Ask a QuestionArriving At Your Destination
Reaching your final destination, be it your home, the start of a vacation or the beginning of a business trip is an exciting time and we want to help you with a smooth transition from our aircraft through the airport. Here are some reminders that may be helpful:
As the aircraft approaches the gate, it will be moving slowly as it is guided into position by Northwest's ground crew. While it may even come to a stop along the way, for your safety it is important to stay seated with your seatbelt fastened until the pilot turns off the seatbelt sign.
2. Take Care Opening the Overhead Bins
It's common for the luggage in the overhead bins to shift slightly during flight. We advise you to carefully open the bin door, especially if someone is standing directly underneath the bin while you are opening it. You'll also want to check the back of the bin for smaller items, which may have moved during flight.
3. Waiting for the Jet Bridge to be Secured
Northwest customer service agents meet each arriving aircraft and are responsible for securing the jet bridge, which connects the aircraft to the terminal. It typically takes a few minutes to securely position the bridge with the aircraft door so you can exit the aircraft safely.
4. Claiming Your Checked Luggage
You will be able to retrieve your checked luggage 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. Luggage is generally available at the carousel approximately 15 minutes after the flight's arrival time. Since many styles of luggage are quite similar we recommend that you inspect your bags closely to make sure you claim your own bags.
5. Locating Lost Luggage
On Northwest flights, more than 99% of checked luggage arrives on the same flight with the customer who checked the luggage. If you should find that your luggage does not appear with the other luggage from your flight, please go directly to the Northwest Luggage Service Office, located in the bag claim area or at the front check-in counter to report the missing luggage. Northwest staff will immediately begin a search for your luggage using the industry's automated World Tracer system. Once you have filed a report, our agents will contact you when the luggage is located. . You can also check the status of the search using the Luggage Tracking option on www.nwa.com. Click here for more information on locating delayed luggage.
Delivering Lost Luggage
If you have met the time limits for checking your luggage, and have NOT voluntarily separated from your luggage (see examples below), Northwest will, at its expense, deliver your bags to you. Northwest will not assume the expense of delivering luggage to customers who check-in late or voluntarily separate from their luggage. Examples of Late Check-in and Voluntary Separation include:
1. A customer checks in late:If a customer does not check their luggage within standard luggage check-in times (as listed in the chart in the `At the Airport' section of this guide), "LATE" will be printed on all of the bag tags and Northwest will not accept liability for any expenses incurred as a result of luggage not loaded on the same flight as the passenger. The passenger can either pick up their luggage at the airport, or Northwest will deliver the bags upon arrival to the customer at the customer's expense.
2. A customer takes an earlier flight:
In cities with frequent flights between destinations, a customer could check in luggage for their scheduled flight, and choose to take an earlier flight if the fare allows such a change.
3. A customer takes a flight to another airport:
In certain circumstances a customer may opt for a last minute destination change after having already checked luggage.
4. Where Do I Report Damaged Luggage or Missing Items?
All reports of damaged luggage or of items missing from your luggage should be made to the Northwest Luggage Service Office located in each airport Northwest serves.
5. Does Northwest Provide Amenity Items and Reimbursement for Items I've Had to Replace?
If you are away from home, customers who have lost or delayed luggage may request a complimentary kit with a comb, deodorant, razor, shaving cream, toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo from the Luggage Service office. You may also request reimbursement for additional items you need to purchase as a result of the delay by presenting receipts at the Luggage Service Office at the airport (limit $50.00 for the first 24 hours, $25.00/day for each day beyond that up to $150.00 per ticketed passenger).
6. Does Northwest Have Any Limitations on Lost Article Reimbursement?
Northwest will compensate you for reasonable, documented expenses incurred as result of loss/delay or damage. However, Northwest assumes no liability for the loss/delay or damage to such items as: animals/antiques/documents/electronic equipment/film/jewelry/keys/manuscripts/medication/money/ paintings/photographs/photographic equipment/samples/securities/silverware/watches or fragile, irreplaceable or perishable items.
