Ask a QuestionSpecial Baggage Items
Note: 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. Items that exceed these limits can be shipped as Cargo.
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.
Note: Beverages containing over 70% alcohol by volume or 140 proof will not be accepted.
Dry Ice
Northwest accepts packages containing up to 5.5 lbs (2.5 kgs) of dry ice in carry-on baggage or 5.5 lbs (2.5 kgs) in checked baggage per passenger. Dry ice is accepted under the following conditions:
- The container or package must be hard plastic and must be ventilated to permit the release of carbon dioxide gas.
- The container or package must be clearly labeled as containing dry ice.
Electronic Devices
On board the Aircraft: Certain electronic devices may not be used on Northwest aircraft for safety reasons. Such devices may cause electromagnetic interference with cockpit navigation or communications systems during ground operations and while the aircraft is flying below 10,000 feet. However, when an aircraft is traveling above 10,000 feet (normally about ten minutes after takeoff), passengers can use many electronic devices. Passengers may not use personal audio devices during flight without a headset attached.
Electronic devices that can be used at all times
- Hearing aids
- Watches
- Heart pacemakers
Electronic devices that can be used on board the aircraft, but may not be used during takeoff and landing:
- Laptop computers
- Calculators
- Handheld computer games
- Portable CD and tape players
- Portable DVD players
Electronic devices that cannot be used on the airplane at any time:
- Cellular phones
- Televisions
- Personal Air Purifier
- AM/FM transmitters-receivers
- Remote-controlled toys
- Smokeless cigarette/cigar/pipe devices
Professional Audio/Visual Equipment: Northwest accepts cameras, lighting, sound, and film equipment when tendered by representatives of TV broadcasting companies, commercial film-making companies, or photography companies. Northwest accepts professional audio/visual equipment as checked baggage only. Professional audio/visual equipment will be accepted as part of the baggage allowance. A charge of USD $15 applies to the first checked item, USD $25 for the second checked item, USD $125 for the third checked item if under 50 lbs/62" (USD $175 if this item exceeds these measurements), and USD $175 for the fourth/subsequent item, on domestic flights only. For international travel, this type of equipment would be subject to normal excess charges. Baggage charges are each-way.
Personal Camera Equipment: Northwest allows passengers to carry on cameras in addition to the normal carry-on baggage allowance.
Caution: Do not pack film in checked baggage. The screening equipment that inspects your checked baggage may damage undeveloped film in camera equipment. Northwest recommends:
- You pack your undeveloped film in carry-on baggage or
- Take undeveloped film to the security checkpoint and request the screener conduct a hand-inspection.
Northwest does not assumes any liability if film is damaged during security procedures.
Portable Electronic Devices(PED): To ensure battery safety on items such as laptops and DVD players, the Department of Transportation recommends the following when using a PED on an aircraft:
- Do NOT use recalled or damaged batteries
- Keep removed batteries in carry on bags and protect from damage
- Ensure removed batteries are protected from metal objects (keys, coins) and the terminals are covered to prevent short circuit
Caution: Federal Regulations prohibit the carriage of spare lithium style batteries, such as laptop and DVD player rechargeable batteries and lithium metal AA style batteries, in your checked baggage. If you have any type of lithium spare batteries, each must be placed in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package, or place tape across the battery's contacts to isolate terminals. They may only be brought in your carry on bags.
Further information can be found at: http://safetravel.dot.gov/
Fragile/Perishable Items
Passengers may include fragile and perishable items in their checked or carry-on baggage. However, Northwest is not liable for the loss, damage, spoilage, or delay in delivery of fragile or perishable items included in the passenger's baggage, with or without the knowledge of Northwest.
A fragile and/or bulky item may be carried as cabin-seat baggage subject to certain restrictions. See Carry-on Baggage for details.
Examples of fragile or perishable items include, but are not limited to:
- Artistic items
- Articles tied, taped, wired, or strapped to the exterior of any piece of baggage
- Boxes, sacks, and bags that do not provide sufficient protection from damage to the container and its contents
- Chinaware, ceramics, or pottery
- Electronic and mechanical items
- Garment bags
- Glass and glassware, including telescopes, binoculars, and barometers
- Household articles
- Liquor cartons
- Musical instruments and equipment
- Paper items
- Perishable items, including floral and nursery items
- Photographic and cinematographic equipment
- Precision items, including medical items and calibrated measuring devices
- Recreational and sporting goods
- Toys
- Uncrated/unprotected items whose shapes, material, or characteristics render them susceptible to damage
For a more detailed list of fragile or perishable items, please see Northwest's Contract of Carriage.
