Northwest Airlines?

[CaliforniaDreaming]

For those of you that fly Northwest, how are they? Never flown with Northwest before. We will be on a DC-9 30-series and a DC-9 50-series. I know they are old planes, but have they kept them up well?

Also, how is the Detroit airport to connect in? Are the NWA gates spread far apart?

Thanks.

 

[wld]

We usually fly Nwa to Orlando from Detroit. I don't know what planes I have flown on but we have never had a problem. Some have seemed older but not all tore up or anything. NWA has its own terminal at Detroit. Depends on what you mean by far apart. It can be several minutes between them but they do have people movers that I use. There is also a tram you can take.

 

[Bird-Mom]

We love NW and fly them almost exclusively (except to Orlando because Alaska has a nonstop from SEA). Detroit is a big airport, but it is easy to find your way. NW's terminals were renovated a couple of years ago and are very nice and clean.

 

[turboshelbys]

nwa is great. never had a problem flying with them and the new terminal is awesome. its set up like a strip mall with moving walkways.

 

[sgause]

We live in the Twin Cities area so we almost exclusively use Northwest Airlines. I've never had an issue before and we've switched planes in Detroit with kids (7,9). I've only flown coach. The biggest complaint I have is that the seats are so close together. I'm short (5'3") and I feel cramped by the seat in front of me.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Thanks for all the replies! One other question, I will be traveling with two senior citizens, one who will need to be in a wheelchair. Is it possible for someone to meet us on the plane with a wheelchair to take to the next plane? Do I just call NWA and let them know? Thanks!

 

[disneydiz]

The NW terminal in Detroit is one-mile long. Depending on what gate you arrive at or depart from, you might want to get help. You might want to check by phone on this before you leave. I have seen employees pushing passengers in wheelchairs, or they put them in a little golf-cart type of vehicle. The tram that runs the entire length of the NW terminal is upstairs, and you would have to use the escalator or elevator to get to it. This terminal is almost brand-new -- only about 2-3 years old. THere are quite a few shops/restaurants.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Wow, that's a long terminal! I think I might need some assistance then.

Oh, and do 21" wheeled carryon bags fit into the overhead bins on the DC-9's?

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Anyone else?

 

[Julylady]

We fly Northwest almost exclusively. Detroit is our least favorite connection city. The airport is great, but we have been delayed for snow or bad weather more times than I can count. If possible, I always try to book us through Memphis to avoid the delays.

The Detroit airport is very easy to navigate. Make sure to use the tram if your gates are far apart. It can take forever to walk from one end to the other. I have also used NWA assistance for a relative who had just had a hip replacement. An agent met us at the plane and used a wheelchair to take her to the connecting gate. I did call NWA and indicate that we would need assistance prior to our flight.

Donna

 

[hercamore]

We have to fly NW if we want to fly anywhere. NW rules the roost here in MN.

Plus, DS just moved to Lansing MI and connected 4x now this past year in DTW. A delay every time. He just flew into MN this morning and had a l hour delay DTW. He said his gate area was NOT heated, so it was really cold. This is at the end of the terminal whre the small planes are loaded.

I like the DC9. Quieter than some planes with a little more leg room. Your carry on bag should fit IF it's not over stuffed.

herc.

 

[CrazedDisFan]

The Detroit terminal is long, however we have never used the tram. There are many 'moving sidewalks' that will save you many steps in the gate areas. If you will need aid with the wheelchair, certainly phone ahead to the airline 1-800-225-2525 and notify them. NW is excellent about getting you gate help.