Luggage Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Items beyond Airport Security Checkpoints
Luggage Guidelines
Luggage Limits
Bag Identification
Problems with Luggage
Items prohibited beyond security checkpoint include:
- Knives/Cutting instruments
- Corkscrews
- Baseball bats
- Golf clubs
- Ski poles
- Hockey sticks
- Lighters - NOTE: The Transportation Security Administration will ban all lighters beyond security checkpoints after April 14, 2005.
Items permitted beyond security checkpoint include:
- Walking canes*
- Nail clippers
- Safety razors including disposable razors
- Syringes
- Tweezers
- Umbrellas*
- Eye lash curlers
- Knitting needles and crochet hooks
*Once inspected to ensure they do not conceal a prohibited item
Domestic Free Luggage Allowance
For domestic travel (within United States including Alaska and Hawaii), each ticketed passenger is allowed two pieces of checked luggage and one piece of carry-on luggage plus a purse, or brief case or laptop computer. All checked and carry-on luggage is subject to the following limitations:
Checked Luggage
Northwest Airlines will accept checked luggage up to a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23kg) and a maximum total linear dimension (length plus width plus height) of 62 inches (158 cm). Luggage weighing between 50 and 70 pounds will be assessed $25USD / $39 CAD per piece and luggage weighing between 70 and 100 pounds will be assessed $50 USD / $77 CAD per piece. Luggage weighing over 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked luggage.
Carry-On Luggage
When luggage is carried on-board the aircraft, it must be of a size and shape to allow for storage in aircraft overhead compartments, or underneath the seat in front of the passenger. Each person is allowed to carry on-board the aircraft one piece of luggage. This piece of luggage must not exceed 45 linear inches (9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches) and also must not exceed 40 pounds. In addition to this one piece of carry-on luggage, customers may also carry on-board a purse or briefcase or laptop computer. In addition, each passenger may carry a coat, umbrella, or other "special" items.
"Special" Items include:
crutches
cane
brace
prosthesis
collapsible manual wheelchair
one stroller
infant car seat
infant diaper bag
reading material
1 small camera bag
two-wheeled luggage cart provided combined cart and bag fits under the seat or overhead bin
duty free items
Luggage not meeting these specifications must be transported as checked luggage.
All items not needed in-flight should be checked. Passengers should carry on medicine, keys, important papers, and travel documents (passport).
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International Free Luggage Allowance
Checked Luggage
For international travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico), Northwest Airlines will accept checked luggage up to a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23kg) and a maximum total linear dimension (length plus width plus height) of 62 inches (158 cm). Luggage weighing between 50 and 70 pounds will be assessed $25USD / $39 CAD per piece and luggage weighing between 70 and 100 pounds will be assessed $50 USD / $77 CAD per piece. Luggage weighing over 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked luggage.
For all other international travel to/from the United States/Canada, Northwest will accept a total of two pieces of checked luggage, subject to maximum weight limitation, which is 70 lbs. (32 kgs) per piece and not more than 62 linear inches (158 cm) per piece. For international travel outside the United States/Canada (example: within Asia or between Amsterdam and Mumbai), the maximum checked luggage weight limitation is 44 lbs. (20 kgs) for Coach Class and 66 lbs. (30 kgs) for World Business Class.
Carry-On Luggage
Northwest will accept one carry-on item, with a maximum outside linear dimension of 45 inches (115 cm) and not more than 40 lbs. (18kgs). This piece must be of a size and shape to fit under the seat in front of the passenger, or in an enclosed overhead compartment. In addition to the one piece of carry-on luggage, customers may also carry a purse or briefcase or laptop computer. Luggage not meeting these specifications must be transported as checked luggage.
World Business Class customers are permitted an additional piece of carry-on luggage, for a total of two pieces of carry-on luggage. On flights originating in the U.S., this second piece of carry-on may have to be checked. If checked, no excess luggage charges will apply provided it meets the carry on luggage maximum size and weight limits.
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Luggage Policies for Items Such as Knives and Firearms
Knives and Cutting Instruments
Carry on:
NW/KLM does not accept knives or cutting instruments of any size or material in carry-on luggage past security. This includes, but is not limited to: carpet knives and box cutters (and spare blades), items with a folding or retractable blade, ice picks, straight razors, metal scissors with a pointed tip and nail files (metal). Pocket knives, X-Acto knives, and Leatherman or Swiss Army knives are also prohibited. Safety razors (including disposable razors) are acceptable in carry-on luggage. Checked:
NW/KLM accepts knives including sabers/swords/hunting knives/souvenir knives/martial arts devices with blades in checked luggage. In addition, scissors, razor blades, corkscrews manicure sets, sewing scissors and similar items are acceptable in checked luggage.
