nwa.com check-in Frequently Asked Questions
Northwest's nwa.com check-in FAQ section is a compiled list of answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding use of the nwa.com check-in product. Simply click on the topic for which you need further information.
General Queries:
Post Check-In Queries:
Changes During Check-In Queries:
Miscellaneous Queries:
General Queries:
Who can use nwa.com check-in?
Northwest E-Ticket customers may check in for their flight on nwa.com between 24 hours and 60 minutes* prior to the scheduled departure time. nwa.com check-in is available for worldwide travel including:
- Flights within, to and from the 50 United States, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Asia and Europe**
- Return flights from Europe on KLM - Check in here
*Asia and Mexico - Minimum check in time for flight departures from Asia or Mexico is 3 hours.
**nwa.com check-in is available for Northwest operated flights from London's Gatwick Airport. Check-in on klm.com for all other Northwest/KLM operated flights from Europe. Check-in is not yet available for flights from Paris, France.
For a demonstration of how to use nwa.com check-in
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If I don't have any luggage to check, can I just go to the gate?
Yes, you may proceed with your boarding pass directly to the security check point on your way to the boarding gate.
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I received a message that I cannot use nwa.com check-in; why not?
There are a few circumstances that require Northwest agent assistance for check-in.
These instances may include flight changes on restricted fares, fares requiring
documentation, originating flight on another carrier, or a missing E-Ticket for the
booked itinerary. Please ensure the name, departure city, and the confirmation number
entered are correct.
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Can I check luggage after using nwa.com check-in?
Yes, you may check your luggage curbside with a skycap at most airports (applies for domestic travel only), nwa.com Luggage Check Kiosks (select airports), or with a Northwest agent. Inform the agent that you have already checked in using nwa.com check-in. Click here for information on Luggage Guidelines and Policies.
Introducing nwa.com Luggage Check Kiosks at select airports!
Customers that have checked in on nwa.com can also quickly check their luggage at the airport using an nwa.com Luggage Check Kiosk. Simply place your nwa.com Boarding Pass bar code on the new nwa.com Luggage Check Kiosks to retrieve your flight reservations and enter the amount of luggage you would like to check. Luggage tags will be printed and attached by a Northwest agent who will check your luggage to your final destination.
New nwa.com Luggage Check Kiosks, designed specifically for nwa.com check-in customers, are now already available in the following locations:
| Atlanta, GA |
Indianapolis, IN |
New York - LaGuardia, NY |
| Baltimore, MD |
Kalamazoo, MI |
Orlando, FL |
| Bismarck, ND |
Kansas City, MO |
Philadelphia, PA |
| Boston, MA |
Lansing, MI |
Phoenix, AZ |
| Chicago - Midway, IL |
Las Vegas, NV |
Portland, OR |
| Chicago - O'Hare, IL |
Los Angeles, CA |
Saginaw, MI |
| Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX |
Madison, WI |
San Francisco, CA |
| Denver, CO |
Memphis, TN |
San Jose, CA |
| Detroit, MI |
Miami, FL |
Santa Ana/Orange County, CA |
| Flint, MI |
Milwaukee, WI |
Seattle, WA |
| Ft. Myers, FL |
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN |
Tampa, FL |
| Green Bay, WI |
Newark, NJ |
Washington - Dulles, VA |
| Honolulu, HI |
New York - Kennedy, NY |
West Palm Beach, FL |
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When can I use nwa.com check-in?
nwa.com check-in is available less than 24 hours but more than 60 minutes prior to flight departure. Please use a self-service check-in airport kiosk or see a Northwest agent at the airport for assistance if you are within 60 minutes of departure or try again later if you are more than 24 hours from departure.
Note: For your convenience, you will be prompted to check in for both your outbound and return flights if your return flight is within 24 hours of the original check-in period.
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Can I use nwa.com check-in if I purchased my ticket from a travel agency or online agency?
Yes, Northwest E-Tickets issued by any source can be used - provided your ticket is for travel within the eligible markets.
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Can I use nwa.com check-in if my itinerary includes travel on other carriers?
Your E-Ticket or reservation may contain flight segments on other airlines. Self-service check-in is available for the following flights:
- All regularly scheduled flights operated by Northwest Airlines (including Airlink partners, Mesaba and Pinnacle Airlines)*
- KLM-operated flights originating in the U.S.
