Northwest Airlines

Northwest Airlines was a U.S. full-service legacy carrier that focused on domestic services plus long-haul transpacific and transatlantic routes; it operated as a traditional network airline offering multiple cabin classes and interline/codeshare connections. The airline was a member of the SkyTeam alliance prior to being merged into Delta Air Lines, and the Northwest brand no longer operates as an independent carrier.

For practical purposes today, Northwest does not sell flights; passengers with legacy Northwest bookings, tickets or frequent‑flyer balances should work through Delta Air Lines, which absorbed Northwest’s operations and customer accounts during the merger and integration process.

WorldPerks  Northwest's Frequent Flyer Program

Northwest’s frequent flyer program was called WorldPerks; it allowed members to earn miles for flown segments and partner flights and to redeem those miles for award travel and upgrades. The WorldPerks program and accounts were folded into Delta’s systems during the merger, so any remaining questions about historic balances or tier status are handled through Delta Air Lines and its SkyMiles program rather than an active WorldPerks program.

Where Northwest Flew

Northwest was a full-service legacy carrier that operated a mix of domestic U.S. flights and long-haul international services, notably transpacific routes to Asia and transatlantic services to Europe. Its principal operating bases included Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP), Narita (NRT) and Amsterdam (AMS), which anchored its North American, Asian and European networks respectively. Before the merger into Delta, Northwest expanded its reach through SkyTeam membership and codeshares with other carriers in that alliance.

Hubs

• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol · AMS
• Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field · MSP
• Narita International Airport · NRT

Aircraft and Cabin Classes

Historically Northwest operated a mixed fleet that included older piston and turboprop types in earlier decades and then a combination of narrowbody jets for domestic/regional routes and widebody jets for long-haul international services. Long-range equipment in its later years included four‑engine widebodies for transoceanic flights while short- and medium-haul routes used twin-aisle and single-aisle jets appropriate to those sectors. Cabins followed a legacy-carrier pattern with First (or equivalent premium) on long-haul aircraft, Business for international and transcontinental travelers, and Economy for standard coach travel; seat type and amenities varied by aircraft and route, with premium seats on long-haul aircraft offering substantially more recline and comfort than economy.

Aircraft types operated: Northwest Airlines fleet, Douglas DC-3, Douglas DC-4, Douglas DC-6, Douglas DC-7, Douglas DC-8, Douglas DC-9-10, McDonnell Douglas DC-10, Martin 2-0-2, Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation, Lockheed L-188 Electra, Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, Boeing 707, Boeing 720B, Boeing 727-100, Boeing 727-200, Boeing 747-100, Boeing 747-200, Curtiss C-46 Commando

Tips for Flying Northwest Airlines

• Northwest no longer operates as an independent airline - do not try to book new travel under the NW code; use Delta Air Lines for legacy itineraries and customer service.
• If you hold an old Northwest ticket, voucher, or Frequent Flyer balance, contact Delta Air Lines with your ticket number or account details to resolve value or transfer questions.
• Records of Northwest flights and accounts were integrated into Delta’s systems after the merger, so check Delta SkyMiles (or Delta customer service) for migrated mileage balances and award activity.
• If you see ‘NW’ on historical itineraries or email archives, verify current operating carrier and reservations through a live booking platform or the airline shown on your e-ticket rather than assuming service is still provided by Northwest.