Guns, Firearms
Carry-on:
NW/KLM does not accept guns or firearms of any kind in carry-on luggage.
Checked: NWA accepts handguns/BB guns/rifle/shotgun type firearms only as checked luggage, with certain limitations and requirements. KLM accepts sports guns only, handguns are not accepted. Passenger must obtain and comply with regulations governing the transportation of firearms for all countries on the itinerary. All firearms must be in a suitable container/crush proof container manufactured specifically for firearms or in a hard-sided suitcase. Passenger must verbally declare firearm is unloaded. NW requires firearm unloaded tag be signed by passenger. Tag must be placed inside of luggage containing firearm. No exterior tag nor notice of firearm may appear on case. Case must be locked and only the passenger may retain the key or combination. NW/KLM personnel will not unload or handle firearms. Gun and ammunition may be in the same piece of luggage. However, ammunition must be within its own packaging which should be in factory carton or rigid shock proof shipping container. Note: gun powder is not permitted as checked luggage including propellant charges for muzzle loading firearms such as pyrodex, etc. Maximum ammunition per passenger: 11 pounds or 5 kilograms.
International shipment of arms/ammunition:
Passengers must obtain and comply with regulations governing the transportation of firearms for all countries on the itinerary. Passengers should check with Northwest or KLM for current policies, requirements and restrictions on firearms and related items in checked luggage when traveling in the U.S. or internationally.
Luggage Limitations
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Limits of Liability For customers who have traveled on a domestic itinerary (defined as the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii) liability for the loss of, damage to, or delay in the delivery of personal property or luggage is limited to $2,500 per ticketed passenger, unless a higher value was placed on the luggage and applicable charges were paid at the time the property was checked into Northwest's care.
For customers who have traveled on an international itinerary, the Northwest Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines' International tariff limits liability for luggage to 1,000 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per passenger at time of settlement. This includes luggage checked for travel on any domestic segment in conjunction with international travel, regardless of layovers or transfers. For a definition of SDR please visit the International Monetary Fund web site.
Northwest, like most major airlines, assumes no liability for loss of, or damage to: Antiques / Computer Equipment and related items / Documents (personal or business, negotiable papers) / Electronic Equipment / film / Jewelry/Watches / Keys / Manuscripts / Medication / Money / Paintings or one of a kind works of art / Pets/Animals / Photographs / Photographic Equipment / Samples / Securities / Silverware / Fragile Items / Irreplaceable or Perishable Items.
Customers should NOT pack medications, car keys, tickets, passports and other legal documentation, or valuable items such as jewelry or cameras in checked luggage. For a complete listing of items excluded from liability, please refer to the full text of the Northwest Airlines contract of carriage, which can be obtained online, at a Northwest airport counter or ticket office or by writing to:
Northwest Airlines, Inc.
Department C6590
5101 Northwest Drive
St. Paul, MN 55111-3034
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Excess Valuation Passengers may declare a higher value for checked luggage, by purchasing additional liability insurance at the time of check-in. Charges shown below are for one-way travel.
Domestic/Transborder: Per Passenger
Maximum Amount -- US Dollars $5,000.00/Canadian Dollars $6,750.00
Charges: US Dollars $1.00 for each additional hundred dollars of value Canadian Dollars $1.35 for each additional $135 of value
Example: If a customer wishes to purchase an additional $500 of liability insurance, and they are traveling domestically, the charge for this would be $5.00
International: Per Passenger
Maximum Amount -- US Dollars $2,500.00/Canadian Dollars $3,125.00
Charges: US Dollars $1.00 for each additional hundred dollars of value. Canadian Dollars $1.25 for each additional $125 of value.
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Interim Expenses
When ticketed passengers are away from their permanent address and luggage is delayed, Northwest and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines may authorize up to $50 for the first day, and up to $25 per day thereafter for the purchase of essential personal items such as clothing and toiletries. The maximum amount for necessary interim expenses is $150 per ticketed passenger. For reimbursement of expenses, please present receipts to the closest Northwest or KLM airport location. Or, if more convenient, submit an itemized list of expenses, along with copies of the receipts for necessary items, copies of the passenger ticket receipt, luggage claim checks and a copy of the delayed luggage report. Mail these items directly to:
Northwest Airlines
Central Luggage Service
P. O. Box 11139
St. Paul, MN 55111-9931
Our ticketing contract excludes liability for consequential damages such as inconvenience, car rental expenses, phone call expenses, hotel or meal costs. Additionally, Northwest cannot offer refunds of airfare because of luggage discrepancies.
