Starting in 1996, Alexa Internet has been donating their crawl data to the Internet Archive. Flowing in every day, these data are added to the Wayback Machine after an embargo period.
Northwest welcomes small domesticated dogs, cats and birds in the passenger cabin on all flights within the U.S. (except to Hawaii). Small dogs and cats are also permitted in the passenger cabin between the U.S. and many international destinations.
Advance arrangement isrequired: The number of carry-on pets allowed per flight is limited. When making your travel plans, inform Northwest Reservations or your travel professional that you would like to carry your pet on board. When booking online at nwa.com, contact Northwest Reservations after purchasing your ticket to make arrangements for your pet.
Flight connections to anotherairline: If your travel plans include a connection to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines or another member of our SkyteamSM Global Alliance, please note that their guidelines may differ from Northwest's. An additional charge may also apply. We recommend that you contact the airline directly. For your convenience, a list of the SkyTeam member airlines' web sites is included below.
Travel within the U.S., and between the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean: A one-way, per-airline fee of $80.00 USD ($123.00 CAD) will apply to each kennel transported in the passenger cabin.
International travel: Carry-on pet fees will vary depending upon the origin and final destination. Please review the information for specific countries using the links below.
Animals escorting passengers with disabilities and certified animals traveling with trainers for law enforcement or search and rescue are welcome on board all Northwest and Northwest Airlink flights (subject to government restrictions). There is no cost for for service animals traveling with you in the passenger cabin.
To take your service animal in the passenger cabin, you must adhere to the following:
When making your reservations, advise Northwest or your travel professional that a service animal will need to accompany you on board. When booking online at nwa.com, contact Northwest Reservations after purchasing your ticket to make arrangements for your service animal.
Your service animal must be with you and properly harnessed during check in.
Service animals may travel in the passenger cabin without a kennel (except monkeys), provided they are properly harnessed and do not occupy a seat. Our reservations agent can assist you with seating arrangements and information regarding required documentation for your service animal.
Northwest Airlines does not require a health certificate for carry-on pets. However, it is your responsibility to comply with all local, state and national entry requirements which may apply.
Many states and foreign countries require that pets be accompanied by a health certificate. Additional requirements may also apply. More information on these regulations can be found on the web sites listed below.
Note: When traveling internationally, failure to comply with all requirements may result in your pet being refused entry, placed into quarantine or returned to origin at your expense. For the most up-to-date information, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate General office for each country on your itinerary at least four (4) weeks prior to departure.
For the safety and comfort of your pet, please make sure your pet can fit comfortably inside your carry-on kennel. The kennel must be large enough to allow your pet to move about. No part of your pet may extend outside of the kennel. This includes long tails on some birds.
Two (2) small pets of the same species may share a kennel if they are between 3 months and 6 months, are comparable size not weighing over 15 lbs total including kennel, or if they are adult mother and offspring under 4 months.
The maximum kennel size permitted is 17Lx12Wx8H inches (43Lx32Wx20H cm).
The combined weight of your pet(s) and kennel may not exceed 15 pounds (6.8 kg).
Pets in excess of these limits are not permitted in the cabin, but may accompany you and travel with your luggage or as cargo.
Carry-on kennels must be leak proof and be ventilated on two (2) or more sides. The hard-sided Cabin Kennel® and soft-sided Sherpa® pet containers (available at most pet supply stores) meet these requirements.
To ensure a comfortable environment for all our passengers, the following limitation and restrictions will be enforced.
Accomodation: Your pet must always remain in its carry-on under your seat for the duration of the flight. Northwest limits each flight to six (6) carry-on kennels; two (2) in First or WorldBusiness Class and four (4) in Economy. On Northwest Airlink flights operated by Mesaba and Pinnacle Airlines, there is a limit of four (4) carry-on kennels: two (2) in First Class and two (2) in Economy.
Pets: Carry-on pets are limited to small dogs, cats, and household birds (birds are allowed only within the 48 contiguous U.S. and Alaska). All other pets, including ferrets and reptiles, must travel as cargo.
Aircraft: Carry-on pets are not permitted in WorldBusiness Class on Northwest A330 aircraft, due to the lack of sufficient under seat storage space. This restriction does not apply to service animals, nor does it apply to WorldBusiness Class on our 747 and DC-10 aircraft or Economy Class on any of our aircraft.
Class of Service: You and your pet must travel together on the same flight and in the same class of service.
Age of Pets: Pets less than eight (8) weeks old are not permitted.
Local Authority: Due to local government or handling restrictions, Northwest does not permit carry-on pets to several destinations, including Hawaii, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Oman, Singapore, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Depending upon your final destination, your pet may accompany you and travel with your luggage or as cargo.
U.K. Exceptions: United Kingdom (U.K.) regulations do not permit carry-on pets or accompanied pets traveling with passenger luggage. All animals, including service animals, must be transported using the cargo service. Read more information.
Save time at the airport: Pay your carry-on pet fee over the phone before you travel. Contact Northwest Reservations for more information.
Avoid unnecessary fees: Northwest Airlines reserves the right to assess an additional $20.00 gate processing fee for carry-on pets not disclosed prior to boarding. To avoid this fee, you must inform us of your carry-on pet request when making your reservations or at the ticket counter at least one (1) hour prior to departure for domestic flights or two (2) hours for international flights.
Careful planning is essential to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your pet. To prepare your pet for travel, download our Checklist for Carry-on Pets. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view this checklist.
Return to top