Northwest Airlines today announced changes designed to make its highly successful Internet check-in even better and more convenient for customers.
Northwest is extending the time window that customers can check-in for a round trip flight via www.nwa.com from 24 to 30 hours prior to a scheduled departure. NWA.com has also expanded its customer support to feature an online link where customers can ask questions of a Northwest Airlines service representative during the online check-in process. Since May 2000, Northwest has checked-in a record 2 million customers through its website.
Northwest also has increased the number of locations where it offers security checkpoint express lines to 30 airports nationwide. Previously, the airline offered the service in 19 locations. Northwest’s express lines, which feed into airport security checkpoints, are available to customers traveling in First Class or World Business Class, or to customers who have achieved either Platinum Elite or Gold Elite status in the airline’s WorldPerks frequent flier program.
“The changes announced today will add more convenience to the check-in process for our customers,” said Al Lenza, Northwest Airlines’ vice president of distribution and e-commerce. “With more than 2 million passengers using NWA.com to obtain their boarding passes, it is clear that passengers greatly value our commitment to providing technology that makes the travel process more efficient and customer friendly.”
Northwest Adds On-Line Service Representatives
Northwest is the first major network carrier to provide Internet check-in along with on-line links to a customer service representative. NWA.com check-in is available to all customers flying on electronic tickets within the United States and from the United States to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. It allows travelers to print their own boarding pass from their computer printer, as well as change flights and select seat assignments.
To check-in and secure a boarding pass customers may visit www.nwa.com/checkin. Check-in is available to customers with outbound travel within 24 hours and round trip check-in is available for flights returning within 30 hours. Customers with questions during the check-in process can get immediate assistance through an on-line service representative.
The advantage of the Northwest express lines is two-fold. It lessens the waiting time for elite customers, and it also helps the standard check-in line move faster as well. Qualifying First or World Business Class customers simply need to show their boarding pass or a receipt or printed itinerary with a ticket number or a paper ticket indicating a premium booking class. WorldPerks Platinum Elite or Gold Elite members need to either show their boarding pass or a combination of their Platinum Elite or Gold Elite card and an e-ticket receipt with a ticket number, an itinerary including a ticket number or a paper ticket.

Platinum Elite or Gold Elite status in the WorldPerks program is awarded based on the number of miles traveled in a calendar year. To achieve Platinum Elite status, members must travel 75,000 miles in a calendar year, and travel 50,000 to reach Gold Elite status.
orthwest Airlines is the world`s fourth largest airline with hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo and Amsterdam and more than 1,700 daily departures. With its travel partners, Northwest serves nearly 750 cities in almost 120 countries on six continents.
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