Infant and Child Items
Northwest accepts certain infant and child items in addition to normal baggage allowances. The following restrictions apply to acceptance of child items.
Diaper Bag: Diaper bags may be carried on board the aircraft, in addition to the carry-on baggage allowance.
Breast Milk and Baby Formula: Due to TSA requirements, mothers flying with or without their child are permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint. There is no upper limit to the amount they can check. TSA will apply a "reasonableness check". This policy applies to breast milk only.
Baby formula and food must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening if they are not included in the one quart clear plastic re-sealable bag.
Child Carrier Backpack: Child carrier backpacks may be carried on board the aircraft, in addition to the carry-on baggage allowance.
Strollers: One fully collapsible umbrella-style stroller may be carried onboard, in addition to the carry-on baggage allowance. Strollers are only allowed on board the aircraft if approved storage space is available.
Northwest passengers traveling with children may bring their stroller to the gate to be loaded there. A pink stroller tag will be attached to the stroller. At arrival, strollers tagged with pink tags will be brought into the boarding bridge for passenger pick up. *Subject to airport security policy.
Charges - US Domestic, no charge. International, no charge if within free allowance.
Northwest also accepts child carrier backpacks as checked baggage. Each item may be checked as part of the baggage allowance per ticketed passenger and will be subject to baggage allowance fees. When these items are checked as baggage, all excess, oversized and overweight charges will apply.
Government-Approved Child Seat: Northwest accepts government-approved child seats in addition to normal carry-on or checked baggage provided approved space is available. When checking your child seat you can bring your car seat to the gate to be loaded there.
Northwest allows the use of government-approved child seats on board the aircraft under the following conditions:
An additional seat must be reserved and a ticket purchased for the child.
Child seat must be properly secured by a seatbelt or other acceptable form of restraint.
Northwest only accepts FAA approved seats for use onboard. Child seats must bear a label stating they are certified for use in motor vehicles and/or aircraft OR approved by a foreign government/United Nations. Northwest reserves the right to inspect and approve child seats for use onboard.
Medical Instruments
Syringes and Needles: Northwest allows passengers to bring syringes/needles onboard for medical reasons; however, Northwest prohibits flight attendants from assisting passengers with injections.
All medication needs to be identified with the medicine and/or manufacturer's name or have a pharmaceutical label attached. To properly dispose of a syringe/needle, passengers may use the syringe disposal chute in the lavatories, available on some aircraft. If a disposal chute is not available, contact a flight attendant for proper disposal.
Medical/Life Support Assistive Devices: In addition to the baggage allowance, Northwest allows passengers to carry-on medical/life support assistive devices.
Military Baggage
Northwest accepts military baggage as checked baggage only.
If military passengers are not on orders, then the regular baggage allowance applies. Excess baggage fees will apply if military baggage is over 100 pounds.
Musical Instruments
Northwest accepts musical instruments that exceed size and/or weight limitations as checked baggage or cabin-seat baggage. Musical instruments that exceed size and/or weight limitations are not included in the baggage allowance and an excess fee of $175 USD/CAD each-way will apply for domestic travel. For international travel, overweight/oversize baggage fees vary by country.
Cabin-seat Baggage: Northwest requires purchase of an additional seat and advance arrangements for carriage of musical instruments as cabin-seat baggage. See Carry-on Baggage for all the conditions of acceptance of cabin-seat baggage.
Checked Baggage: The passenger must present the musical instrument in a hard-sided or crush-proof container made specifically for the instrument.
Carry On: Guitars and smaller musical instruments will be accepted as the passengers *one* item of carry-on baggage provided the maximum linear dimensions do not exceed 45 inches. Carry-on baggage must be stowed under the seat in front of the ticketed passenger or in the overhead bin or closet. These instruments are in lieu of the passenger's carry-on baggage item but passengers traveling with a guitar or smaller musical instrument may also carry-on a small personal item such as a purse, briefcase or laptop.
Sports Equipment
> Fees for tickets purchased before November 12, 2008
> Fees for tickets purchased on/after November 12, 2008 for travel on/after December 5, 2008
> Fees for tickets purchased on/after June 27, 2009 for travel on/after July 1, 2009
Northwest Airlines accepts various types of sporting equipment subject to the following conditions and limitations. Acceptance of sporting equipment is subject to the limitations and charges provided below. For sporting equipment not listed, please call Northwest Airlines Customer Service (1-800-225-2525) for more information.
