Special Luggage Items
Note: For domestic and trans-Atlantic travel, the maximum weight accepted for any piece of checked luggage, including special luggage items, is 70 pounds. For Trans-Pacific travel, the maximum weight accepted for any piece of checked luggage 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 luggage only. Passengers may carry a total quantity of 5 liters of alcohol per person.
Note: Beverages containing over 70% alcohol by volume will not be accepted.
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Dry Ice
Northwest accepts packages containing up to 4.4 lbs (2 kgs) of dry ice in carry-on luggage or 5 lbs (2.3 kgs) in checked baggage per passenger. Dry ice is accepted under the following conditions:
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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
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- Heart pacemakers
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- Watches
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Electronic devices that can be used on board the aircraft, but may not be used during takeoff and landing:
Electronic devices that cannot be used on the airplane at any time:
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 luggage only. Professional audio/visual equipment may replace a piece of checked luggage included in the free luggage allowance. A charge of USD 50.00 applies to any items of professional audio/visual equipment in excess of the free luggage allowance on domestic flights only. For international travel, this type of equipment would be subject to normal excess charges.
Personal Camera Equipment: Northwest allows passengers to carry on cameras in addition to the normal carry-on luggage allowance.
Caution: Do not pack film in checked luggage. The screening equipment that inspects your checked luggage may damage undeveloped film in camera equipment. Northwest recommends:
- You pack your undeveloped film in carry-on luggage 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:
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Do NOT use recalled or damaged batteries
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Keep removed batteries in carry on bags and protect from damage
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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 luggage. 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/
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Fragile/Perishable Items
Passengers may include fragile and perishable items in their checked or carry-on luggage. However, Northwest is not liable for the loss, damage, spoilage, or delay in delivery of fragile or perishable items included in the passenger's luggage, with or without the knowledge of Northwest.
A fragile and/or bulky item may be carried as cabin-seat luggage subject to certain restrictions. See Carry-on Luggage for details.
Examples of fragile or perishable items include, but are not limited to:
- Artistic items
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- Musical instruments and equipment
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- Articles tied, taped, wired, or strapped to the exterior of any piece of luggage
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- Paper items
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- Boxes, sacks, and bags that do not provide sufficient protection from damage to the container and its contents
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- Perishable items, including floral and nursery items
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- Chinaware, ceramics, or pottery
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- Photographic and cinematographic equipment
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- Electronic and mechanical items
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- Precision items, including medical items and calibrated measuring devices
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- Garment bags
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- Recreational and sporting goods
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- Glass and glassware, including telescopes, binoculars, and barometers
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- Toys
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- Household articles
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- Uncrated/unprotected items whose shapes, material, or characteristics render them susceptible to damage
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- Liquor cartons
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For a more detailed list of fragile or perishable items, please see Northwest's Contract of Carriage.
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Infant and Child Items
Northwest accepts certain infant and child items in addition to normal luggage 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 luggage 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 luggage allowance.
Strollers: One fully collapsible umbrella-style stroller may be carried onboard, in addition to the carry-on luggage allowance. Strollers are only allowed on board the aircraft if approved storage space is available.
Northwest also accepts child carrier backpacks and strollers as checked luggage. Each item may be checked in lieu of one piece of luggage included in the free luggage allowance. When these items are checked as luggage, 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 luggage 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.
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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 free luggage allowance, Northwest allows passengers to carry-on medical/life support assistive devices.
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Military Luggage
Northwest accepts military luggage as checked luggage only. Military passengers traveling on orders are permitted two pieces of luggage up to 70 pounds each for domestic and international travel.
If military passengers are not on orders, then the regular free luggage allowance applies. However, all military passengers are permitted to substitute one piece of military luggage (duffel bag, sea bag or B-4 bag,) weighing less than 70 pounds, in lieu of one piece included in the free luggage allowance. Excess luggage fees will apply if military luggage is over 70 pounds.
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Musical Instruments
Northwest accepts musical instruments that exceed size and/or weight limitations as checked luggage or cabin-seat luggage. Musical instruments that exceed size and/or weight limitations are not included in the free luggage allowance and an excess fee of $100 USD/CAD each-way will apply for domestic travel. For international travel, overweight/oversize luggage fees vary by country.
Cabin-seat Luggage: Northwest requires purchase of an additional seat and advance arrangements for carriage of musical instruments as cabin-seat luggage. See Carry-on Luggage for all the conditions of acceptance of cabin-seat luggage.