Problems with Luggage
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Delayed Luggage Information We are sorry if your luggage was not available to claim after your recent flight. We can assure you that everything possible will be done to locate your luggage and return it to you promptly. Help us devote our efforts to recovering your luggage by limiting phone calls of inquiry.
Northwest offers customers the ability to check for updates on the status of their delayed luggage right online. Simply click here and enter the file reference number provided by the airport personnel who assisted you with your claim.
When you completed your Lost Luggage Claim Form at the Luggage Service Office of your arriving airport, you should have received a luggage tracing questionnaire. If your luggage has not been returned to you after 5 days, please complete and mail the postage-paid questionnaire via U.S. Mail. This questionnaire asks for additional, detailed information about the contents of your luggage that will assist us in locating your property. Our expert staff at our Central Luggage Service Office will use the information from your questionnaire, and our state-of-the-art tracing system to continue the search for your luggage.
Please refer to the file reference number provided to you at the time your claim was filed in any correspondence or reference to your claim. This will help us quickly access your record. Please also retain your claim check(s) and airline ticket copy until your luggage is returned to you.
Please accept our sincere apology for this inconvenience.
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Luggage Delayed Over 5 Days
Northwest uses state-of-the-art technology and an extensive communication network to trace delayed luggage. As soon as a passenger reports their luggage as delayed, efforts begin and Northwest personnel will make every effort to keep customers advised of our progress in locating delayed luggage/property. Until luggage is returned, customers should keep their luggage claim checks and passenger ticket receipt.
If your luggage is not located within 5 days of travel, the claim (or file) will be turned over to Northwest personnel in our Central Luggage Service area. The Central Luggage Service staff will continue to search for luggage that has been delayed. Because these processes take additional time, passengers are advised to plan for a 30-day waiting period before a final settlement for lost luggage is offered.
If customers wish to discuss claim processing (for luggage that has been missing for MORE than 5 days) or settlement options, our Central Luggage Service department can be reached at:
Northwest Airlines
Central Luggage Service
P.O. Box 11139
St. Paul, MN 55111-9931
Toll-free at 1-800-648-4897
Fax number: (612) 727-4639
We accept inbound telephone calls from customer between the hours of 8am and 4pm central time.
For luggage claims less than 5 days old, customers should contact the airport location where they filed their claims.
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Lost and Found Items
For customers who need assistance in locating an item left onboard a Northwest or KLM aircraft, or left behind at a Northwest/KLM boarding gate area, please call the final destination airport, or the airport at which the item was last seen.
We will search for your missing property and contact you ONLY if we have located your property or something that is similar to what you have described. Items that are located will be returned to the owner via the US mail.
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Damaged Luggage
For customers who have traveled on a domestic itinerary (defined as the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii) any report of damage to checked luggage or property must be made with 24 hours of arrival in order for Northwest to accept liability. For International travel, all reports of damage to luggage or property must be filed within 7-days of arrival. Reports of damaged luggage or property should be filed at the airport location where customer travel was completed.
The initial damage report may be filed by telephone, however, all damaged property or luggage must be presented to the closest Northwest Airlines Luggage Office for further consideration. It is important that customers retain all damaged property until it can be inspected by a Northwest Airlines representative, and a damaged property report is on record.
Some amount of normal wear should be expected when luggage is transported. Because of the automated systems used by airlines, luggage may be scratched or nicked during handling.
Northwest, like most major airlines, does not accept liability for the following types of damage to checked luggage: Broken wheels or feet, lost pull straps, damage resulting from overpacked luggage, damage to oversized bags, or damage to luggage handles. Northwest does not assume liability if items of a fragile or perishable nature are damaged during transport, or for manufacturer's defects in luggage. Additionally, our operational tariff prevents Northwest from assuming liability for any items unsuitably packed or unsuitable for transportation, with or without Northwest's knowledge.
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Property Missing from within Checked Luggage
For passengers who have traveled on a domestic itinerary (defined as the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii), reports of property which is missing from within checked luggage must be filed with the airport location where travel was completed, and must be made within 24 hours of arrival in order for Northwest Airlines to accept liability.
For passengers who have traveled on an international itinerary, all missing property reports must be made within 7-days of arrival.
Once all necessary information is obtained by our Luggage Service personnel at the airport, the report will be electronically transmitted to our Central Luggage Service Department in St. Paul, MN, where all claims are reviewed and handled to conclusion. Customers will be contacted in writing, by our Central Luggage Service staff approximately 20 days from the date the initial report was filed.
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