5124). Contact your authorized Northwest representative for further details.
Acceptable Items to Pack
The following items are allowed as checked and/or carry-on baggage for travel within the US (please check with Northwest Reservations for additional information for travel outside the US):
- Liquids, Gels, and Lotions: Or similar items in containers of 3.4 ounces/100 ml or less must fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag if in carry-on baggage. There is no volume limit to these items if they are in checked baggage.
- After clearing security, passengers can bring on-board the aircraft beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area.
- Baby Formula/Milk/Food, Prescriptions, and Medications: Permitted in carry-on or checked baggage. Please note that if included in carry-on baggage, these items must be presented for inspection at the security checkpoint.
- Lithium-style Batteries: Spare lithium batteries such as laptop & DVD player rechargeable batteries and lithium metal AA style batteries, are allowed in CARRY-ON BAGS ONLY. These types of batteries are not allowed in checked baggage and may be removed during TSA screening. Prior to going through the TSA security checkpoint, please make sure to place each battery in your carry-on bag in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package; or place tape across the battery's contacts to isolate terminals. Learn more at http://safetravel.dot.gov/.
- Meals Ready to Eat (MRE): Any food/drink that has a heating element may be carried on board, but may NOT be used.
- Smokeless Tobacco Products: Any device or product (cigarette, cigar or pipe) that simulates the act of "smoking" may carried on board, but may NOT be used.
- Matches: One book of safety matches or a common lighter may be carried on board. "Strike-anywhere" matches, torch lighters (a torch lighter creates a thin, needle-like flame that is hotter and more intense than those of common lighters), and lighter fluid are forbidden. Learn more at http://safetravel.dot.gov/.
- Firearms, Handguns, and Ammunition: Unloaded firearms may be transported as checked baggage if declared to the agent at check-in and appropriately packed. Learn more at http://safetravel.dot.gov/.
- CO2 Cartridges: Allowed in carry on and checked baggage for mechanical limbs and self inflating life vests. Two cartridges may be installed in the life vest and two spares may be carried. There is no limit for the amount that can be carried for mechanical limbs. CO2 cartridges may not be carried for any other purpose.
- Dry Ice: May be carried onboard in quantities of 4 pounds (2 kg) or less when used for packing perishables. The dry ice must be packaged in a hard plastic container that allows ventilation and is clearly labeled as containing dry ice. Please advise a ticket or gate agent if you plan to travel with dry ice.
- Electric Wheelchairs: Allowed if transported in accordance with Northwest Airlines requirements. See the Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices section for details.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Northwest accepts alcoholic beverages in sealed retail packaging or in receptacles not exceeding 5 liters as checked baggage only. Passengers may carry a total quantity of 5 liters of alcohol per person. See the Alcoholic Beverages section for details
Restricted Carry-On Items
Other items may not be carried onboard, but are acceptable as checked baggage. Examples of these items include:
- Liquids, Gels, Lotions: Or similar items such as beverages, hairspray, toothpaste and shampoo that exceed 3.4 ounces/100 ml and/or do not fit within ONE, QUART-SIZE clear plastic zip-top bag.
- Sharp Objects: Box cutters, knives, razor blades, scissors, swords
- Sporting Goods: Baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey/lacrosse sticks, pool cues, ski poles
- Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, mace, tear-gas, martial arts weapons, stun guns
- Tools: Axes, hammers, drills, pliers, saws, screwdrivers, wrenches
- Other Hazardous Materials: Dry ice, poisons, infectious substances
As of December 22, 2005 scissors with a cutting edge of four inches or less and tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers smaller than seven inches will be permitted in passenger carry-on bags.
These items may be subject to special packing requirements and limitations when carried as checked baggage. See Special Baggage items for information on specific items or contact Northwest Reservations for more information. For a complete list of items allowed only in checked baggage please visit www.tsa.gov.
Hazardous and Prohibited Items
Certain items are considered hazardous and are prohibited from air transportation by federal law. You may not travel with these items as checked, cabin-seat, or carry-on baggage. Examples of these items include:
- Flammable Items: Fuel, paints, lighter fluid, matches
- Explosive Materials: Fireworks, signal flares, sparklers, freon, helium, gunpowder
- Dangerous Chemicals: Bleach, adhesives, linseed oil, spray starch, insecticides, cleaners and solvents, wet-cell batteries (except those in wheelchairs), pepper spray
- Pressure Containers: Spray cans, butane, fuel, scuba tanks, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, CO2 cartridges for recreational use, self-inflating rafts
For further guidance on the carriage of hazardous materials in air transportation, visit http://safetravel.dot.gov/