Checked Luggage: 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 them or in the overhead bin or closet. These instruments are in lieu of the passenger's carry-on luggage item. Passengers traveling with a guitar or smaller musical instrument may also carry a small personal item.
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Sports Equipment
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.
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Antlers
Northwest accepts antlers retained as hunting trophies as checked luggage only and only for travel within/between US/PR/VI/CA. A fee of $100 USD/CAD each-way per animal rack/antler will apply. Animal racks/antlers are not included as part of the free baggage allowance.
Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of antlers. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of antlers.
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Archery Equipment
Northwest accepts one set of archery equipment (bow, quiver, arrows and case) in lieu of one piece of luggage included in the free luggage allowance for travel within/between US/PR/VI/CA only. Northwest only accepts archery equipment as checked luggage. For trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific travel archery equipment cannot be included in the free luggage 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.
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Bicycles
Northwest accepts non-motorized touring, racing or tandem bicycles as checked luggage only. A bicycle is not included in a customer's free luggage allowance. Northwest only accepts bicycles weighing 70 pounds or less. Bicycles over 70 pounds must be sent air freight.
The following charges apply for travel (each-way) per bike up to 70 pounds each, between the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean:
- 1 - 6 Bicycles: $100 USD / CAD each-way per bike
- 7 or more Bicycles: $180.00 USD / CAD each-way per bike
One excess charge per bicycle applies for International travel (each-way):
- Trans-Atlantic travel fee per bicycle: $150.00 USD / CAD / EUR each-way
- Trans-Pacific travel fee per bicycle: $130.00 USD / CAD each-way
- Between Hawaii and Japan: $84.00 USD / 16,200 JPY each-way
- Between US and Philippines: Call Northwest Reservations for rate information
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/D10/757 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.
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Boogie Boards
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 luggage included in the free luggage 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 free allowance will be subject to one excess baggage charge.
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.
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Bowling Equipment
Northwest accepts one set of bowling equipment (ball, bag and pair of bowling shoes) in lieu of one piece of luggage included in the free luggage 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.
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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 luggage.
Passengers under 18 years of age traveling alone will not be allowed to check any type of gun.
Northwest accepts handguns, BB guns, rifles, and shotguns as checked luggage, with certain limitations and requirements.
Northwest accepts one of the following in lieu of one piece of luggage included in the free luggage allowance:
- One (1) rifle case containing no more than four (4) rifles/shotguns, one (1) shooting mat, one (1) noise suppressor and tools.
- Two (2) rifle cases containing a combined maximum total of four (4) rifles/shotguns is considered as one (1) item.
- 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 free 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 luggage. However, ammunition must be within its own packaging.
For trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific travel, firearms may be included in the free luggage 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.
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Fishing Equipment
Northwest accepts one set of fishing equipment (two (2) rods with reels, creel, net, pair of boots and tackle box) in lieu of one (1) piece of luggage included in the free luggage allowance. Fishing equipment is accepted as checked luggage only. Fishing equipment not included in your free luggage allowance will be charged the following rates:
- For travel wholly within/between US/CA/Mexico and the Caribbean:
$100* USD / CAD each-way
- Trans-Atlantic travel: $150.00 USD / CAD / EUR each-way
- Trans-Pacific travel: $130.00 USD / CAD each-way
- Between Hawaii and Japan: $84.00 USD / 16,200 JPY each-way
- Between US and Philippines: Call NORTHWEST Reservations for rate information
Fishing pole containers must not exceed 160 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.
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Golf Equipment
Northwest accepts one (1) set of golf equipment (14 clubs, 12 balls and one pair of shoes) in lieu of one (1) piece of luggage included in the free luggage allowance. Golf equipment is accepted as checked luggage only.
Northwest will not accept golf equipment without a cover. A hard-shell case is recommended.
Trans-Atlantic / Trans-Pacific Travel:
- Included in Free Allowance: No charge as long as golf bag(s) adhere to normal weight and size limits.
- If golf bag is in free allowance but weighs between 51-70 pounds, the standard fee of $50.00 is applied.
- If golf bag is an additional piece of luggage, one golf bag will be accepted for a flat fee of $75.00
- Full normal excess charges will apply to each additional golf bag being checked.
Travel wholly within/between US/CA/Mexico and the Caribbean (note: charges are cumulative):
- Included in Free Allowance: No charge as long as golf bag(s) adhere to normal weight and size limits.
- If golf bag is an additional piece of luggage, the standard fee of $80.00 is applied.
- If bag is an oversized piece of luggage (63" - 160"), the standard fee of $80.00 is applied.
- If bag weighs between 51-70 pounds, the standard fee of $50.00 is applied.
