Northwest
A former major U.S. network airline known for its extensive transpacific operations and hubs in Minneapolis–St. Paul, Detroit and Memphis before merging with Delta Air Lines.
About Northwest
Northwest Airlines was founded in 1926 as Northwest Airways and initially carried mail between Minneapolis and Chicago. Renamed Northwest Airlines in 1934, it developed into one of the United States’ largest scheduled carriers. Delta Air Lines acquired Northwest in 2008, and the Northwest operating certificate and brand were retired in 2010 after the two airlines completed their integration.
Minneapolis–St. Paul was Northwest’s principal hub, supported by major connecting operations at Detroit and Memphis. Its network covered cities throughout the United States, while a longstanding transpacific franchise linked North America with Japan, China, South Korea and Southeast Asia. Tokyo Narita served as an important Asian connecting hub, and Amsterdam anchored much of its European network through cooperation with KLM.
Near the end of its independent operations, Northwest flew a varied fleet that included Airbus A319, A320 and A330 aircraft, Boeing 747s and 757s, and McDonnell Douglas DC-9s. Regional affiliates operated smaller jets and turboprops under the Northwest Airlink name. Long-haul aircraft generally offered economy and World Business Class, while domestic services typically had first class and economy cabins.
Northwest joined SkyTeam in 2004, bringing its network into the global alliance alongside partners such as Delta, KLM, Air France and Korean Air. Its frequent-flyer programme was WorldPerks, through which members earned and redeemed miles across Northwest and participating partners. WorldPerks was discontinued in 2009 when member accounts were transferred into Delta’s SkyMiles programme as part of the merger.
Northwest’s strongest distinguishing feature was its mature transpacific network, developed over decades and supported by traffic rights through Tokyo. It also offered extensive domestic connections through three central U.S. hubs. However, the airline no longer operates, so references to its routes, cabins, baggage rules and service standards are historical; present-day travellers should consult Delta for services that succeeded portions of the former network.
Good to know
Flying with Northwest — what to expect
Airline No Longer Operates
Northwest ceased operating under its own name in 2010 following its merger with Delta. Any current listing using the Northwest brand should be checked carefully before booking.
WorldPerks Was Retired
Northwest’s WorldPerks programme ended during the merger, with participating accounts transferred to Delta SkyMiles. Historical WorldPerks information does not represent a current loyalty programme.
Check Delta Policies
Northwest’s former baggage, check-in and seating rules are no longer applicable. Travellers on successor services should follow the operating carrier’s current policies, often those published by Delta.
Strong Pacific Legacy
Northwest was particularly important on routes between North America and Asia, with Tokyo Narita functioning as a connecting hub. Many schedules and partnerships have changed substantially since the merger.
Historical Flight Listings
Old Northwest flight numbers may appear in archived itineraries, mileage records or timetable databases. They should not be interpreted as currently bookable services.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Northwest
Notable destinations on Northwest's network.
0EMinneapolisdirect0EDetroitdirect0EMemphisdirect0ETokyodirect0EAmsterdamdirect0ESeouldirect0EBeijingdirect0EShanghaidirect0EHong Kongdirect0EManiladirect0ELondondirect0EParisdirectDestination list is indicative of Northwest's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
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FAQ
Northwest — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Northwest has no current destinations because it is no longer an operating airline. The size of its historical network varied by season and year, so archived totals should be tied to a specific timetable period.
- Northwest no longer flies because its operations were absorbed into Delta by 2010. Historically, it served a broad U.S. network alongside major destinations in Europe and Asia, including Amsterdam, Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Manila.
- Northwest’s principal hub was Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport. It also maintained major hubs at Detroit and Memphis, plus important international connecting operations at Tokyo Narita and Amsterdam.
- Northwest tickets are no longer sold because the airline ceased operating under its own brand. For comparable Delta routes, compare flexible dates and avoid peak holiday periods when possible, as fares vary with demand and booking conditions.
- Northwest’s former carry-on rules are no longer valid. For an itinerary related to its successor network, check the current size, weight and item limits published by Delta or the airline actually operating the flight.
- Detroit–Hong Kong was among Northwest’s longest nonstop services near the end of its operations. The exact longest route depended on the timetable period because the airline changed its long-haul network over time.
- Historically, the busiest departure points in Northwest’s network included Minneapolis–St. Paul, Detroit and Memphis. Tokyo Narita and Amsterdam were also major international connecting airports.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Because Northwest no longer operates, searches will return available flights from current airlines rather than Northwest-branded services.