- Connecting flights operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and Hawaiian Airlines. The first originating flight must be operated by Northwest Airlines(except KLM flights where indicated).
*nwa.com check-in is available for Northwest operated flights from London's Gatwick Airport. Check-in on klm.com for all other Northwest/KLM operated flights from Europe. Online check-in is not yet available for flights from Paris, France.
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Why is the airport I am leaving from not listed in the departure city list drop down menu?
The only airports listed are those where Northwest offers nwa.com check-in. This list is updated for online check-in frequently when new service is added to Northwest routes.
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Can I use nwa.com check-in if I am flying Northwest Airlink Partners (Mesaba or Pinnacle Airlines)?
Yes.
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What if I have a paper ticket?
You will need to check in with a Northwest agent at the airport. nwa.com check-in is only available to customers with valid E-Tickets.
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Does it matter if I have connecting flights?
No. You will receive boarding passes for all of your connecting flights.
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Can groups use nwa.com check-in?
Yes - nwa.com check-in is available for passengers traveling as part of a group reservation.
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Can I use nwa.com check-in if I do not have pre-assigned seats?
Yes. nwa.com check-in will assign seats for you. Click on the seat number to view options to change seat assignment.
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Can I use nwa.com check-in if I have a Macintosh computer?
Yes.
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What security measures are involved in nwa.com check-in?
You will receive security information as part of your check-in process. For more information on airport procedures, please click here.
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Can I use nwa.com check-in and have my boarding passes faxed to me?
Yes, nwa.com check-in provides you with the option to fax your boarding pass to fax numbers within the 50 U.S.
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Can I fax documents other than boarding passes during the check-in process?
At this time, only boarding passes will be faxed. Other check-in documents such as E-Ticket receipts, verification cards and confirmation cards will not be faxed. E-Ticket receipts may be printed online by accessing your reservation through the View/Change Reservations feature on nwa.com before or after your scheduled departure date. Charges or fees collected during the check-in process will be displayed on the E-Ticket receipt in the Miscellaneous Charges section.
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Can I have my boarding passes faxed to me anytime prior to departure?
Boarding passes may be faxed to you 2 hours or more prior to departure, in order to allow sufficient time for fax processing.
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How long does it take to receive a faxed boarding pass?
Boarding passes may arrive to your fax machine within minutes of your request, or as long as 20 minutes if the fax number was entered correctly and the fax line is not busy. If the fax number you provided is busy, we will continue to attempt to fax your boarding pass up to 5 times during within an hour after your request has been submitted.
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Can I request my boarding passes to be faxed to a non-U.S. fax number?
At this time, boarding passes may only be faxed to fax numbers that follow the 3-3-4 scheme (ie; 555-555-5555), which is limited to U.S. and other North American fax numbers.
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Post check-in Queries:
What happens if I use nwa.com check-in, but then can't make the flight?
You must contact Northwest Airlines at 1-800-225-2525 prior to flight departure to retain the value of your ticket. Applicable fees and penalties in accordance with the fare rules may apply for changes.
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I lost or forgot my boarding pass. What should I do?
You may reprint your boarding pass on nwa.com by visiting the check-in process again, or visit a self-service check-in kiosk at the airport.
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What do I do after I check in?
If you are not checking luggage, proceed directly to the flight departure gate and wait for your row to be called to board (except departures from Canada, where passengers are required to stop at the ticket counter to have travel documents verified). Be sure to verify your gate assignment when you arrive at the airport.
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Do I get bonus miles for using nwa.com check-in?
Bonus miles offers occasionally apply, please check the Promotions List on nwa.com.
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After I print my boarding pass, when do I need to board my flight?
You must be on board the aircraft at least:
- 15 minutes prior to departure on flights between the 50 U.S.
- 30 minutes prior to departure on all other flights, including Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and India.
If you are unable to take the flight after printing your boarding pass, you must contact Northwest Airlines prior to flight departure to retain the value of your E-Ticket.
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How do I obtain an E-Ticket receipt once I've checked in and had my boarding passes faxed to me?
E-Ticket receipts may be printed online by accessing your reservation through the View/Change Reservations feature on nwa.com before or after your scheduled departure date. Charges or fees collected during the check-in process will be displayed on the E-Ticket receipt in the Miscellaneous Charges section.
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I requested to have my boarding passes faxed and I haven't received them. What should I do?