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Hockey and Lacrosse Equipment
Northwest accepts one (1) piece of hockey or lacrosse equipment in lieu of one piece of luggage included in the free luggage 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.
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Scuba Equipment
One dive bag containing scuba equipment, other than an empty dive tank, may be accepted as part of your free luggage allowance. If not included in your free luggage allowance, or scuba equipment includes an empty dive tank, the following fees will apply:
- For travel wholly within/between US/CA/Mexico and the Caribbean:
$100 USD / CAD each-way
- Trans-Atlantic travel: $150.00 USD / CAD / EUR each-way
- Trans-Pacific travel: $130.00 USD / CAD each-way
- Between Hawaii and Japan: $84.00 USD / 16,200 JPY each-way
- Between US and Philippines: Call NORTHWEST Reservations for rate information
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.
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Skiing and Snowboarding Equipment
Northwest accepts one item of skiing/snowboarding equipment in lieu of one piece of luggage included in the free luggage allowance. Skiing/snowboarding equipment is accepted as checked luggage only. 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.
International Travel:
- Additional ski and boot bags or equipment that does not fit within the free luggage allowance guidelines will be subject to a rate of $50.00 per bag.
- NOTE: Does not apply to travel within Asia, within Europe, or between Asia and Europe where the piece concept of luggage does not apply, contact Northwest for charges.
Domestic Travel:
- If combined weight of ski bag and boot bag exceed 50 pounds (23 kg) an overweight fee of $50.00 applies.
- If equipment is an additional piece of luggage not include in free allowance, a fee of $100 USD / CAD each-way applies.
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.
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Surfing Equipment
Northwest accepts surfing equipment as checked luggage only. Surfing equipment is not included in a customer's free luggage allowance and is subject to a charge of $100 USD each-way per item. Surf 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 surf equipment in free luggage allowance. All surfing equipment will be charged a rate of one (1) excess bag charge.
- Domestic fee: $100 USD / CAD / EUR each-way
- Trans-Atlantic travel fee: $150.00 USD / CAD / EUR each-way
- Trans-Pacific travel fee: $130.00 USD / CAD each-way
- Between Hawaii and Japan: $84.00 USD / 16,200 JPY each-way
- Between US and Philippines: Contact Northwest Reservations for rate information.
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.
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Vaulting Poles
Northwest accepts pole vault poles for travel within/between US/PR/VI/CA only as checked luggage. Passengers must make advance arrangements with Northwest Customer Service to transport pole vault poles. Pole vault poles are not included in a customer's free luggage allowance and are subject to a charge of $100 USD each-way per item. 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.
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Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices
Wheelchairs
Northwest transports all types of personal wheelchairs including folding, collapsible and non-folding manual wheelchairs, electric/battery powered wheelchairs, and electric powered carts. Wheelchairs must be transported in accordance with Northwest Airlines requirements. The battery may need to be detached.
For wheelchair dependent customers, Northwest accepts wheelchairs, electric scooters and assistive devices free of charge regardless of weight and size. Wheelchair dependent customers are not limited by the number of wheelchairs they can take free of charge. Excess charges do not apply. For non-wheelchair dependant passengers, excess luggage fees may apply. Wheelchairs can be checked at the ticket counter or the boarding gate.
Folding Wheelchairs: Customers who take advantage of pre-boarding may request to stow their folding personal wheelchair onboard. Northwest provides at least one (1) priority wheelchair stowage location in the cabin of all aircraft. Not all stowage locations accommodate all wheelchairs. Only dry cell and gel cell batteries are permitted in the cabin.
Electric/Battery Powered Wheelchairs: Northwest will not disassemble electric/battery powered wheelchairs that can be loaded upright through the aircraft cargo compartment door. Wheelchairs accepted fully assembled must have the battery securely fastened, the cables disconnected, and the terminals taped. If the wheelchair cannot be loaded as presented, our employees may ask you for instructions on how to disassemble your equipment. Due to cargo door limitations, some aircraft cannot accommodate battery operated wheelchairs. In these situations, the wheelchair will be transported on the next available flight that can accommodate the wheelchair.
Wet-cell Batteries for Wheelchairs: Special preparations must be made before transporting wet-cell batteries by air. The battery must be disconnected and terminals protected against shorting. If the battery must be removed to load the wheelchair on the aircraft, Northwest will provide hazardous materials packaging at no cost to the passenger.
Other Mobility Devices
Northwest considers crutches, canes, braces, and prostheses as special carry-on items accepted free of charge in addition to the standard carry-on allowance.
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