Takeoff and In-Flight

Preparing for Takeoff

Welcome aboard! Our flight attendants will greet you as you board the aircraft and locate your seat. Some questions that frequently come up during this time include:

• How do I find my seat?

  Your seat assignment is printed on your boarding pass and corresponds to the row and seat numbers, which may be printed near the reading lights above the seats, just below the overhead bin latch or on the armrest on some wide body aircraft. Rows are labeled numerically starting at the front of the aircraft and seats are listed alphabetically starting on the left side of the aircraft with the letter A, which designates a window seat. The letter labels then move toward and across the aisle ending at the opposite window seat.

• What can I do if someone else is already sitting in my seat?

  Please verify your seat by checking your boarding pass and the row and seat labels shown on the aircraft. If there has been an error, contact the flight attendant for help.

• Where do I put my carry-on luggage?

  Our overhead bins can accommodate luggage that fits inside the sizing boxes found at our ticket counters and boarding gates. By placing larger items in an overhead bin near your seat, you'll be able to put smaller items under the seat in front of you.

• What if I can't find a place to put my bags?

  If all available overhead bin space is filled, take your bags to the front of the aircraft and the flight attendant will tag them and have them placed with the checked luggage. You'll be given a receipt and can claim your bags from the baggage claim area when you reach your destination.

• Can I use my cell phone during this time?

  Northwest permits customers to use their cell phones during the boarding process and until the aircraft door has been closed. At that time the flight attendant will announce that cell phones may no longer be used since they may interfere with the communication and navigation of the aircraft.

• Are there special requirements for people seated in the exit rows?

  Yes. Those customers seated in exit rows must be at least 15 years old, and have the physical and mental capacity to assist in the event of an emergency evacuation.

• Do adults with infants need separate seats?

  Federal regulations permit air travelers to hold an infant (under 2 years old) in their laps.  Children 2 years and older are required to purchase a seat.  Northwest retains the right to ask for proof of age for children under two years of age. The adult passenger must fasten their own seatbelt, and may not wrap the seatbelt around the child. Many of our customers prefer to buy a seat for their infant and use a federally approved car seat during flight. Discount fares for infant travel are available for customers wishing to purchase a separate seat for their infant. Details can be obtained when making your reservations.

In-Flight

Northwest has established in-flight services and procedures for your comfort and security during your flight. Here are a few examples:

• Northwest's Seatbelt Policy

  Federal regulations require that seatbelts be worn during takeoff and landing. During flight, Northwest requires that customers keep their seatbelts fastened whenever the seatbelt sign is on and whenever you are in your seat. Keeping your seatbelt fastened will keep you secure in the event of turbulence.

• Meal & Beverage Service

  Complimentary coffee, tea, juice and soda are served on most Northwest flights with a selection of alcoholic beverages available for purchase in the main cabin. A variety of snacks or meals are served on limited flights to the West Coast, Hawaii, and Mexico. Meals are served in the First Class cabin on flights over two hours in length that occur during normal meal times. If you would like, please feel free to bring food on-board flights that will not have meal service.

• Reading Material

  A complimentary copy of Northwest's World Traveler in-flight magazine is located in each seat pocket.

• On-Board Entertainment

  A variety of audio and video entertainment features are available on-board select Northwest flights. Selections range from popular comedy programs and classical music performances to feature films and an independent film channel. Some features are available only on select flights, please check the programming guide in the back of Northwest's World Traveler magazine for availability.

• Medical Assistance

  Northwest has a longstanding relationship with the Mayo Clinic which provides in-flight medical advice for Northwest customers via air to ground phone connections. Our flight attendants are trained in CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) and first aid procedures and in the use of Medtronic automated external defibrillators which have been installed on all Northwest aircraft.

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