Carry-On Pet Policy:

Northwest Airlines accepts small domesticated dogs, cats and birds in the passenger cabin on all flights within the U.S. (except to Hawaii) and on flights to many international destinations. Some birds are also permitted on domestic flights. Northwest does not permit carry-on pets to destinations in Hawaii, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Oman, Singapore, South Africa and the United Kingdom. The maximum combined weight of your pet(s) and carrier is 15 pounds in order to travel in the cabin. For travel within the U.S., and between the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, a one-way fee of $100 will apply for each pet transported in the passenger cabin. International pet fees will vary depending upon the origin and final destination. 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 Northwest's 747 aircraft or Economy Class on any of its aircraft. Many states and foreign countries require that pets be accompanied by a health certificate. However, Northwest Airlines does not require a health certificate for carry-on pets. Nevertheless, it is the passenger's responsibility to ensure that proper documentation is available in the event that it is requested. To avoid gate processing fees, passengers traveling with carry-on pets must inform agents at the Northwest ticketing counter at least one hour prior to departure for domestic flights and two hours prior to departure for international flights that they are traveling with a pet in the cabin.

Checked Bagage/Cargo Policy:

Dogs, cats, household birds, and other pets like rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs may travel with your baggage on all U.S. domestic flights and on flights between the U.S. and Canada. On international flights, pets traveling with baggage are limited to dogs and cats only. The charge for pets traveling with baggage on domestic flights is $275 (each way). Between the U.S. and Europe, the fee is $230 (each way). International fees vary based on weight/kennel size. Check with Northwest Airlines directly to determine the exact fee for your pet. Northwest Airlines observes a summer embargo period between June and September of each year, during which time pet travel in cargo may be restricted due to extreme temperatures that are unsafe for your pets. If you are traveling during these months with pets too large to carry onboard in the cabin, it is recommended that you carefully review Northwest's website regarding its embargo policy.

Carrier Guidelines:

For the safety and comfort of your pet, please make sure your pet can fit comfortably inside its pet carrierl. The carrier must be large enough to allow your pet to move about. No part of your pet may extend outside of the carrier. For pets traveling in the passenger cabin, pet carriers must be leak proof and be ventilated on two or more sides. The maximum carrier size permitted in cabin is 17" long x 12" wide x 8" high. For pets traveling with checked baggage, pet carriers must adhere to the requirements mandated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, visit Northwest Airline's website.

Pet Reservations:

Northwest Airlines limits each flight to six pets in the cabin - two in First or WorldBusiness Class and four in economy. On Northwest Airlink flights operated by Mesaba and Pinnacle Airlines, there is a limit of four pets per flight - two in First Class and two in economy. Therefore, it is important to reserve a ticket for yourself and your pet as soon as possible after your travel plans have been confirmed. Pets less than eight (8) weeks old are not permitted. Two pets of the same species may share a carrier if they are between three and six months old and of comparable size not weighing over 15 pounds total, including the carrier. Like all airlines, you can call Northwest to book a flight for you and your pet. However, unlike the other major airlines, Northwest allows you to reserve a spot for Fido in the cabin when you make your reservation online. Just go to www.nwa.com, make your reservation, and then click on "Manage My Reservations" to add a carry-on pet. You will then be able to pay for your pet fee online, rather than having to do so at the ticketing counter at the airport.