What methods of transport does Northwest Airlines provide for my pet?

• Travel in the passenger cabin.
• Checked as baggage in pressurized and temperature controlled area of your aircraft.
• Shipped as cargo in pressurized and temperature controlled area.

Does my pet qualify for travel in the passenger cabin?

Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel in the passenger cabin:

• Only domesticated dogs, cats and birds are allowed.
• Animals must be at least 8 weeks old.
• Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel, under the seat for the entire flight.
• You are not flying in World Business Class on an Airbus A330.
• Only domesticated pets are allowed (snakes, lizards and other reptiles, in addition to rats, mice, ferrets, and weasels, are not allowed to travel as carry-on).
• The kennel is specifically made for animal carriage and does not exceed 17in x 12in x 8in in its dimensions or weigh more than 25 lb/6.8 kg (including animal).
• You are not traveling to Hawaii, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Oman, Singapore, South Africa or the United Kingdom.
• Your pet has all necessary health documents required by your destination (see below for more information).

Does my pet qualify for travel as checked baggage?

Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel as checked baggage:

• Only domesticated dogs and cats are allowed on international flights.
• Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel for the entire flight.
• The kennel meets all requirements (see below for more information).
• Your pet has all necessary health documents required by your destination (see below for more information).
• You are not traveling to the United Kingdom.

Does my pet qualify to be shipped as cargo?

If your pet does not meet the requirements for travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, or you would like your animal to travel unaccompanied, contact Northwest Airlines Cargo at 1-800-NWCARGO (1-800-692-2746) for more information.

What are the fees associated with pet transport?

• Fee for animal in the passenger cabin: $80 one way (fees to international destinations may be higher)
• Fee for animal checked as baggage: $139-$359 one way depending on kennel size and weight (fees to international destinations may be higher)
• Fee for animal shipped as cargo: Contact Northwest Cargo for fee information.

What are the kennel requirements?

In addition to the size and weight maximums, the USDA and Northwest Airlines require that kennels meet the following requirements:

• Be leak-proof and escape-proof.
• Be properly ventilated, but not allow any part of the animal from protruding outside of the container.
• Provide enough room for the animal to stand and turn around.
• Be made of metal, wood, or a hard plastic/composite.
• Contain absorbent material or litter.
• Have functional handles on the kennel's exterior to prevent tilting and any direct contact with the animals.
• Be closed securely, but not locked.
• Have labels with the words "Live Animal" in letters at least 1-inch tall on the crate's top and on at least one side.
• Have upright arrow labels indicating kennel's correct position.

What health documentation is required?

While Northwest Airlines does not require a health certificate for an animal traveling in the passenger cabin or checked as baggage, some States and Countries do require health documents. As it is the passenger's responsibility to be aware of all regulations, you should consult your veterinarian and the Department of Agriculture to ensure that your animal will comply with all requirements.

For animals traveling via cargo, Northwest Airlines does require a health certificate, issued from a licensed veterinarian, within 10 days of the day of departure from the originating city is required. If the certificate will expire before the animal's return trip, a new health certificate will have to be issued.

Are there any other restrictions?

Northwest Airlines can refuse to transport an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports.

Due to temperature considerations, Northwest Airlines does not allow animals to travel as checked baggage between June 1 and September 15 or to/from specific locations throughout the year.

Stricter regulations for short-nosed dogs and cats will apply.

Please contact the airline directly for information about traveling with a service animal.