Once you have requested a fax, you are checked-in for your flights. If you haven't received your fax, you may re-fax your boarding documents, or proceed to the airport and print new boarding passes using a Self-service Check-in Kiosk.
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I received my faxed boarding documents but they are unreadable or incomplete. What should I do?
Once you have requested a fax, you are checked-in for your flights. You may re-fax your boarding documents, or proceed to the airport and print new boarding passes using a Self-service Check-in Kiosk.
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I received a fax of my boarding documents for my Northwest flight, but not for my connection to a partner flight. What should I do?
nwa.com check-in is available for Northwest operated flights and for select partner carriers. In cases where nwa.com check-in is unable to issue boarding passes for partner flights, please proceed to the departure gate at the city where you connect to the partner flight to obtain boarding passes.
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Changes During check-in Queries:
Can I change my seat assignment using nwa.com check-in?
Yes. When your itinerary is displayed during the check-in process, click on the seat assignment you would like to change. You will be presented with a seat map showing available seats. When you click on a seat, your itinerary and new seat will be displayed. The seats can be changed only for Northwest and Airlink-operated flights.
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Can I add a frequent flyer number to my reservation using nwa.com check-in?
Yes, Northwest WorldPerks, KLM Flying Blue, Continental OnePass, Delta Skymiles or Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan frequent flyer number can be added to the reservation during check-in. After check-in is initiated, 'Please verify itinerary' screen is displayed. On this screen, select 'FREQUENT FLYER NBR' to add or modify the desired frequent flyer number.
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Am I able to upgrade to First or World Business Class using nwa.com check-in?
Yes, there are three ways to upgrade. If all passengers checking in are Northwest WorldPerks Elite members, and the itinerary qualifies for an Elite upgrade, a complimentary upgrade will be offered, subject to availability. Full fare passengers may also be offered an E-First paid upgrade for a nominal fee, again subject to availability (excludes departures from Canada). Additionally, if the reservation qualifies, customers may also use WorldPerks miles to upgrade during check-in on nwa.com. See nwa.com for additional information regarding E-First Upgrades or Mileage Upgrades.
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What is FlyNowsm?
FlyNowsm is a product allowing customers to make same-day domestic flight changes for a $25 fee on qualifying flights. This option is available on the scheduled day of departure at the time of check-in. Previously, the FlyNowsm option was limited to flight changes within three hours of check-in or the original flight. FlyNowsm changes can be made for a flight with the same origin and destination either earlier or later than the original flight.
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When is FlyNowsm available?
FlyNowsm is available during check-in through nwa.com check-in and Self-service Check-in Kiosks on the same day as scheduled travel only.
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Where is FlyNowsm available?
FlyNowsm is available on Northwest or Northwest Airlink-operated flights within the U.S. 48, Alaska, and to/from Canada.
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How do I purchase FlyNowsm?
FlyNowsm is available for purchase through nwa.com check-in and airport Self-service Check-in Kiosks on the same day as ticketed. A credit card must be used for purchase.
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Why isn't FlyNowsm offered on every flight?
FlyNowsm is available unless all inventory is sold out or nearly so.
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What happens if I have missed my scheduled flight?
If you are checking in too close to departure or after your scheduled departure time, you will be able to confirm a change to a new flight through nwa.com and airport kiosks. If you wish to review Standby options on flights that depart later than your scheduled flight, please see an airport agent.
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Can I standby for a different flight using self-service check-in?
Yes, standby is one of 3 options available under `Change Flight' during self-service check-in on nwa.com or at the airport self-service kiosks. Standby is available for earlier flights on the same routing and same date as your confirmed ticket. When available, the cost to standby is USD 25.00 (this fee is waived for Northwest WorldPerks Elite and most SkyTeam Elite members). The USD 25.00 fee is payable by credit card only and will be collected when standby is selected. The charge will not be billed to your credit card until you are issued a boarding card at the gate for your standby flight. With the exception of WorldPerks Elite and SkyTeam Elite members, standby will not be offered on flights where the FlyNowsm option is available.
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Why do I no longer have the ability to standby when checking in on nwa.com or through a Self-service Check-in Kiosk?
Customers traveling on non-refundable tickets will usually be offered the FlyNowsm fee to confirm a flight change for $25 instead of $100 on the same day as scheduled to travel. If the FlyNowsm option for a particular flight is unavailable, standby will be offered for a $25 fee. The $25 fee will be charged once boarded.
