Any recent flights on Northwest?

[TZMOM]

Hi everybody - OK not going to WDW this time (sniff), but planning a trip to Badlands area from PHL.

The only airfare that is the most reasonable to Rapid City is by Northwest. We'll be able to deal with the small economy seats, but how has everyone's experience been w/timeliness? Of course, we'll need connections (connecting in Minneapolis/St. Paul) so just wondering how "on-time" the airline tends to be. The planes for these particular flights seem kinda old (DC-9), but if they're safe, no worries.

Just what you guys think about this airline. It seems to be hit or miss on the airline equality website. Thanks for any opinions!!

 

[ReneeA]

We just had a great experience with them last week.

Both flights to and from Orlando left 5-10 minutes early and were very good. We managed to book direct flights so we didn't have to worry about connections this year.

It was pretty nice to arrive in Orlando at 9am!

 

[hercamore]

We usually fly NW because they rule here in MN.

MSP is a great airport to travel thru. I just flew NW 5x in the last 3 weeks. All planes on time or even leaving earlier.

herc.

 

[DebbieB]

I flew on NW DC-9's about 3 weeks ago. My flight PIT/MSP was first delayed 30 minutes for crew rest (which means the plane was late getting in the night before), we taxied out and then came back, air conditioner problem. We sat for an hour on the plane while they fixed it and then left. Ended up almost 2 hours late. My return flight had a connection in Detroit. My flight MSP/DTW was delayed because of an emergency brake problem. So they moved me to another flight going to DTW so that I could still make my connection to PIT. That worked fine except my luggage did not move to the new flight. They traced my luggage in PIT baggage claim and it was on the next flight coming from DTW. So I waited 2 hours in the airport. I had a problem last year where a DC-9 flight was delayed almost 3 hours because of a mechanical problem (they ended up switching planes). I was pretty ticked, all of these problems were the result of old DC-9's.

I had to fly back the next week, this time they were both non-stops on CRJ's (50 seat regional jet). Both flights were on-time.

I have to go back the first week of October, with all their labor problems and problems with the DC-9's, I decided to go with USAir and connect in PHL. It's actually backtracking but they are new planes (Embraer 170) and I can take advantage of my silver status on USAir. We'll see how it works out.

 

[wld]

DD flew to Nashville a couple of weeks ago. Flight down delayed 40 minutes and they were transfered to another plane d/t mechanical problems. Flight back on time with no problems.
We seem to fly NWA at least once a year and are almost always on time.

 

[antmaril]

I flew roundtrip from Detroit to Las Vegas on NW last week. Both our outbound and return flights were on time - no delays. Uneventful travel and the flight attendants were quite pleasant.

 

[Wilsonfamily4]

I flew Northwest a few weeks ago and one of teh flights even took off early from Japan. I didn't know tehy could do that!! We were all happy about that. All other flights ran RIGHT on time.

 

[Hannathy]

You won't want to hear from me but I just had an awful time on Northwest. I was almost 8 hrs late arriving in Orlando. Our first leg was 40 minutes late leaving no reason given, at minneapolis we were delayed because the incoming flight was late, then it couldn't land because of rain. then it landed at another gate and had to bring it to our gate then they said it was delayed for weather, then 40 minutes later they said it wasn't weather but they didn't have a crew but they were flying one in from soiux city it would only be another 20 minutes then they said oh now they can't take off because it is raining there, then they can't land. Then they landed and we have pilots but no attendants it went on and on they would never say it would be 2 hrs they kept saying 20 minutes don't leave the gate. We didn't leave Minneapolis until 5 hrs after WE should have been in Orlando. It was almost 2 AM when we landed. They did not do anything for people in Minneapolis, didn't bring in coffee or give vouchers. I can understand the weather, which delayed flight about 1 hr, but not having crew is inexcusable! They only admitted it when we pointed out every other airline, including NWA was taking off so they could stop saying it was because of the rain. They offered no assistance and were very hostile when people asked anything. People were sitting on the floor since there were not enough seats, everyone was hungry cause you couldn't leave the gate and get anything because they would say we can't promise we won't leave.... Worst airline experience I have had in a long time.

 

[kimmikayb]

You won't want to hear from me but I just had an awful time on Northwest. I was almost 8 hrs late arriving in Orlando. Our first leg was 40 minutes late leaving no reason given, at minneapolis we were delayed because the incoming flight was late, then it couldn't land because of rain. then it landed at another gate and had to bring it to our gate then they said it was delayed for weather, then 40 minutes later they said it wasn't weather but they didn't have a crew but they were flying one in from soiux city it would only be another 20 minutes then they said oh now they can't take off because it is raining there, then they can't land. Then they landed and we have pilots but no attendants it went on and on they would never say it would be 2 hrs they kept saying 20 minutes don't leave the gate. We didn't leave Minneapolis until 5 hrs after WE should have been in Orlando. It was almost 2 AM when we landed. They did not do anything for people in Minneapolis, didn't bring in coffee or give vouchers. I can understand the weather, which delayed flight about 1 hr, but not having crew is inexcusable! They only admitted it when we pointed out every other airline, including NWA was taking off so they could stop saying it was because of the rain. They offered no assistance and were very hostile when people asked anything. People were sitting on the floor since there were not enough seats, everyone was hungry cause you couldn't leave the gate and get anything because they would say we can't promise we won't leave.... Worst airline experience I have had in a long time.

