Free Luggage Allowance
The free luggage allowance is the maximum number, size and weight of bags that each customer is allowed with no additional charge. We have based this allowance on many variables that influence the maximum capacity of luggage on an aircraft. These variables include size of aircraft cargo compartments, dimensions of the doors, fuel requirements, typical number of passengers on board, and government regulations. Luggage will be weighed and measured to ensure that it meets the dimensional requirements under the free luggage allowance.

As a result, Northwest has established a standard free luggage allowance that applies to all flights.

Luggage Measurement
Luggage is measured by adding length, width and height to determine the total number of linear inches/centimeters.

• Northwest will accept luggage up to a maximum of 50 pounds (23 kg) and a total linear dimension of 62 inches (158 cm) at no charge.

• Additional charges may apply for luggage weighing more than 50 pounds (23 kg) or with a total linear dimension of more than 62 inches (158 cm).

• Northwest does not accept luggage over 100 pounds or larger than 160 linear inches. Luggage that weigh more than 100 pounds (45kg) can be repacked to comply with luggage requirements.

Note: If you are flying on a codeshare partner, please check with the operating carrier for maximum acceptance rules as they may vary.

Luggage Allowance

• Domestic Travel (within the U.S./Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean)

  • Coach Class: Each ticketed passenger is allowed two (2) pieces of checked luggage.

    1. Both pieces: 50 pounds (23 kg) with linear dimensions not to exceed 62 inches (158 cm).

  • First Class: Each ticketed passenger is allowed three (3) checked pieces.

    1. First two (2) pieces: 70 pounds (32 kg) with linear dimensions not to exceed 62 inches (158 cm).

    2. Third piece: 40 pounds (18 kg) with linear dimensions not to exceed 45 inches (115 cm).

• International Travel - between North America and Africa / Asia / Europe / India / Middle East)

  • Coach Class: Each ticketed passenger is allowed two (2) pieces of checked luggage. 

    • Both pieces: 50 pounds (23 kg) with linear dimensions not to exceed 62 inches (158 cm).
      * Exceptions for travel wholly between U.S./Canada and the Philippines, checked pieces may weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kg) each.

• World Business Class: Each ticketed passenger is allowed three (3) pieces of checked luggage.  

  1. First two (2) pieces: 70 pounds (32 kg) with linear dimensions not to exceed 62 inches (158 cm).

  2. Third piece: 40 pounds (18 kg) with with linear dimensions not to exceed 45 inches (115 cm).

• International Travel - outside United States / Canada
  For travel with an origin and destination outside the U.S./Canada (i.e. within Asia or within Europe), the weight concept applies. The weight concept allows a maximum weight for baggage, per person, that can be checked free of charge. The free weight applies to the total weight of all bags checked by an individual.

   

For travel wholly within or between Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the maximum checked luggage weight limitation is:

• Coach Class: 44 pounds (20 kg)

• World Business Class: 66 pounds (30 kg)

• Infants not occupying a passenger seat: 22 pounds (10 kg)

Items that weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kg) must be shipped as cargo using a known shipper/freight forwarder, or repacked to comply with luggage requirements.

Additional Free Allowance Items
The following items will be accepted in addition to the free luggage allowance:

• Child car seats

• One container of fruit (maximum weight 10 lbs.) for travel from Hawaii or Florida

• Assistive devices

For information on charges for checking luggage that exceeds the free allowance, please contact Northwest Reservations.