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Can I standby free of charge?
Customers traveling on refundable tickets and WorldPerks Elite customers will continue to have the ability to standby for earlier flights and will not incur a fee if space becomes available.
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Will I be charged if I pay for standby and do not get on the flight?
No, you will not be charged the standby fee until boarded.
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I selected to standby for an earlier flight during check-in and provided my credit card at that time and now can't make this flight, what do I do?
Your credit card will not be charged, as the charge is only made to your credit card when you are issued a boarding pass and board the new flight.
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I want to standby for an earlier flight, but the flight shows as Not Available for standby, why?
Standby is only offered on flights that are the same routing as your confirmed reservation (including a connection city). Standby is not offered on flights when the FlyNowsm option is available allowing you to confirm the flight change for the same USD 25.00 fee.
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Why is NW charging $25 for Standby?
NW has expanded the FlyNowsm confirmed flight option to all day in order to provide customers with a low-cost, last-minute option to confirm flights. Customers are now assessed the same change fee when they voluntarily change to a new flight - whether confirmed in advance or standing by at the airport.
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What happens to my checked luggage when I choose the standby option?
If you check-in your luggage with a skycap prior to checking in for your flight, the luggage will be checked through on your scheduled flight. We will make every effort to reroute your luggage on the standby flight. If you check luggage after using the self-service standby option, your luggage will be checked on the selected standby flight(s).
Please bring your luggage receipts with you and claim your luggage upon arrival to your destination. To arrange for delivery of your luggage, please visit our luggage service office at your destination.
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I am on the Fax Request screen and do not have a U.S. fax number. What should I do?
Once you have confirmed check-in and requested a fax, you are checked-in for your flights. You may either re-enter the check-in process and print your boarding documents, or proceed to the airport and print new boarding passes using a Self-service Check-in Kiosk.
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Miscellaneous Queries
What should I do if I am not able to print my boarding pass?
If you cannot successfully print your boarding pass, complete the check-in process anyway. You may print a duplicate boarding pass at a self-service check-in kiosk at the airport or see a Northwest airport agent (prior to the security checkpoint) for assistance. Make sure that you have tried to use your browser's print feature to print the boarding pass, just like you would print any other internet page. A print problem relates to your web browser, network, or printer and not the nwa.com check-in product.
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The graphics did not load completely on the boarding pass, what should I do?
Once the loading process is complete, print the boarding pass as is, even if it appears that some graphics and information may be missing from the page. Do not hit "refresh" or "reload", as this will cause an error and you will not be able to re-display the boarding pass. These images may not load completely for many reasons, including computer memory limitations, modem speed, communication interruption, etc.
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I clicked "Continue" on the boarding pass before I printed, what should I do now?
The "Continue" button on the boarding pass will not cause it to print. You must use the print feature on your web browser. If you have moved beyond the boarding pass and can't "back" up to print it, you may start the check-in process again to print a duplicate boarding pass. The boarding pass may also be re-printed on a self-service check-in kiosk at the airport.
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Why do I receive an error when checking in on nwa.com?
An error may occur for several reasons:
- Ensure that your name has been entered as it appears in your reservation.
- If you are entering a Northwest Airlines confirmation number, ensure it is a six character alphanumeric code provided to you by Northwest or a travel agent.
- If you are entering a frequent flyer number, this number must have been entered to your reservation prior to using nwa.com check-in.
- If you are entering a credit card number, this number must be the one used to purchase the ticket.
- Make sure you selected the correct departure (not destination) city.
- Certain fares require document check by a Northwest agent.
- If you have a paper ticket, you need to check in with a Northwest airport agent.
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I am traveling with a small baby. Do I need a separate boarding pass for the child?
When traveling with a child under 2 years old within the United States/Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands and Canada, you have the option to carry the baby in your lap or purchase a separate ticket for an adjoining seat. A separate boarding pass will not be issued for an infant traveling in your lap. However, a boarding pass will be issued for an infant traveling on a separate seat. Children 2 years and older are required to purchase a seat.
A separate ticket is required for infants traveling to all International destinations. In this case, a separate boarding pass is issued for the baby.
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We hope that the above information has helped you with nwa.com check-in. If you have not found the answer or information you were looking for, please e-mail Customer Service.
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