Northwest Airlines Flight Numbers Change as it Merges with Delta

In the past year, Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines have merged rather seamlessly to form the world’s largest airline. Typically, merging airlines struggle with confused passengers, puzzling check-in issues, and streamlining speed bumps, but Delta and Northwest have learned from past merges (NWA and Republic) and phased in new changes with ease.

One change that deserves attention in coming weeks is the potential change in your NWA flight number. If you’ve already booked a flight with NWA for a trip this season, be sure to confirm your flight number before you head to the airport.

Why? As a part of the phased unification, Delta is acquiring Northwest’s flight numbers and weaving them into their own numbering system, in order to reorganize and simplify the two company’s services. Flight number changes for international flights will happen on Saturday, Oct. 24, and changes for domestic flights will occur on Sunday, Nov. 1.

Although the number is changing, neither the route nor the flight times will be affected.

Other positive changes that have been noted throughout the merge have been more comfortable seating in NWA first class, a better in-flight magazine, and improved food options. NWA members of WorldPerks have also begun switching over to Delta’s SkyMiles.

So far, the partnership has cost approximately $500 million.

© Cheapflights Ltd Andrea Mooney