The following information was found on Northwest Airlines' website. Please verify any specifics with the airline directly before making reservations involving your pet(s).

Northwest Airlines offers several shipping options for transporting pets. The Priority Pet Program provides a safe and comfortable trip for pets on Northwest. Pets may be shipped as checked luggage, cargo or using the airline's V.I.P. (Very Important Package) same day package service. Depending on space availability, Northwest also allows small dogs, cats and birds to travel in cabin, provided the pet fits comforably in a kennel placed under the seat. Pet travel restrictions may also apply in certain states or countries. Charging for shipping pets differ depending on the service chosen. Please contact Northwest's reservation department to add a pet to a reservation.

Northwest claims to be a recognized industry leader in the safe, efficient transport of pets and other live animals. Whether a pet is traveling with a passenger or alone or being shipped by a commercial shipper needing safe, efficient transport, Northwest offers several options to best serve their needs.

Carry-on Pets
Northwest welcomes small domesticated dogs, cats and birds in cabin on all flights within the US (except Hawaii). Small dogs and cats are also permitted in cabin on flights between the US and many international destinations.

Pricing
Travel within the US and between the US, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, one-way per airline fee is $80 USD ($123 CAD) will apply to each kennel transported in cabin.

Travel Documents
Northwest Airlines does not require a health certificate for carry-on pets; however, it is the responsibility of the owner/passenger to comply with all local, state and national entry requirmeents which may apply. Many states and foreign countries require pets be accomapnied by a health certificate. Additional requirements may also apply. NOTE: When traveling internationally, failure to comply with all requirements may result in pet being refused entry, place in quarantine or returned to origin at owner/passenger expense. For the most up-to-date information, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate General office for each country on itinerary at least 4 weeks prior to departure.

Kennel Requirements

For the pet's safety and comfort, it must fit comfortably inside the carry-on kennel, which must be large enough to allow the pet to move about. No part of the pet may extend outside the kennel. This includes long-tailed birds.

Two small pets of the same species may share a kennel if they are between 3 and 6 months old, comparable in size and do not weigh over 15 lbs total, including kennel, or if they are adult mother and offspring under 4 months old.

Maximum kennel size permitted in cabin is 17"L x 12"W x 8"H. Combined weight of pet(s) and kennel may not exceed 15 lbs.

Pets in excess of these limits cannot fly in cabin, but may fly as luggage or cargo.

Carry-on kennels must be leakproof and ventilated on 2 or more sides. Hard-sided Cabin KennelŽ and soft-sided SherpaŽ pet kennels meet these requirements.

Limitation and Restrictions: To ensure a comfortable environment for all our passengers, the following limitation and restrictions will be enforced:

Accomodation: Pet must always remain in its carry-on under seat for the duration of the flight. Northwest limits each flight to 6 carry-on kennels: 2 in First or WorldBusiness Class and 4 in Economy. On Northwest Airlink flights operated by Mesaba and Pinnacle Airlines, there is a 4 carry-on kennel limit, 2 in First Class and 2 in Economy.

Pets: Carry-on pets are limited to small dogs, cats, and household bird (birds allowed only within the 48 contiguous US and Alaska). All other pets including ferrets and reptiles must travel as cargo.

Aircraft: Carry-on pets are not permitted in WorldBusiness Class on Northwest A330 aircraft due to lack of sufficient under seat storage space. This does not apply to WorldBusiness Class on 747 or DC10 aircraft or Economy Class of any aircraft.

Class of Service: Pet and passenger must travel together on the same flight in the same class of service.

Age of Pets: Pets less than 8 wks old are not permitted.

Local Authority: Due to local government or handling restrictions, Northwest does not permit carry-on pets to several destinations including Hawaii, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Oman, Singapore, South Africa or the United Kingdom. Depending upon the final destination, pet may accompany passenger and travel with luggage or as cargo.

U.K. Exceptions: United Kingdom (U.K.) regulations do not eprmit carry-on pets or pets traveling with passenger luggage. All animals, INCLUDING SERVICE ANIMALS, must be transported using cargo service.

Save time at airport: Pay carry-on pet fee over the telephone before you travel. Contact Northwest reservations for more information.

Avoid unncessary fees: Northwest Airlines reserves the right assess an additional $20 gate processing fee for carry-on pets not disclosed prior to boarding. To avoid this fee, inform Northwest of teh carry-on pet request when making reservations or at the ticket counter at least 1 hour prior to departure for domestic flights or 2 hours for international flights.

This information was paraphrased from Northwest Airlines information on their website and that obtained by telephone discussions with their reservations agents. It is provided for the use of our visitors in determining the applicability of flying their pet. Anyone making such arrangements should verify and satisfy for themselves that the information is current and accurate before proceeding. No guarantee is given or implied by Vacation Guides USA as to the accuracy of statements made by the airline.