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Northwest Airlines Announces Changes to Luggage Policies
EAGAN, Minn. – (March 28, 2008) – Northwest Airlines (NYSE: NWA) today announced changes to its luggage policies for coach class customers traveling within North America.

For coach class travel on or after May 5, 2008, Northwest Airlines is matching several other U.S. network carriers and implementing a $25 charge for the customer’s second checked bag. The fee is applied each way. Coach class customers may continue to check one piece of luggage free of charge.

Other changes include an increase from $80 to $100 for three or more checked bags, and an increase from $25 to $50 for overweight bags greater than 50 pounds.

These policies also apply to Northwest Airlink customers flying on Mesaba, Pinnacle or Compass Airlines.

Northwest Airlines’ Silver, Gold and Platinum WorldPerks® Elite customers, SkyTeam Elite customers and passengers booked in full fare classes (Y or B) may still check two bags free of charge. Customers booked in first class can continue to check up to three bags free of charge.

Starting Saturday, March 29, customers booking online at Northwest Airlines - Airline Tickets, Plane Tickets & Airfare will be notified of the policy change on their trip summary. Customers booking through the reservations center will be notified of the change before the conclusion of the call and on their trip summary.

For more information, log on to Luggage Frequently Asked Questions.

Northwest Airlines is one of the world’s largest airlines with hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/ St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo and Amsterdam, and approximately 1,400 daily departures. Northwest is a member of SkyTeam, an airline alliance that offers customers one of the world’s most extensive global networks. Northwest and its travel partners serve more than 1,000 cities in excess of 160 countries on six continents.

[hildai]

Oh wow! We flew with NW a few years ago on our cruise. I think we had at least 7 bags with us for the four us. That would be a hefty charge now!

One bag and under the 50 lb weight limit. It's getting harder and harder to fly these days!

[Lady Lady]

At least United has the "if purchased by" in their policy. I can take 2.

[GoofyMom]

Well, I'm not surprised. Now I have to figure out how to pack for 10 days in one bag and under 50 lbs, with 11 pounds being empty suitcase.

[Tonichelle]

So much for me wanting to fly NW....

man, and they have great service... this sucks! *pouts*

[revral]

I'm flying Northwest in January/February. Guess I'll pare down my packing list a bit. I wasn't planning on bringing much in the way of extras anyway. I'm begining to wonder if the airlines aren't trying to persuade us to not fly. Between the TSA restrictions and the cutbacks airlines themselves are making pretty soon they're going to be requesting volunteers to staff flights and you'll have to provide your own drinks, food, pillows, blankets, headphones etc. Who knows maybe they'll start renting seats and unless you pay the rental fee you have squat.

[chezp]

Thanks for the update. I wonder how many more will announce this too?

[jhoshowski]

I went online and checked the policy. Since I have already purchased my tickets, we will be able to take 2 bags each on our upcoming trip (thank goodness)!!

[Colexis Mom]

I'm not surprised

[Chri5ti]

I think this is how they are all going to go in the next year or so. We are travelling to Ireland in June and have the same policy with Aer Lingus. Except they make you pay for all luggage. Only carry on's are free and you are only allowed one. We are going to attempt the backpack only. Ordered from Rick Steves.com, said he travels 4 months a year in Europe with only a bookbag. We'll see!

I could never do WDW like that though.

[disney_duke]

I'm not surprised either. I'm sure all the airlines will follow suit by the end of the year. I guess that means we all have to pack our luggage a little differently, or pay the price. I'll be packing weeks in advance now to make sure I've got everything and it will all fit. That's hard with 3 little kids!!! Thank goodness for washing machines.....

[TMWIlson7196]

What the heck??? Soon they won't allow us to have any luggage only carry ons. This is just rediculous. This angers me because sooner or later all air lines will be doing this. Can't we protest or something? There has to be something we can do as a whole. Why are they doing this? Soon it's going to be impossible to even fly anywhere. GRRRR!!!!

[carters_mom]

Thankfully I've been "Grandfathered" in since we bought our tickets already. I usually only check one piece of luggage anyway, but I'd still like to have the option of a second if needed.

[TheGoof]

Yes, we can protest. Fly one of the airlines that has not instituted the policy.

Money talks. I think it is rediculous. You can't carry on everything, because there are things you are not allowed to carry on.

So far Continental has not instituted this, and as far as I know Southwest which I am flying for our upcoming trip has not. We will see.

[disneywithoutkids]

It is really quite simple, they have not said you can not check more then one piece of luggage; they will just make you pay for the extra piece(s). When you are checking for the best priced airline, just make sure you include any extra charge for luggage when you make your comparison. The airlines are only doing this avoid doing a general fair increase based on rising fuel costs (more weight = more fuel usage). By not raising the general fairs, they are able to offer a more competitive price for anyone that can get by with only one piece of luggage.