Ask a QuestionExcess Luggage Frequently Asked Questions
Northwest is better aligning its costs to transport luggage for each passenger.
2. With the new luggage policy, how many pieces of luggage am I allowed at no charge when traveling Coach Class within North America?
The Domestic Coach Class luggage allowance for tickets purchased on/after July 10, 2008 for travel on/after August 28, 2008 allows each ticketed passenger one (1) piece of checked luggage for a fee of USD$15/CAD$15 each-way and a second piece of checked luggage for a fee of USD$25/CAD$25 each-way. Third and subsequent pieces will be assessed a fee of USD$100/CAD$100 per piece each-way. Domestic Coach Class passengers are also allowed one carry-on, plus a purse, brief case or laptop. For tickets purchased prior to July 10, 2008, Domestic Coach Class luggage allowance is one piece of checked luggage and one carry-on, plus a purse, brief case or laptop. The fee for a second piece of checked luggage is USD$25/CAD$25 each-way and subsequent pieces of checked luggage will be assessed a fee of USD$100/CAD$100 per piece each-way.
3. What are the fees for excess checked luggage?
For travel within North America on or after August 28, 2008, ticketed on or after July 10, 2008, a $15 fee each-way will be assessed for the first piece of checked luggage, a $25 fee will be assessed each-way for the second piece of checked luggage, and a $100 fee each-way will apply for each subsequent piece of luggage.
4. What are the fees for overweight luggage?
Luggage weighing over 50 lbs./23 kgs and up to 70 lbs./32 kgs. will be assessed a $50 fee each-way.
5. If I have two pieces of luggage and am planning to carry one on the plane, will I be charged for the other piece of luggage?
Customers traveling on or after August 28, 2008 on tickets purchased on or after July 10, 2008 may carry-on one bag free of charge and will be assessed the $15 USD fee each-way for checking the other bag. Weight and size restrictions apply.
6. Are any customers exempt from paying the fees for checked luggage?
Yes, Northwest and SkyTeam Elite members (and customers traveling in the same reservation), customers on Full Fare Coach tickets booked in Y or B class and customers ticketed on Northwest military or government fares are exempt from checked luggage fees. Excess size and weight fees may apply.
7. Will I be assessed a luggage fee if I am traveling in First Class?
No, First Class customers are allowed three (3) pieces of checked luggage at no charge.
8. I am traveling before August 28, 2008, will I be assessed the checked luggage fees?
Customers traveling prior to August 28, 2008 will not be assessed a fee for the first pieced of checked luggage, provided it meets size and weight requirements.
9. I purchased my ticket before July 10, 2008 but am traveling after August 28, 2008. Will I be assessed a fee for checking luggage?
No, customers ticketed prior to July 10, 2008 will not be assessed a fee for the first piece of checked luggage, provided it meets size and weight requirements.
10. Has the policy changed for international travel?
No, the free luggage allowance has not changed for travel outside of North America.
11. I am traveling internationally but have a stopover in North America. Will I be assessed the fees for checking luggage?
Travel in North America that is included on an International ticket is not subject to the 1st/2nd bag fees regardless of stopover.
12. I am traveling internationally but have a separate Domestic ticket issued in conjunction with my international ticket. Will I be assessed a fee for checked luggage?
Customers with Northwest or Northwest Airlink travel within North America, that is on a separate ticket will be assessed the checked luggage fees on the Domestic flight.
13. Will I receive a receipt for luggage charges?
Yes, a receipt will be provided at the time of payment of luggage fees through a Self-service Check-in Kiosk or a Northwest agent at the airport. Please retain the original receipt for your records - duplicate receipts are not available.
14. If my itinerary contains a connection that requires a change in airports (co-terminals), will I be charged the luggage fees for each flight within North America?
Luggage fees are assessed each time luggage is checked. If a connection results in a change of airport and luggage is re-checked, new fees will be assessed.
15. Can I check luggage on nwa.com?
Yes, customers traveling in the U.S. may select the number of bags they intend to check and pre-pay any applicable luggage fees with a credit card when checking in at nwa.com.
16. How do I check bags during check-in at nwa.com?
Simply select the luggage option in the Travel Options section during check-in and follow the prompts on the next page. Any applicable fees will be applied at this time. When you arrive at the airport luggage tags can be printed on the self-service check-in kiosk.
17. What if I need to change the number of bags I have selected?
Changes to the number of pre-selected bags will be allowed at an airport self-service check-in kiosk. Luggage charges will occur and a receipt will be available when bag tags are printed at the airport.