Please Note: Groups traveling together with large sports equipment such as skis, golf clubs, bikes etc. may not be able to have all the equipment accommodated on the same flight due to weight and size restrictions on some aircraft types. Please ensure you always notify Northwest or your travel agent when transporting large sporting goods items.
For tickets purchased prior to November 12, 2008
| Specialty Item | Domestic | International |
| Antlers | $100 | $100 |
| Bikes | $100 | $150 trans-Atlantic $150 trans-Pacific |
| Scuba | ||
| Surfboard | ||
| Windsurf |
| Fishing Poles | Charged the applicable checked bag fee for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. | $150 trans-Atlantic $150 trans-Pacific |
| Golf | Charged the applicable checked bag fee for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece. | Free if under 50 lbs |
| Javelin/Pole Vault | $100 | $150 trans-Atlantic $150 trans-Pacific |
| Ski/Snowboard | Two pieces-ski boot bag and one pair of skis are charged the applicable checked bag fee for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for single piece. | Free if under 50 lbs |
| Media | Charged the applicable checked bag fee for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. For media with ID, 3rd plus bag $50 each. Overweight charges apply for bags in excess of 50 lbs. | Standard excess charges apply |
| Military | 3 bags up to 70 lbs each | 3 bags up to 70 lbs each |
| Curbside fee | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Packaging fee (boxes/bags) | Garment box: $10 | Garment box: $10 |
| Bike box: $20 | Bike box: $20 | |
| Utility box: $10 | Utility box: $10 |
| Plastic bags | Free ski/boot bag or carseat/stroller bag | Free ski/boot bag or carseat/stroller bag |
For Domestic tickets purchased on/after November 12, 2008 for travel on/after December 5, 2008
| Specialty Item | Domestic |
| Antlers | $175 |
| Bikes | $175 |
| Scuba | |
| Surfboard | |
| Windsurf |
| Fishing Poles | Charged the applicable checked bag fee for the 1st or 2nd checked bag if under 50 lbs and 120 inches. |
| Golf | Charged the applicable checked bag fee for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. |
| Javelin/Pole Vault | Charged the applicable checked bag fee for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. |
| Ski/Snowboard | Two pieces-ski boot bag and one pair of skis are charged the applicable checked bag fee for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for single piece. |
| Media | Charged the applicable checked bag fee for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. 3rd bag $125 if under 50 lbs/62" or $175 if over 50 lbs/62". 4th plus bag $175. |
| Military | 10 bags up to 100 lbs each mainline. 4 bags up to 100 lbs each on Delta Connection/NW Airlink |
| Curbside fee | Discontinued |
| Packaging fee (boxes/bags) | Discontinued |
| Plastic bags | $5 per bag |
For INTERNATIONAL tickets purchased on or after June 27, 2009 for travel on or after July 1, 2009
| Specialty Item | Travel between the U.S. and Europe | All other international travel |
| Antlers | $300 | $175 |
| Bikes | $300 | $150 |
| Scuba | ||
| Surfboard | ||
| Windsurf |
| Fishing Poles | Free if under 50 lbs and 80 inches. | Free if under 50 lbs and 80 inches |
| Golf | Free if under 50 lbs and 62 inches. | Free if under 50 lbs and 62 inches |
| Javelin/Pole Vault | Permitted up to 80 inches; over 80 inches, oversize fees apply. | $150 |
| Ski/Snowboard | Two pieces-ski boot bag and one pair of skis are included in free allowance up to 50 lbs and 80 inches. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for single piece. | Free if under 50 lbs |
| Media | For media with ID, No charge in free allowance. 3rd plus bag $175 each. | No charge in free allowance. Standard excess charges apply |
| Military | 10 bags up to 100 lbs each. 4 bags free up to 100 lbs each on Delta Connection. | 10 bags up to 100 lbs each. 4 bags free up to 100 lbs each on Delta Connection. |
| Curbside fee | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Packaging fee (boxes/bags) | Garment box: $10 | Garment box: $10 |
| Bike box: $20 | Bike box: $20 | |
| Utility box: $10 | Utility box: $10 |
| Plastic bags | Free ski/boot bag or carseat/stroller bag | Free ski/boot bag or carseat/stroller bag |
Antlers
Northwest accepts antlers retained as hunting trophies as checked baggage only and only for travel within/between US/PR/VI/CA. Animal racks/antlers are not included as part of the free baggage allowance for international travel.
Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of antlers. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of antlers.
Archery Equipment
Northwest accepts one set of archery equipment (bow, quiver, arrows and case) as one (1) piece of baggage included in the baggage allowance for travel within/between US/PR/VI/CA only. Northwest only accepts archery equipment as checked baggage. For trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific travel archery equipment cannot be included in the free baggage allowance and will be assessed normal excess bag charges based on size and weight.
The archery equipment must be encased in a container of sufficient strength to protect the items from damage.
Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of archery equipment. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of archery equipment.
Bicycles
Northwest accepts non-motorized touring, racing or tandem bicycles as checked baggage only. A bicycle is not included in a customer's baggage allowance. Northwest only accepts bicycles weighing 100 pounds or less. Bicycles over 100 pounds must be sent air freight.
Northwest accepts bicycles only if the handlebars are fixed sideways and the pedals removed or if the handlebars and pedals are wrapped with protective packing material. Northwest recommends bicycles be placed in a bike box.
Northwest only accepts tandem bicycles for travel between the US/Canada/Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands. Tandem bikes are only accepted on 747/319/320/757 type aircraft.
Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of bicycles. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of bicycles.
Boogie Boards
For tickets purchased before November 12, 2008: For International travel (including travel US/CA/Mexico/Caribbean as well as trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific), Northwest will accept a boogie board in lieu of one piece of baggage included in the baggage allowance provided the board does not exceed 43 inches (107 cm) in length. A boogie board longer than 43 inches (107 cm) or in excess of the allowance will be subject to excess baggage charges.
For tickets purchased on/after November 12, 2008 for travel on/after December 5, 2008: Boogie Boards will no longer be accepted in lieu of one piece of baggage. Overweight baggage charges will apply.
For tickets purchased on/after June 27, 2009for travel on/after July 1, 2009 for travel between the U.S. and Europe only: Northwest will accept a boogie board in lieu of one piece of baggage included in the baggage allowance, provided the board does not exceed 43 inches (107 cm) in length. A boogie board longer than 43 inches (107 cm) or in excess of the allowance will be subject to excess baggage charges.
Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of boogie boards. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of boogie boards.
Bowling Equipment
Northwest accepts one set of bowling equipment (one bag carrying one or two balls and one pair of bowling shoes) in lieu of one piece of baggage included in the baggage allowance. Bowling equipment is subject to standard oversized and overweight charges.
Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of bowling equipment. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of bowling equipment.
Firearms, Handguns, and Ammunition
Passengers should check with Northwest for current policies, requirements, and restrictions on traveling with firearms and related items.
Northwest Airlines does not accept guns or firearms of any kind in carry-on baggage.
Northwest accepts handguns, BB guns, rifles, and shotguns as checked baggage, with certain limitations and requirements.
Northwest accepts one of the following in lieu of one piece of baggage included in the baggage allowance:
- One (1) rifle case containing no more than four (4) rifles/shotguns, one (1) shooting mat, one (1) noise suppressor and tools.
- One (1) pistol case containing no more than five (5) handguns, one (1) scope, one (1) noise suppressor and tools.
When checked piece containing guns is in excess of weight allowance, appropriate excess charges apply.
In addition to one (1) of the above items, Northwest accepts small arms ammunition up to a maximum of 11 pounds (5 kg). Guns and ammunition may be in the same piece of baggage. However, ammunition must be within its own packaging.
For trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific travel, firearms may be included in the baggage allowance as described above. However, for international travel you must obtain and comply with regulations governing the transportation of firearms for *ALL* countries you are traveling to, including those where only flight connections occur.
Northwest accepts firearms, handguns, and ammunition under the following conditions:
- All firearms must be locked in a suitable crush-proof / hard-sided container manufactured specifically for firearms or hard-sided suitcase. Hard-shell gun cases can be purchased at domestic airports.
- Ammunition must be in the manufacturer's original packaging or a container specifically designed for ammunition. Ammunition with explosive or incendiary projectiles will not be accepted.
- Due to TSA regulations, gun cases must be properly locked. Often gun cases require further TSA inspection.
- To avoid the breaking of passenger's gun case locks, NWA recommends the use of TSA approved locks. TSA approved locks (Searchalert) come with a tool that enables TSA screeners to open the lock without damaging it. Searchalert locks are available for sale at NWA stations in Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto and Winnipeg.
Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of firearms, handguns, and ammunition. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of firearms, handguns, and ammunition.
Fishing Equipment
Fishing equipment is accepted as checked baggage only. Northwest accepts one set of fishing equipment (two (2) rods with reels, creel, net, pair of boots and tackle box) as one (1) piece of baggage included in the baggage allowance.
Fishing pole containers must not exceed 120 inches. The fishing rods, creel, landing net and boots must be properly encased. The tackle box must be sealed or locked.
Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of fishing equipment. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of fishing equipment.
Golf Equipment
Golf equipment is accepted as checked baggage only. Northwest accepts one (1) set of golf equipment (14 clubs, 12 balls and one pair of shoes) as one (1) piece of baggage included in the baggage allowance. Golf bags must adhere to normal weight limits.
Northwest will not accept golf equipment without a cover. A hard-shell case is recommended.
Hockey and Lacrosse Equipment
Northwest accepts one (1) piece of hockey or lacrosse equipment as one piece of baggage included in the baggage allowance. Standard overweight and oversize charges apply to hockey and lacrosse equipment. One (1) piece of hockey or lacrosse equipment is defined as one (1) or a combination of the following:
- Up to three (3) hockey/lacrosse sticks taped together
- One (1) hockey/lacrosse equipment bag (not exceeding 50 pounds or 160 inches)
Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of hockey/lacrosse sticks. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of hockey/lacrosse equipment.
Scuba Equipment
One dive bag containing scuba equipment, other than an empty dive tank, may be accepted as part of the baggage allowance. If not included in the baggage allowance, or scuba equipment includes an empty dive tank, fees will apply.
NOTE: Scuba tank must be empty. If the spear gun has a CO2 cartridge, the cartridge must be empty.
Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of scuba equipment. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of scuba equipment.
Skiing and Snowboarding Equipment
Northwest accepts one ski bag containing skis, poles and bindings and one ski boot bag containing boots as checked baggage - count the two items as one piece of checked baggage. Northwest accepts one item of skiing/snowboarding equipment as one piece of baggage included in the baggage allowance. Ski/snowboard equipment must adhere to normal weight limits. The outside linear dimensions may not exceed 80 inches; otherwise oversize baggage fee will apply.
An item of ski equipment is defined as one of the following:
- One (1) ski bag containing up to two (2) pairs of skis and one (1) boot bag
- One (1) snowboard
- One (1) snowboard bag containing up to two (2) snowboards
Additional ski and boot bags will be subject to normal excess charges. Northwest recommends hard-shell cases when checking your ski equipment.
Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of skiing/snowboarding equipment. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of skiing/snowboarding equipment.
Surfing Equipment
Northwest accepts surfing equipment as checked baggage only. Surfing equipment may not be accepted on certain types of aircraft at Northwest's discretion.
One (1) piece of surfing equipment is defined as one of the following:
- One (1) surf board with a length no longer than 109 inches (277 cm)
- One (1) windsurf board with mast, boom, and sail
Northwest does not allow surfing equipment in baggage allowance. All surfing equipment is subject to excess charges.
Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of surfing equipment. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of surfing equipment.
Vaulting Poles
Northwest accepts pole vault poles for travel within/between US/PR/VI/CA only as checked baggage. Passengers must make advance arrangements with Northwest Customer Service to transport pole vault poles. Pole vault poles may not be accepted on certain types of aircraft at Northwest's discretion.
Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of pole vaulting equipment. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of pole vaulting equipment.
Mobility Aids and Assistive Devices
To assist passengers with disabilities, Northwest Airlines and our Airlink Partners accept all types of mobility aids including folding, collapsible and non-folding manual wheelchairs, electric/battery powered wheelchairs, electric scooters/carts, and assistive devices free of charge regardless of weight and size. Excess baggage charges do not apply. If a passenger needs more than one assistive device for travel, all required assistive devices will be accommodated.
Assistive devices are accepted free of charge in addition to the standard carry-on allowance. Assistive devices can include but are not limited to crutches, canes, braces, walkers, prostheses, and C-PAP machines.
Mobility aids and assistive devices can be checked at the ticket counter or the boarding gate. Regulations regarding hazardous materials apply to batteries in mobility aids and assistive devices.
For more information regarding traveling with mobility aids, please visit http://www.nwa.com/services/onboard/special/cust.shtml
For Department of Transportation tips on travel with battery-powered devices, please visit http://safetravel.dot.gov/index_batteries.html
