Special Luggage Items
Note: The maximum weight allowance for checked luggage, including special luggage items is 100 pounds. Items weighing more than 100 pounds can be shipped as Cargo.
Alcoholic Beverages
Northwest accepts alcoholic beverages in sealed retail packaging or in receptacles not exceeding 5 liters as carry-on luggage or checked luggage. Passengers may carry a total quantity of 5 liters of alcohol per person.
Note: Alcohol containing over 70% alcohol by volume will not be accepted.
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Dry Ice
Northwest accepts packages containing 4 lbs. (2 kg) or less of dry ice as carry-on or checked luggage. Dry ice is accepted under the following conditions:
- The container or package must be ventilated to permit the release of carbon dioxide gas.
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- The container or package must be clearly labeled as containing dry ice.
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- An accurate shipper's certificate must be provided to Northwest Airlines.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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 (up to 100 pounds) as checked luggage or cabin-seat luggage. Musical instruments are not included in the free luggage allowance and an excess fee of $80.00 USD will apply for domestic travel. For international travel, overweight/oversize luggage fees vary by country.
Cabin-seat Luggage: Northwest requires advance arrangements for carriage of musical instruments as cabin-seat luggage. Northwest must assign the instrument bulkhead seating behind a hard/rigid divider to comply with FAA safety regulations. 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.
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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.
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Antlers
Northwest accepts antlers retained as hunting trophies as checked luggage only. We will accept animal racks/antlers, although they are not included as part of the free baggage allowance. For travel within/between US/PR/VI/CA a fee of $80 per animal rack/antler will apply. International travel to/from US/CA normal excess/oversize baggage charges apply based on actual dimension/weight.
One service charge applies when smaller antlers are nestled inside larger antlers and strapped together. Northwest accepts antlers only if they are free of residue and the points are protected.
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. Northwest only accepts archery equipment as checked luggage.
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 100 pounds or less. Bicycles over 100 pounds must be sent air freight.
The following charges apply for transportation (each way) per bike between the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean:
- 1st Bicycle: $80.00 USD
- Additional Bicycles: $180.00 USD
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
Northwest accepts one boogie board or one boogie board bag containing up to two boogie boards in lieu of one piece of luggage included in the free luggage allowance provided the board(s) do not exceed 43 inches (107 cm) in length. Boogie boards longer than 43 inches (107 cm) are subject to applicable oversized 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.
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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.
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 two (2) rifles, one (1)shooting mat, one (1) noise suppressor and tools.
- Two (2) shotguns in two (2) cases considered as one (1) item.
- One (1) pistol case containing no more than five (5) handguns, one (1) scope, one (1) noise supressor and tools.
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.
- Northwest accepts firearm, handguns, and ammunition under the following conditions:
- All firearms must be packed in a crush-proof container manufactured specifically for firearms or in a 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.
Passengers must verbally declare the firearm is unloaded. Northwest requires a passenger to sign a firearm unloaded tag and include it inside of luggage containing a firearm. No exterior tag or notice of firearm may appear on the case.
Luggage containing firearms must be locked and only the passenger may retain the key or combination. Airline personnel will not unload or handle firearms.
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 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. Full normal excess charges apply to passengers with more than one golf bag. Golf bags must adhere to normal weight limits.
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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 baggage allowance. An empty dive tank will not be included in determining the free baggage allowance and will always be subject to a $80 fee. Scuba equipment accepted in excess of the free baggage allowance will be assessed the appropriate fee based on destination. 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
If combined weight of ski bag and boot bag exceed 50lbs/23kg an overweight fee applies.
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.
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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 $80.00 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
- One (1) windsurf board with mast, boom, and sail
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 as checked luggage only. 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 $80.00 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 dependant customers, Northwest accepts one (1) wheelchair as checked luggage in addition to the free luggage allowance. For non-wheelchair dependant passenger, excess luggage fees may apply in addition to the free luggage allowance. 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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