Oh goodness. We leave out of Moline, IL in two weeks on Northwest. I do hope everything turns out ok. Our flight is so early in the morning we were hoping to get in a day at MK and have ADRs for CRT that evening!!

 

[anabelle]

I fly NW a lot out of Detroit. I have to say everytime that I have been delayed on NW it has been due to weather. We did receive FF miles in return for our trouble.

 

[CarolA]

My thoery is that ANY of them can have a bad day... there is no real way to predict the future.

The BIGGEST issue on NW IMHO is their union relations. I haven't been keeping up, but at last check the FAs were trying to win the right to stike. If that is not resolved and the FAs strike, I personally don't think NW will be flying 48 hours later....

 

[jima53]

My thoery is that ANY of them can have a bad day... there is no real way to predict the future.

The BIGGEST issue on NW IMHO is their union relations. I haven't been keeping up, but at last check the FAs were trying to win the right to stike. If that is not resolved and the FAs strike, I personally don't think NW will be flying 48 hours later....

I've read a lot about NW and their unions the past year or so. Guess the FA's would rather not have a lesser paid job than any job at all. Someday the airlines are going to have to realize that the market drives the business, not the other way around

Jim

 

[TZMOM]

Thanks for all your replies. I appreciate the opinions!! Hope everyone has a safe, fun time in WDW!!

 

[Kimmielee]

I flew from Detroit to Seattle, via Minneapolis layover just last week.

The arrival flights were ok on Wednesday. The return flights had a bit of a hiccup in that the first flight was 25 minutes late causing me to do an OJ Simpson through the Minneapolis Airport to get from one gate to another.

That is a very LARGE airport to chance a 1 hour layover... that in my case turned into 35 minutes! I literally was the last person to board my connecting flight.

I will say, however, I was impressed that my luggage made it too!

 

[delilah]

We flew NWA about a month ago, non-stop from Indianapolis. Our flights were very routine, left on time, and arrived early, actually. From our standpoint, a very positive experience. However, at the Orlando airport, the flights to Detroit were a very different matter. The gate area for our flight was packed when we arrived, as in no seats available. At first, we were perplexed, because we arrived at least an our before our flight. We came to discover that a flight to Detroit was delayed. Not only was the flight delayed, but a second flight to Detroit came and left before the first flight arrived, while we sat there waiting. I am sure glad I didn't take a flight with a connection in Detroit! The worst part of it is, we were on one of the last flights of the day. I know those poor people were probably stranded in Detroit. So, if they ever stop offering a non-stop from Indianapolis, NWA is history for me.

 

[DeterminedOne]

We flew NWA about a month ago, non-stop from Indianapolis. Our flights were very routine, left on time, and arrived early, actually. From our standpoint, a very positive experience. However, at the Orlando airport, the flights to Detroit were a very different matter. The gate area for our flight was packed when we arrived, as in no seats available. At first, we were perplexed, because we arrived at least an our before our flight. We came to discover that a flight to Detroit was delayed. Not only was the flight delayed, but a second flight to Detroit came and left before the first flight arrived, while we sat there waiting. I am sure glad I didn't take a flight with a connection in Detroit! The worst part of it is, we were on one of the last flights of the day. I know those poor people were probably stranded in Detroit. So, if they ever stop offering a non-stop from Indianapolis, NWA is history for me.

We're flying the non stop NW flight from IND for the first time in a few weeks. Glad to know your experience was a good one.

 

[anabelle]

My thoery is that ANY of them can have a bad day... there is no real way to predict the future.

The BIGGEST issue on NW IMHO is their union relations. I haven't been keeping up, but at last check the FAs were trying to win the right to stike. If that is not resolved and the FAs strike, I personally don't think NW will be flying 48 hours later....

I heard they called back all the laid off FA's. It is probably a move to appease the union.

 

[mom_rules]

Just joining to keep up on the "news". Flying NW in 2 weeks with a stopover in DTW then to SFO.
Keep posting!

 

[scoutsmom99]

We just got back and flew NWA R/T from MSP to MCO on 9/2 returning on 9/9 and both times we left on time and got in early.

 

[kimmikayb]

My thoery is that ANY of them can have a bad day... there is no real way to predict the future.

The BIGGEST issue on NW IMHO is their union relations. I haven't been keeping up, but at last check the FAs were trying to win the right to stike. If that is not resolved and the FAs strike, I personally don't think NW will be flying 48 hours later....

Bear with me, I do not fly very often. IF this would happen....what would be my options? I'm just out the money and tickets?

Crossing my fingers....